A Special Thank You From SCGS Jamboree

The Jamboree Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Genetic Genealogy, and Jamboree 2021 Virtual conferences. 

Thank you, Attendees! 
You are what makes the conference both exceptional and memorable. Without you, there wouldn't be a Jamboree. Whether you viewed us from near or far through the wonders of technology, Thank You!

Thank you, Speakers! 
For generously sharing your knowledge, research experiences and tips, your time, and your sense of humor. You continuously lead by example and inspire genealogists of all experience levels to learn more, expand our vision of what family history research is and should be, all the while reminding us to be open to all possibilities in life and in research. Speakers, Thank You!

Thank you, Exhibitors!
For showcasing the products and services that make research so rewarding, for preserving records and making them accessible online, and for the books that we just can't give up even in the digital age. For the societies that give us opportunities to learn, share and meet others who share our passion for family history. Exhibitors, Thank You!

Thank you, Sponsors!
For your generous support of Jamboree. We are very grateful for the support of all of our sponsors. Jamboree extends special thanks to Ancestry, our main sponsor, and to MyHeritage, for sponsoring Closed Captioning. 

Finally, and most importantly, thank you to all the Jamboree Volunteers!
It takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time to produce Jamboree each year. Some volunteers work year-round to plan the events, and others work an hour or two before or at the conference. Every hour magically contributes to making Jamboree special for everyone. 

Sincerely,
The SCGS Board of Directors 
& the 2021 Jamboree Committee

Southern California Genealogical Society 

www.genealogyjamboree.com 

#SCGS2021@scgsgenealogy, #SCGSJamboree, 

#SCGSJamboree2021

A Special Thank You from SCGS Jamboree

The Jamboree Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Genetic Genealogy, and Jamboree 2019 conferences. You made our 50th Birthday Bash very special.

Thank you, Attendees! 
You are what makes the conference both exceptional and memorable. Without you, there wouldn't be a Jamboree. Whether you came from near or far, were with us in person or via the wonders of technology, Thank You!

Thank you, Speakers! 
For generously sharing your knowledge, research experiences and tips, your time and your sense of humor. You continuously lead by example and inspire genealogists of all experience levels to learn more, expand our vision of what family history research is and should be, all the while reminding us to be open to all possibilities in life and in research. Speakers, Thank You!

Thank you, Exhibitors!
For showcasing the products and services that make research so rewarding, for preserving records and making them accessible online, and for the books that we just can't give up even in the digital age. For the societies that give us opportunities to learn, share and meet others who share our passion for family history. Exhibitors, Thank You!

Thank you, Sponsors!
For your generous support of Jamboree. We are very grateful for the support of all of our sponsors. Jamboree extends special thanks to Ancestry, who generously sponsored the cost of the live streaming that has been shared by viewers around the world, and to FamilyTree DNA, who sponsored the Jamboree App. 

Finally, and most importantly, Thank you to all the Jamboree Volunteers!
It takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time to produce Jamboree each year. Some volunteers work year-round to plan the events, and others work an hour or two before or at the conference. Every hour magically contributes to making Jamboree special for everyone. 

Sincerely,
The SCGS Board of Directors 
& the 2019 Jamboree Committee

Southern California Genealogical Society
50th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree
www.genealogyjamboree.com
#SCGSJamboree2019, #SCGSJamboreeBirthdayBash,
@scgsgenealogy, #SCGS2019, #SCGSJamboree50

Thank You From Jamboree 2018

The Jamboree Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to Family History Writers Conference, the Genetic Genealogy, and Jamboree 2018 conferences.

Thank you, Attendees! 
You are what makes the conference both exceptional and memorable. Without you, there wouldn't be a Jamboree. Whether you came from near or far, were with us in person or via the wonders of technology, Thank You!

Thank you, Speakers! 
For generously sharing your knowledge, research experiences and tips, your time and your sense of humor. You continuously lead by example and inspire genealogists of all experience levels to learn more, expand our vision of what family history research is and should be, all the while reminding us to be open to all possibilities in life and in research. Speakers, Thank You!

