Mondays' Meet The Speakers – Jamboree 2018

Kitty Munson Cooper

Open Sky Web Design

Kitty Munson Cooper is well-known blogger on genetics and genealogy. Her blog, which gets several thousand hits a day, includes numerous basic pictorial tutorials about using your DNA results and several DNA mapping tools.


Presentations:

• DNA Segment Triangulation
• Using DNA and GWorks for Solving Unknown Parentage Cases

Lisa Alzo, MFA

Lisa A. Alzo, MFA, is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Eastern European genealogical research and creative nonfiction writing.

Presentations:

• Show, Don’t Tell: Creative Nonfiction Writing for Genealogists
• Jumping Over Hurdles in Eastern European Research
• Cause of Death: Dissecting Coroner’s Records for Genealogical Research

Elizabeth M. O'Neal

Elizabeth O’Neal is a genealogist, writer, educator, and web developer who is passionate about helping others share their family stories. An avid genealogist for three decades, Elizabeth authors the blog "My Descendant’s Ancestors" where she shares family stories, technology and methodology tips, and hosts the monthly Genealogy Blog Party. When not hunting for ancestors, Elizabeth enjoys testing new software and social media platforms to find innovative ways to repurpose them for genealogy.

Presentations:

• Get Started Blogging Your Family History

Nicka Sewell-Smith

Who is Nicka Smith

Nicka Smith is a professional photographer, speaker, and documentarian with more than 19 years of experience as a genealogist.

Presentations:

• No Stone Unturned
• Full Circle: Tracing the Descendants of a Slaveholding Ancestor
• King Atlas: The Man, the Legend

Southern California Genealogical Society

49th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

www.genealogyjamboree.com

jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com

#SCGS2018 @scgsgenealogy.com

Jamboree 2017: Utah Genealogist Receives Youth Award

FROM:  Suzanne Winsor Freeman Grant Committee,
Denise May Levenick, Chair

swfgrant@gmail.com | www.theFamilyCurator.com

Utah Genealogist Receives Youth Award

The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Memorial Genealogy Grant Committee is pleased to announce that Mindy Jacox, a young genealogist from Kaysville, Utah is the 2017 recipient of the Freeman Memorial Student Genealogy Grant and Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree Scholarship.

Mindy will be introduced and presented with the award at the Saturday evening conference banquet. She receives $500 from the Freeman Memorial Grant program and 3-day registration to the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in Burbank, California from SCGS. This is the seventh year that the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program and SCGS have partnered to offer a student genealogy award.

“We are delighted to recognize young genealogists with the grant program and encourage their future in family history,” noted Denise Levenick, Grant Chair. “The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Memorial Genealogy Grant is presented in recognition of a young genealogist who is outstanding not only in her own genealogical endeavors, but also as a teacher and trainer for family historians at every skill level.

Suzanne Winsor Freeman
Genealogy Grant recipient
Mindy Jacox

Mindy Jacox is a recent graduate of the Family History program at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with an emphasis in Germanic research and computer science. She is currently employed as a Data Analyst at FamilySearch in Salt Lake City and is Co-Director for the BYU myFamilyHistory Youth Camp.

“I love that my job combines family history research with advancing technology,” Mindy says.  “It's amazing to see how technology is accelerating family history research and I enjoy supporting these automated systems with training data.”

Mindy’s job with the myFamilyHistory Youth Camp gives her the opportunity to share her knowledge with a new generation of family historians. “There is nothing better than watching the excitement as they discover that family history research is fun and exciting!” she adds.

Mindy plans to use the $500 cash grant funds toward learning more about DNA research, attending the Jamboree DNA Day and purchasing DNA kits to put her knowledge to use.

About the Grant Program: The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Genealogy Grant Program was established in 2011 to help young family historians pursue their genealogy research and educational goals. In recognition of Suzanne Freeman’s enthusiasm for the nationally recognized Jamboree, the award is directed toward a student attending the SCGS Jamboree. Suzanne Winsor Freeman was the mother of genealogy blogger Denise Levenick, www.theFamilyCurator.com. For information about donating to the grant fund, please see SWF Grant.

