One of the hallmarks of the NERGC conference is Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These are informal meetings with a discussion topic and an expert in the field to help answer questions. They are also a good way to link up with people who share your research interests. SIGs are scheduled for Friday, April 19, from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. They provide a unique opportunity to ask questions and share ideas in a format not available anywhere else.
Topics and leaders for this year’s SIGs include:
| Group | Hosted By | Description |
Connecticut Research |
Harlan Jessup & Nora Galvin |
Looking for Connecticut ancestors? What records can be found, and where will you find them? We'll discuss the standard sources and some which are more obscure. Come with your questions. |
Becoming a Professional Genealogist |
Elissa Scalise Powell |
You love the thrill of the research hunt and think it would be heaven to be paid too. Learn what you need to consider before and during your transition to becoming a professional. |
Irish-American Research |
Michael Brophy |
Can't find the place of origin for your Irish ancestor? Come join Michael Brophy as he leads a discussion group with other Irish-American researchers. We will discuss sources and strategies for finding your elusive Irish ancestors across the Atlantic. We will also discuss the ever-growing world of Irish research over the internet and the best sources to use for doing Irish research here at home. |
French-Canadian Research |
Patty Locke | Come discuss French Canadian genealogy. We will discuss available resources and go over some tips to help you find your ancestors. We will also discuss French Canadian culture and history. Enjoy some French Canadian music during our informal discussion period. |
Italian Research |
Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk | Do you have Italian ancestors? Italian genealogical research has exploded in the last 15 years. The resources available to today's family historian will amaze you. Bring along your research, problem ancestors, and questions about Italian records and hopefully we will be able to give you new avenues and sources to further your family tree in Italy and the US. |
DNA Research |
Jennifer Zinck | Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA as it relates to family history. DNA is one of the most powerful tools available to modern genealogists. Join us for a discussion about available tests, testing companies, and how personal genomics can help you advance your family history when your paper trail runs out. |
Genealogy Blogging |
Heather Wilkinson Rojo | What is a genealogy blog? Do you read genealogy blogs? Do you write your own blog? Have you ever thought of starting your own? Come meet some bloggers and learn all about blogging! |
Research at the National Archives |
Jean Nudd | Did Great Uncle Isaac become a citizen in Illinois and you don't know where to find that record? Have you been unsuccessfully looking for Aunt Hilda's marriage to Uncle Herman for years? How long ago did you take Civics? For many researchers, the different levels of government, what records each is responsible for, and how to gain access to the records we need for our research can be a challenge. Join us for a discussion of where to find what, from local records such as church and vitals (birth, marriage and death), to the Federal government records we all know and love such as census and immigration. |
Scotch-Irish Research |
Colin Brooks | Want to know more about your Scotch-Irish roots? If so, then come to this session that covers Scotch-Irish research from the founding of Londonderry, NH in 1719 to the present day. Talk about your Scottish family living in Ireland. Learn about the pioneers of New England in the 1700's and their impact on modern America. Ask about your "disappearing" emigrant with the Irish or Scottish name. |
Jewish Genealogy |
Meredith Hoffman | Come join us to talk about strategies and hints for researching your Jewish ancestors. Depending on your interests, we might look at how to find the records of your immigrant ancestors, both here and in the "old country"; how to find people if they've changed their names; how to find the villages that your ancestors came from; and how to locate families lost or scattered by the Holocaust. Bring your questions and research problems and we'll look at both online and local resources that could help you in your search. |
Record Access Denied? Know Your Rights! |
Mary Ellen Grogan, Sharon Sergeant, Polly Kimmitt, Thomas MacEntee, Barbara Mathews | Have you been denied access to records you have a right to see? Make sure it doesn't happen again by being prepared and knowing the law. We'll work through some scenarios with role playing so you'll be in a better position to stand your ground! |
Practical Research in Poland |
Aleksandra Kacprzak | Do you want to find your relatives and the only possible next step is to continue your research in Poland? Would you like to visit the places where your ancestors lived? We will discuss the practical aspects of genealogical research in Poland. We will talk about the ways to find documents, speak to priests and find your living relatives. |
Scandinavian Research |
Sharon Christenson | Connect with other genealogists doing research in Scandinavia. This is an ideal way to network with others who share your interest. This special interest group would offer something for genealogists at any level. |
Contact Leslie Huber at lahuber@hotmail.com if you would like to host or suggest a group.