Thank you, Exhibitors!
For showcasing the products and services that make research so rewarding, for preserving records and making them accessible online, and for the books that we just can't give up even in the digital age. For the societies that give us opportunities to learn, share and meet others who share our passion for family history. Exhibitors, Thank You!

Thank you, Sponsors!
For their generous support of Jamboree. We are very grateful for the support of all of our sponsors: Ancestry, MyHeritage, Family Tree Maker, Living DNA, FamilyTree DNA, FamilySearch, Photos, Movies and More, 23andMe, Family Tree Magazine, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, Family ChartMasters, Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems, Your Genealogy Today & Internet Genealogy Magazines (Moorshead Magazines). To all sponsors, Thank You!

Jamboree extends special thanks to Ancestry, who shared the cost of the live streaming that has been viewed around the world and Living DNA generously sponsored the Jamboree App. 

Finally, and most importantly, Thank you to all the Jamboree Volunteers!
It takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time to produce Jamboree each year. Some volunteers work year-round to plan the events, coordinate with speakers, line up the exhibitors and sponsors, coordinate contracts, create graphic art masterpieces, update the Jamboree website, produce the syllabus, and so much more. Others work an hour or two before or at the conference. Every hour magically contributes to making Jamboree special for everyone. 


Sincerely,
The SCGS Board of Directors & the 2018 Jamboree Committee

Southern California Genealogical Society

49th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

www.genealogyjamboree.com

Socialmedia@scgsgenealogy.com

#Jamboree2018, #SCGS2018@scgsgenealogy

Thank You From Jamboree 2017

The Jamboree Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to both the Genetic Genealogy and Jamboree 2017 conferences.

Thank you, Attendees! 
You are what makes the conference both exceptional and memorable. Without you, there wouldn't be a Jamboree. Whether you came from near or far, were with us in person or via the wonders of technology, Thank You!

Thank you, Speakers! 
For generously sharing your knowledge, research experiences and tips, your time and your sense of humor. You continuously lead by example and inspire genealogists of all experience levels to learn more, expand our vision of what family history research is and should be, all the while reminding us to be open to all possibilities in life and in research. Speakers, Thank You!

Thank you, Exhibitors!
For showcasing the products and services that make research so rewarding, for preserving records and making them accessible online, and for the books that we just can't give up even in the digital age. For the societies that give us opportunities to learn, share and meet others who share our passion for family history. Exhibitors, Thank You!

Thank you, Sponsors!
For their generous support of Jamboree. We are very grateful for the support of all of our sponsors: Living DNA; MyHeritage; Family ChartMasters; FamilySearch International; Family Tree DNA; Family Tree Magazine; Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems; National Institute of Genealogical Studies; Photos, Movies and More; RootsMagic; Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, and Your Genealogy Today & Internet Genealogy Magazines (Moorshead Magazines). To all sponsors, Thank You!

Jamboree extends special thanks to both Diamond Sponsor Ancestry, who sponsored the cost of the live streaming that has been shared by viewers around the world, and Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev, who generously sponsored the Jamboree App. 

Finally, and most importantly, Thank you to all the Jamboree Volunteers!
It takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time to produce Jamboree each year. Some volunteers work year-round to plan the events, coordinate with speakers, line up the exhibitors and sponsors, coordinate contracts, create graphic art masterpieces, update the Jamboree website, produce the syllabus, and so much more. Others work an hour or two before or at the conference. Every hour magically contributes to making Jamboree special for everyone. 

Sincerely,
The SCGS Board of Directors & the 2017 Jamboree Committee


Southern California Genealogical Society
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504
www.scgsgenealogy.com
www.genealogyjamboree.com

Jamboree 2016 - So Many to Thank for a Great Conference!

The Jamboree Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to both the Genetic Genealogy and Jamboree 2016 conferences.


Attendees, those at the Marriott and those viewing the live streaming. You are what makes the conference both exceptional and memorable. Without you, there wouldn't be a Jamboree. Whether you came from near or far, were with us in person or via the wonders of technology, Thank You!

Speakers, for generously sharing your knowledge, research experiences, sense of humor, and time. Speakers, Thank You! 