About SCGS: The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree has partnered with the grant program each year to offer complimentary conference registration to the award recipient. The annual Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree is an innovative leader in genealogy conferences offering webinars, live-streamed sessions, student registration rates, beginner education, and the DNA Day.

SCGS Open House - An Invitation

You are cordially invited to the SCGS Open House on Saturday, July 9th. 

Meet the officers, members of the Board of Directors, and the many volunteers of the society. Learn about the many projects and interest groups designed to help you with your family history research, and take a tour of the Research Library. Light refreshments will be served and door prizes will be won. The library will be open for research for Open House guests after 2:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you!

Southern California Genealogical Society

417 Irving Drive

Burbank, CA 91504

Cross Street Glenoaks

www.scgsgenealogy.com

Jamboree 2016 - Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tour

We have had such interest and so many questions about this, we thought we'd repost this for everyone.

Don't forget - Early Bird discounts end THIS SATURDAY.  

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As if there isn't enough fun and excitement with all things Jamboree, this year the stars aligned properly and we were able to put together a special treat - one you've been asking for - A CEMETERY TOUR!

And because we are in Burbank, California, home to film several film studios and stars, what could possibly be better than combining a little sightseeing with something we genealogists absolutely love to do?
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!


Guest Post by Suzy Goulet, Jamboree Tour Director

Jamboree 2016 Tour of Hollywood Forever Cemetery

On Thursday, June 2, 2016, the tour will leave from in front of the Conference Center at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel.

The tour this year will be to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a U.S. National Register Historical Place. 

Our guide will be Karie Bible. Her passion for history and Hollywood’s past led her to start a cemetery tour in 2002. Karie brings the place “alive” with her narrative and wears vintage era dress to take us on a journey through the history of the cemetery and its famous inhabitances. 

The cemetery, the first in Hollywood, was founded in 1899 and continues as an active cemetery today. It has been used in films, songs, and music videos. Many culturally significant people, as well celebrities, actors, directors, writers, and musicians, are buried there among the common folks.

The bus will leave the Conference Center at 8:30 AM Thursday, June 2, and return around noon. Remember to wear walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat as the tour is outdoors.

To learn more about Hollywood Forever, visit the website.

To register for the tour:
SCGS Members
SCGS Non-members

Includes transportation and admission.

Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

www.genealogyjamboree.com

Jamboree 2016: Thursday Excursion - Hollywood Forever Cemetery

As if there isn't enough fun and excitement with all things Jamboree, this year the stars aligned properly and we were able to put together a special treat - one you've been asking for - A CEMETERY TOUR!

And because we are in Burbank, California, home to film several film studios and stars, what could possibly be better than combining a little sightseeing with something we genealogists absolutely love to do?
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!


Guest Post by Suzy Goulet, Jamboree Tour Director

Jamboree 2016 Tour of Hollywood Forever Cemetery

On Thursday, June 2, 2016, the tour will leave from in front of the Conference Center at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel.

The tour this year will be to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a U.S. National Register Historical Place. 

Our guide will be Karie Bible. Her passion for history and Hollywood’s past led her to start a cemetery tour in 2002. Karie brings the place “alive” with her narrative and wears vintage era dress to take us on a journey through the history of the cemetery and its famous inhabitances. 

The cemetery, the first in Hollywood, was founded in 1899 and continues as an active cemetery today. It has been used in films, songs and music videos. Many culturally significant people, as well as celebrities, actors, directors, writers and musicians, are buried there among the common folks.

The bus will leave the Conference Center at 8:30 AM Thursday, June 2, and return around noon. Remember to wear walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat as the tour is outdoors.

To learn more about Hollywood Forever, visit the website.

To register for the tour:
SCGS Members Early bird (ends April 23): $40
SCGS Nonmembers Early bird (ends April 23): $45

Includes transportation and admission.

Jamboree 2015 Excursion Thursday 4 June - San Fernando Mission

Guest blog post by Suzy Goulet

This year Jamboree has a special Thursday excursion lined up - a tour of the Mission San Fernando, Rey de España, which houses both the Archival Center for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Bob Hope Memorial Garden. The tour will leave from the parking lot in front of the Convention Center at 8:30 am and return around 1:00 pm.