Exhibitors, for showcasing the products and services that make research so rewarding, for preserving records and making them accessible online, and for the books that we just can't give up even in the digital age. For the societies that give us opportunities to learn, share and meet others who share our passion for family history. Exhibitors, Thank You!

Sponsors for their generous support of Jamboree. We are very grateful for the support of all of our sponsors: FamilySearch International, Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev, Moorshead Magazine, Family Tree Magazine, FamilyTree DNA, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, Legacy Books, Legacy Tree Genealogists, RootsMagic, Crystal Inn Hotel and Suites, and Family ChartMasters. Special thank-yous go to our Diamond Sponsor, Ancestry, who underwrote the cost of the live streaming that has been shared by over 2600 viewers around the world, and emerald sponsor MyHeritage who generously sponsored the Jamboree App. Sponsors, Thank You!

Marriott staff who welcomed Jamboree for the 11th year in a row, and worked diligently to ensure that the needs of conference attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and staff were met, Thank You!

Finally, Thank you, Jamboree Volunteers. It takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time to produce Jamboree each year. Some volunteers work year-round to plan the events, work with the speakers, line up the exhibitors and sponsors, coordinate with the Marriott, and send out the many, many blog posts, emails, and announcements to let everyone know about Jamboree. Some work an hour or two to distribute and collect speaker evaluations. Whether the contribution is 1 hour or 1000, every hour of volunteer time helps to make Jamboree the wonderful event it is. VOLUNTEERS, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
The 2016 Jamboree Commitee

SCGS and Jamboree Honor Peggy Schulz

Financial Secretary Peggy Schulz was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication and outstanding service to both SCGS and Jamboree at the Jamboree banquet Saturday night, June 3, 2016.

A life member of SCGS and member since 1983, Peggy has served as a Board Officer for 13 years, is a volunteer librarian, works as the SCGS mail order fulfillment and website payment processor, and has been a key part of the registration team for Jamboree for many years. Her keen eye for detail and ability to problem-solve have benefited both Jamboree and the Society immeasurably.  If you've ever processed a payment online, had a question about an order, or begged to be added to a workshop waitlist, you've come into contact with her. Ever the professional, Peggy has always kept an eye out for everyone's best interests and has been instrumental in the many successes of SCGS and Jamboree.

A woman of many talents Peggy has also been instrumental in compiling and producing several publications ranging from cemetery and death record indices to family history books.

It would take a novel to outline everything Peggy does for SCGS. Please join us in thanking her for her many contributions to the society and to genealogy.

Jamboree 2015 - There Aren't Enough Thank-Yous in the World...

There aren't enough languages in the world to thank everyone for another wonderful Jamboree. But, let's give it a shot, shall we?

First, the attendees -- at the Marriott and at home, viewing the live streaming. Without you, we wouldn't have a Jamboree. There would be no one to laugh with, and share ideas with, and teach, and learn from. The rooms would be empty, the food line would be short, there would be no waiting in the ladies room, and there would be way too many empty spots in the parking lot. Whether you came from Southern California, Northern California, from the Mountain, Central, Eastern or some other time zone, whether you were with us in person or via the wonders of technology, ATTENDEES, THANK YOU!

Thank you speakers. For sharing your knowledge, your wit, your experiences, your wins and losses, so we can follow your path or avoid it, whichever the case may be. SPEAKERS, THANK YOU!

Thank you exhibitors. For creating the products, and preserving the records and making them available to us online, for the books that we'll never give up, no matter how many gadgets we have. For the societies that give us opportunities to socialize, to learn, to share and meet others who share our passion for family history. EXHIBITORS, THANK YOU!

Thank you sponsors.  We are very grateful for the support of all of our sponsors: FamilySearch, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, American Ancestors by NEHGS, Ancestor Seekers, Crystal Inn Hotel and Suites, Family ChartMasters, Family Tree Magazine, Moorshead Magazine, National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and RootsMagic. A very special thank-you goes to our Diamond Sponsor, Ancestry, who underwrote the cost of the mobile app and the live streaming that was shared by over 2200 viewers around the world. They also provided free document and photo scanning and donated a number of door prizes. SPONSORS, THANK YOU!!