The San Fernando Mission was founded on September 8, 1797 and was the seventeenth of twenty-one Spanish missions established in Alta California by the Franciscans along the El Camino Real. The mission was secularized in 1834, then returned to the Catholic Church in 1861. Today the mission and grounds function as a museum and include the Mission Church, an exact replica of the original church built between 1804 and 1806.

The Archival Center, located at the San Fernando Mission, serves as a repository for books, documents, photos, and records pertaining to the history of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, dating back to 1840 and its predecessor jurisdictions in California. Opened in 1980, the Archival Center is the official record repository for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the California Catholic Conference, functions as a resource center for questions dealing with the foundation and development of the Catholic Church in Western America, and houses and makes available to researchers the Estelle Doheny collection of Western Americana.

Adjacent to the mission chapel and overlooking the nearby San Fernando Mission cemetery, the Bob Hope Memorial garden is the inspirational final resting place of the legendary entertainer, several Hope family members, and close associates.

A docent will accompany us through all three locations on the tour. Information will be provided on how to access archival records held there at that time.

To learn more about The Archival Center at San Fernando Mission, visit the website.

To register for the tour:
SCGS Members Early bird (ends April 30): $40
SCGS Nonmembers Early bird (ends April 30): $45

Includes transportation and admission.

Genealogy Jamboree - Special Event Meals

The Jamboree Committee proudly announces the special event meals that will be held during this year's Genetic Genealogy: DNA Day Plus! and Genealogy Jamboree.

The Jamboree breakfasts and banquets and the DNA luncheon require special registration and an additional fee. Menus will be posted online. Please let us know if you need a vegetarian meal.

If you have already registered for Jamboree, you can add meals to your order at any time through the online shopping cart or by filling out the registration form. Here is a link to purchase meals online through the shopping cart. 


Early-bird registration closes on 30 April, 2015. Discounts are also available for SCGS members.

Genetic Genealogy: DNA Day Plus! - June 4, 2015 
Thursday Luncheon - 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Chris Schauble, KTLA Morning News Anchor and Adoptee.
"Family Found!” An adopted multi-ethnic TV newsman delves into his DNA and discovers his biological family.

Friday Banquet - 7:30 p.m.
Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
“How Genealogy Hasn't Changed in the Past Fifty Years” - A lighthearted look back at personal research since the 1960s and its lessons for today. Tom Jones is an award-winning genealogical author, editor, educator, and researcher who is board certified. He focuses on genealogical methods and solutions to challenging research problems. Jamboree attendees are indeed fortunate to hear one of the world’s leading genealogists and an exceptional speaker.

Saturday Breakfast - 7:00 a.m.
Suzanne Winsor Freeman Memorial Student Genealogy Grant
Sheila Benedict - “California Historic Missions.” 
There are twenty-one historic California Missions. Their records are invaluable to assist locating pioneer, Spanish, and Mexican surnames and the records archived in these Missions. Sheila is the part-time archivist at Old Mission Santa Inés and is self-employed as a forensic and family genealogist.

Saturday Banquet - 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Michael D. Lacopo - “Hoosier Daddy - LIVE!”
Michael Lacopo, a veterinarian turned professional genealogist, keeps the online community begging for each new installment of his blog, “Hoosier Daddy,” which relates the compelling story of the search for his past. His engaging storytelling skill and infuriating cliffhangers have moved his blog to the top of the “must read” list. Before you hear the story first hand from Michael, do yourself a favor. Read his blog in advance and be sure to start with the first post http://roots4u.blogspot.com/2014/02/in-beginning.html.

Sunday Breakfast - 7:00 a.m.
Alice Kane - “Start Your Day Fresh with Essential Research Skills”
Whether a newbie or advanced researcher, a review of the basics may spark a new idea or recall an open to-do item. Wake your body with breakfast and your mind with research techniques. Alice Kane, a Chinese American native Bostonian, assists NEHGS researchers in using available resources and in learning research strategies to find elusive ancestors. Sponsored by American Ancestors at New England Historic Genealogical Society.