Thank you, Marriott staff.  The Marriott has been our venue for 10 years now, and coming to the conference is a bit like coming home. When you get "welcome home" hugs from everyone from bellmen to senior management, you know you've selected the right site for your annual event.  MARRIOTT, THANK YOU!

Finally, Thank you volunteers.  As you know, it takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer time to produce Jamboree each year. Some of the volunteers work year-round to plan the events, work with the speakers, line up the exhibitors, coordinate with the Marriott, and send out bajillions of emails and announcements to let everyone know about Jamboree. Some work an hour or two to distribute and collect speaker evaluations. Whether the contribution is 1 hour or 1000, every hour of volunteer time helps to make Jamboree the wonderful event it is.

VOLUNTEERS, THANK YOU!

Jamboree Committee

Row 1
Alice Fairhurst, Raffle
Dorothy des Lauriers, Book Nook and Roommates
Louise Calaway, Registrar
Dave Burde, Co-Chair, Admin.

Row 2
Vicki Hilb, Co-Chair Emeritus - Program
Jean Wilcox Hibben, Research Assistance
Lise Harding, Volunteers, Social Media, Mailings
Suzy Goulet, Tours, French-Canadian

Row 3
Lynne Parmenter, Printing, Hotel Manager
Leo Myers, Co-Chair Emeritus - Exhibits
Jay Holladay - Tech Zone
Paula Hinkel - Publicity, Co-Chair Emeritus - Consultant

Row 4
Jean Taeuffer - Photos, Documentation
Peggy Schulz - Registration
Judi Ramsey - Co-Chair, Program
Priscilla Pruitt - Co-Chair, Exhibits

Row 5
Stanley Viltz, Publicity
Diane Adamson, App and Surveys
Sheila Benedict, Genealogy World
Catherine Luijt, SCGS Table

Missing:
Carma-Lu Thompson, Freebie Table
Maryann Stubblefield, Syllabus Editor

Jamboree - A Personal Observation

Dear Volunteers, Speakers, Exhibitors, Attendees, and Team 14 and Team 15 Committee members:

No. Wait.
Let me rephrase that.

Dear Friends,

Even with its 600,000 words, there are not enough words Oxford English Dictionary to express the deep gratitude and joy that I feel after this past weekend's Jamboree.

It's taken me a couple of days to distill my thoughts (okay it took a couple of days to just wake up) and I wanted to thank everyone involved in making this year's Jamboree such an incredible success. I know now why Oscar winners take their lists of thank-yous to the podium, because I failed to thank many of the most important people. Thank you all for helping to create environment that was filled with teaching and learning, sharing, networking and celebrating not only our ancestors but also the deep friendships that have developed between and among Jamboree participants.

I can't list everyone here because I think there is a limit on the length of a Blogger post. But here are some key thank-yous in no particular order.

1. Louise Calaway, Peggy Schultz and Lynne Parmenter, who processed all of the registrations. It is a huge effort to manage the registrations, added orders, cancellations, changes, and keep track of everyone. They form the front line of Jamboree and are in the "heat of battle" from January through June. Louise's hard work is one of the foundations of success. She doesn't get enough recognition and she deserves it, and so much more.

2. Dave Burde, who was elected to SCGS president in January. He has fully embraced the mission of Jamboree and has been a kind and wise sounding board.

3. Vicki Hilb. This crazy woman from Arizona came to Jamboree a few years ago and try as we may, Leo and I just couldn't get rid of her . At first, she helped deliver fliers throughout her state. Then two years ago, she stepped up as Program Chair; and I developed a new definition of "absolutely invaluable." She is many things to me -- my bossy, my confidante, my sister, my friend. I cherish her, her snarky sense of humor, and all that she has done for me and for Jamboree.

4. George, Drew, Jana, Cyndi, the other Paula, Lisa, Thomas, Judy, Jean, Janet, Tom, Gena, Denise, Lisa Louise, Blaine, Bruce, John, Craig, Geoff, Michael, Randy, Megan, Curt, David, Dick, - Oh I am going to get myself in such trouble here. All of the speakers are so integral to the success of our event, and over the years, the best speakers in the genealogical community have made the effort to come to California. I thank every one of you for your contribution to Jamboree and enriching the value of education available at Jamboree.

5. The members of the Jamboree Committee and the members of the SCGS Board of Directors. There is a lot of overlap between the two groups, which shows the depth of participation of SCGS leadership in our annual event.

6. The sponsors, who support Jamboree in so many ways: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, NEHGS,  findmypast.com, RootsMagic, Family Tree DNA, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, Ancestor Seekers, Creative Continuum, Family Chartmasters, NGS, FGS, Crystal Inn Salt Lake Hotel, National Institute for Genealogical Studies

7. The staff at the Marriott, who have been partners with Jamboree and SCGS. The renovated convention center turned out beautiful and it was fun to be the first event held in the fresh, new venue. Oh, and the Dove bars.

8. My husband Pieter (the guy in the kilt), who has put up with way more than any man should ever have to. I'm not sure how he does it, but I am so grateful that he does.

9. The exhibitors, who bring their knowledge and products and experience to help guide the attendees. They add to the value of our event, they create programs and systems and books and products that help new family historians on their way to their own pasts.

10. Without volunteers, we would not have a Jamboree. We would not have a genealogical society. We would not be able to have webinars, or printed material, or a 40+ plus resource library, or a website, or interest groups or any other aspect of the Southern California Genealogical Society.  Jane Van Tour and Lise Harding, prior years' and 2014's volunteer chairs, did phenomenal jobs of recruiting and organizing the volunteers. Wow.

Want to hear about the first time I cried? (I swore I wouldn't but yeah like that's not going to happen.)  An attendee came to the information table and thanked me (us) for all of the hard work on Jamboree, and then he went a step further. He said, "think about all of the lives you have changed, all of the people who have learned at Jamboree, how many have benefited from Jamboree." Gulp.

And the second (and third and fourth) times I cried? They happened in the Pavilion during the Dress Like the '60s contest. We had 40-50 people on the stage, all smiling and happy in a blaze of tie-dye. It looked just like how I envisioned it. That was Cry #2.  Then someone started singing "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," spontaneously, in a variety of keys. That was Cry #3. When we ran out of easily-recalled words, we switched to "If You're Going to San Francisco, Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair." #4. It fulfilled a dream for me. I'll never forget that feeling.

Everyone who participated in Jamboree - you all share that. You all have touched lives, changed the lives of hundreds -- thousands -- of people over the years.

Finally, Leo. Leo Myers, who was the man of honor when Pieter and I got married. Who has been the very best work collaborator throughout my career. We've said for years that we share a brain. How close do we think? We finish each others' sentences. We think things at the exact same time. We write emails at the same time with the same ideas -- and hit "send" on those emails at the same time. Ours is a perfect collaboration - together we have a complete skill set, with attention to detail and creativity. Leo, thank you for being my other other half.

To everyone, thank you for your friendship, your guidance and your CRAZY HARD WORK. Even more than that, thank you for your commitment to our goals of:

1. producing the very best genealogical event we possibly can, 
2. bringing together family historians of all ages and all experience levels and all backgrounds, 
3. providing opportunities to interact, and 
4. encouraging them to learn and 
5. having a good time doing it.

Best of luck to Team 15 -- Barbara Randall, Judi Ramsey, Priscilla Pruitt, and Lise Harding -- as they carry on the tradition begun 45 years ago and tended so well by Jan Jennings.

Paula Hinkel

Jamboree - Jamboree Committee Caricature

Isn't this just wonderful? Leo had this done for us and presented everyone with a copy.

The creator of this artwork is Bill Crowley, who does family tree caricatures. You know, instead of the photos that we all display so traditionally, Bill does caricatures from photos. What a great idea for a reunion or other family gathering! Send the photos to him and he'll put something together like this for you. He did a *really* good job and pegged the Jamboree Committee members pretty darned well.

Here is a link to Bill's website. Mention that you saw the committee caricature.