[CA-SCGS] Announcing the 2015 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

The Southern California Genealogical Society proudly announces the 46th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.  The popular conference will be held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA, from Friday through Sunday, June 5 to 7, 2015.  Registration is now open for both in-person and mail-in registration here.  Simply print out the form and either drop off or mail in your completed registration to SCGS.  Online registration will be available soon on the Jamboree website, and we will let you know once that is possible.  The Marriott's website is ready to take your reservation now.

Jamboree combines over 64 national, regional and local speakers, a wonderful array of exhibitors, over 120 sessions and workshops for a variety of experience levels, and special events to create an exceptional event.   Evening banquets and social hours will round out the fun and excitement and provide a welcome chance to get to know fellow genealogy and family history enthusiasts.  

The theme of the 2015 Jamboree is Genealogy FANfare: working together.  We welcome attendees who are fans of genealogy, amateur or professional.  Jamboree 2015 celebrates the use of friends, associates, and neighbors (FANs) of our elusive ancestors in order to aid in our research.  Our heritage focus will be on African American, Jewish, Eastern European and Russian research.  In addition to these, sessions on other geographic regions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe will be included.  We will let you know as soon as the schedule is available on the website.

Following on the heels of the past two years' successful events, we will again hold Genetic Genealogy: DNA Day Plus! on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank.  The conference is co-sponsored by SCGS and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).  Genetic Genealogy: DNA Day Plus! offers participants the opportunity to hear from many of the leaders in the genetic genealogical community.  In addition, intensive workshops on general topics of interest are offered to attendees who have interests other than genetic genealogy (separate fee required).

Early Bird registration ends April 30, 2015.  Special pricing for 2015 offers a discount to those who register for both Jamboree and Genetic Genealogy: DNA Day Plus! as well as discounts for SCGS members for each event.

To get all the news about Jamboree delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to the Jamboree Blog. We will let you know when major updates are made to the website. 

Genetic Genealogy: DNA Day Plus!

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

Genealogy FANfare: working together

Friday through Sunday, June 5 through 7, 2015

www.genealogyjamboree.com

genealogyjamboree.blogspot.com

#SCGS2015

[CA-SCGS] SCGS Annual Meeting and Jamboree Reveal

Do you want to be one of the first to learn who will be at Jamboree in 2015!

Want to win a full three-day registration for Jamboree in June?

Join us Saturday, December 13th at the Annual Meeting of the Southern California Genealogical Society where the Jamboree Committee will reveal all of the exciting plans for next year's event - the speakers, the activities, the workshops and most of all, the fun!

The meeting will be held at the Southern California Genealogical Society Family Research Library located at 417 Irving Drive, Burbank, CA 91504-2408 (Cross Street Glenoaks).

For more information regarding the Annual Meeting & Luncheon, please go to the SCGS website.

Jamboree - Q&A for Thursday - What's Fer Lunch, Ma?

The last day to purchase a meal ticket is Saturday, so we wanted to entice you with menus for all the meals and party.  Click on the link to order a ticket if you don't already have one.

Thursday, June 5 - 12:30pm
Family History and DNA Conference luncheon 
"Peering into the Future of Genetic Genealogy" Panel discussion
VIP Bread Basket
Wedge Salad
Baby iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, bacon crumbles, blue cheese and creamy blue cheese dressing
Roast chicken breast with roast corn salsa cilantro lime rice, and grilled zucchini
Three chocolate mousse cup
Coffee, decaf, hot tea, iced tea

Vegetarian selection - Stuffed Yellow Tomatoes
Yellow tomatoes stuffed with grilled wild mushroom and
Parmesan cheese on savory polenta

Friday, June 6 - 7:30pm
John P. Colletta Friday banquet
"The Keepers of the Records and I: Tales of Accessing Historical Sources"
Baby Mixed Greens with dried cherries, Gorgonzola cheese, spiced pecans and raspberry vinaigrette
Warm rolls and butter
Prime Rib of Beef with garlic-horseradish crust
Served with rosemary jus
Red skinned mashed potatoes
Honey glazed carrots
Chocolate Grand Marnier cake
Regular and decaf coffee and teas
Cash bar

Vegetarian selection -
Vegetable Lasagna with spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini
Topped with Béchamel sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese

Saturday, June 7 - 7:00am
FamilySearch Breakfast with Michael Provard
"Tips and Tricks for Using Family Search"
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice and Cranberry Juice
Sliced seasonal fruits
Assortment of pastries and breads, butter and fruit preserves
Scrambled Eggs
Sausage and Smoked Bacon
Breakfast potatoes
Regular and decaf coffee and teas

Saturday, June 7 - 7:00pm
Katherine York Saturday Banquet
"San Francisco:  In Search of Gold and Rainbows"
Boston Bibb lettuce wedge, tomato, Blue cheese and bacon crumbles, chives and Roquefort vinaigrette
Warm Rolls and butter
Chicken breast roulade - lightly breaded chicken breast with spinach, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, feta and fontina cheeses with mushroom sauce
Parmesan mashed potatoes
Braised seasonal vegetables
White chocolate cheesecake round
Regular and decaf coffee and teas
Cash bar

Vegetarian selection – 10
Grilled Vegetable Napoleon - mozzarella, tomato pesto, herbs and tomato coulis with crispy filo crust

Saturday, June 7 - 9:00pm - 11:00pm
New Year's Eve Party "Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New"

Dessert Extravaganza - dessert pastries, cakes, pies, mousses, tarts and gourmet cookies
Regular and decaf coffee and teas
Cash bar

Sunday, June 8 - 7:00am
NEHGS Breakfast - "Tales of an NEHGS Genealogist" with Rhonda McClure
Scholarship Breakfast with findmypast.com - Gena Philibert-Ortega "Of Elephants, Gold and Dashed Dreams: Researching the California Gold Rush"
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice and Cranberry Juice
Sliced seasonal fruits
Pastries and breads, butter and fruit preserves
Scrambled eggs
Sausage and smoked bacon
Breakfast potatoes
Regular and decaf coffee and teas

Jamboree: Utah Genetics Student Awarded Genealogy Grant

Utah Genetics Student Awarded Genealogy Grant

Grant Winner Paul Woodbury visiting the Vatican Secret Archives, Summer 2013.

The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Memorial Student Genealogy Grant Committee is pleased to announce that Paul Woodbury, a Brigham Young University senior from Provo, Utah will receive $500 from the Freeman Memorial Grant program and 3-day registration to the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in Burbank, California from SCGS.

Paul Woodbury will attend the SCGS Jamboree June 6-8, 2014 and use the grant funds toward genealogy research and education. This is the fourth year that the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program and SCGS have partnered to offer a student genealogy award.

“We are delighted to recognize young genealogists with the grant program and encourage their future in family history,” notes Denise Levenick, Grant Chair. “It is exciting to see “The Next Generation of Genealogists” is already here!”

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program to support this outstanding future genealogist,” said Paula Hinkel, Jamboree co-chair and SCGS vice president. “Paul will be recognized at the Jamboree Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, June 8.” Tickets to the Scholarship Breakfast are still available here.

Paul is an active member of the Utah Genealogical Society, the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, and the NextGen Genealogy Network. He works and teaches classes at the BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy and is especially interested in the role of genetic genealogy to locate obscure ancestors and solve identity challenges of adoptees and abandoned children.

About the Grant Program: The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program was established in 2011 to help young family historians pursue their genealogy research and educational goals. In recognition of Suzanne Freeman’s enthusiasm for the nationally recognized Jamboree, the award is directed toward a student attending the SCGS Jamboree. Suzanne Winsor Freeman was the mother of genealogy blogger Denise Levenick, www.theFamilyCurator.com. For information about donating to the grant fund, please see SWF Grant.

About SCGS: The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree has partnered with the grant program each year to offer complimentary conference registration to the award recipient. The annual Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree is an innovative leader in genealogy conferences offering webinars, live-streamed sessions, student registration rates, youth and beginner education, and a special one-day Family History and DNA conference.

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:  Suzanne Winsor Freeman Grant Committee,
Denise May Levenick, Chair
swfgrant@gmail.com
www.theFamilyCurator.com

Jamboree Excursion Thursday 5 June - Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

If you'll be in Burbank on Thursday and aren't attending the DNA conference, think about joining this year's Jamboree excursion to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

If you haven't visited the Reagan Library, you are in for a fascinating few hours. Docents will lead you through the many exhibits, including a replica of the Reagan Oval Office and a large section of the Berlin Wall. One of the biggest highlights is to actually board Air Force One, the Presidential aircraft. 

A new exhibit opened just a week ago, and it sounds like a wonderful way to spend some time.  For baseball fans, special exhibit “Baseball” is a 12,000 square foot exhibition featuring over 700 artifacts, including some of the rarest, historic and iconic baseball memorabilia from the largest known private collector in the United States. The exhibit displays extraordinary artifacts from Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and scores of other historically important players and organizations. This exhibition will be fun for the entire family.

To learn more about the Reagan Library, visit the website.

To register for the tour:
SCGS Members Early bird (ends April 30): $55
SCGS Nonmembers Early bird (ends April 30): $65

Includes transportation and admission to the exhibits.

Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant

The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Committee is pleased to announce that Michael Savoca, a college junior from Toms River, New Jersey will receive a $500 grant from the Freeman Memorial Grant program and full registration to the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in Burbank, California from SCGS.

Michael Savoca will attend the SCGS Jamboree June 7-9, 2013 and use the grant funds toward genealogy research and education. This is the third year that the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program and SCGS have partnered to offer a student genealogy award.

“We are delighted to recognize young genealogists with the grant program and encourage their future in family history,” notes Denise Levenick, Grant Chair. “It is exciting to see that “The Next Generation of Genealogists” is already here!”

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program to support this outstanding future genealogist,” said Paula Hinkel, Jamboree co-chair and SCGS vice president. “Michael will be recognized at the Jamboree Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, June 9.”

Michael has assisted with records for the Gente di Mare Italian website, is an active member of several online genealogy forums, and is a volunteer at the local Family History Center. He has researched his Croatian family history onsite in original records in the village of Zablaće, and assisted others researching Croatian and Italian ancestry. Michael also has roots in Ireland, Germany and Hungary. SCGS Jamboree will be his first national conference.

About the Grant Program: The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program was established in 2011 to help young family historians pursue their genealogy research and educational goals. In recognition of her enthusiasm for the nationally recognized Jamboree, the award is directed toward a student attending the SCGS Jamboree. Suzanne Freeman was the mother of genealogy blogger Denise Levenick, www.theFamilyCurator.com. Funding for the 2013 Memorial Student Grant was provided by proceeds from the sale of Denise Levenick’s new book How to Archive Family Keepsakes during the Blog Book Tour in January 2013. For information about donating to the grant fund, please see SWF Grant.

About SCGS: The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree has partnered with the grant program each year to offer complimentary conference registration to the award recipient. The annual Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree is a premiere regional genealogy conference offering national speakers, workshops, and demonstrations. Jamboree early-bird registration deadline is April 30.

Registration Update: "Family History and DNA" Conference - Burbank June 6, 2013

This is a quick note to let everyone know that interest is very strong for "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013," and we are already 25 percent sold out. This is well ahead of the registration response that we typically see for Jamboree. If you plan to attend, in the words of my Iowa grandmother, "Don't let the grass grow under your feet." We will very likely sell out.

This is truly becoming an international event, with attendees from the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, and points beyond, as well as locations around the US. We are excited to see that family historians everywhere are embracing the concept of an independent day-long conference about genetic genealogy.

As a reminder, the "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013" conference will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel, 2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, California. The event is co-sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).

Featured speakers include Dr. Spencer Wells, Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic, and lunch speaker Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  Please note that lunch requires an additional payment. To clarify, lunch is for registered attendees only. Registrants may invite a guest (e.g. spouse), as long as space is available.  I wish we could accommodate everyone at this fabulous luncheon; however, we haven't yet found a way to stretch the walls of the Convention Center.

Plan to stay for Jamboree, which starts on Friday, June 7. Friday morning's sessions are JamboFREE, and Friday afternoon features a DNA panel as well as an African American DNA session. Of course, we encourage you to stay for the entire weekend.

The Early-bird Conference Registration costs (before 30 April 2013) are listed below. Registration costs increase by $25 between 1 May and 24 May. Walk-in registration, if space is available, is $225 for everyone.

• SCGS Members - $175 on or before 30 April 2013
• SCGS Non-Members - $195 on or before 30 April 2013
• $20 luncheon for registrants
• $60 luncheon for registrant's +1 (a guest) if space is available 
• Lunch is not open to the public. Lunch is intended for registered attendees of the "Family History and DNA" conference and a guest. 

Important Links:

• Jamboree Website (www.genealogyjamboree.com)
• DNA Day Webpage, including speaker bios
• DNA Day Schedule
• DNA Day Online Registration 
• Mail-in Registration Form
• DNA Day Tri-fold Brochure
• DNA Day 8.5"x11" Poster 
• Jamboree Online Registration 
• (click the appropriate status - nonmember or current/new SCGS member)
• SCGS Membership 
• SCGS Website

(Edited to clarify luncheon guests must be "Family History and DNA" conference registered attendee or their guest)

Jamboree Update - Friday Night Banquet with WDYTYA?

Join us at the Friday evening banquet with "Behind the Scenes with WDYTYA - Who Do You Think You Are?"

The popular family history television program is back in production and Season 4 will be appearing on a new cable channel (to be announced). The program has been lauded as the current upswing in interest in family history.

Get a peek behind the scenes with a key member of the production team, Alexandra Orton, Producer and Research Manager for "Who Do You Think You Are?"

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Allie began work as a researcher on the first U.S. season of "Who Do You Think You Are?" in 2008. She is currently a producer and research manager for the series, overseeing research development, coordinating communication between Ancestry.com and the research staff, and shepherding the stories to completion. Two of Allie's coworkers will also attend (to be announced soon).

 Lisa Louise Cooke of Genealogy Gems will moderate a question-and-answer segment. Banquet guests will be able to ask question during the presentation. To submit a question in advance, send an email to jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com and put "WDYTYA Question" in the subject line. Regrettably, Allie and the other production team members will not be able to answer questions about a specific family's research.

While it's not likely that executive producers Lisa Kudrow or Dan Bucatinsky will be able to attend due to the production schedule, you will still enjoy a delightful evening with the team from WDYTYA. 

Check out all our special events. You'll find a link to order tickets for this meal as well as others.

The Southern California Genealogy Jamboree will be held June Friday through Sunday, 7-9, 2013, at the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The pre-event, "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013" will be held on Thursday, June 6.

The special record type emphasis is military records. We will focus on African American research as our ethnic focus.

Learn all about Jamboree at genealogyjamboree.com.

Announcing the 2013 Genealogy Jamboree Call for Proposals

The Southern California Genealogical Society announces a Call for Proposals for the 44th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, to be held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, Burbank, California, Thursday through Sunday, June 6 through 9, 2013. Thursday will be a day of hands-on workshops.

Proposals for the 2013 Jamboree Extension Series webinars are also covered by this Call for Proposals. The very popular webinar series features sessions on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month.

The theme of the 2013 Jamboree is "Travel the Path to the Past."  When it comes to genealogy,  travel can have several meanings. Travel thousands of miles to a distant homeland, or drive to a courthouse in the next county. Travel to earlier generations with just a few keystrokes, or by touching treasured artifacts, or straining to read faded ink on a long-forgotten document.

We look forward to receiving proposals for a variety of topics. We will be taking an in-depth look at the use of military records.

Special note to Samford attendees: Your schedule may conflict with attendance at Jamboree. Don't let that prevent you from submitting proposals. We will work with our speakers' travel schedules to permit appearances at both events.

The deadline for submission of proposals is October 21, 2012. Selected speakers will be notified by November 30, 2012, and contracts will be issued on January 1. What a great way to start the year!

Submission of proposals is done online through the Speaker Portal. Speakers are encouraged to download the submission guide to prepare the information in advance.

Please contact Vicki Hilb, Program Chair, at SCGSJamboree@gmail.com if you have questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Download the Call for Proposals document

Download a hard copy of the Proposal Submission Guide

Enter your proposals through the Speaker Portal


Paula Hinkel, Co-Chair
Southern California Genealogy Jamboree
Southern California Genealogical Society
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504
818.843.7262

Jamboree Genealogy Idol - Register!

The big news is out -- it's the Return of Genealogy Idol!

The second-ever Genealogy Idol competition will be held Saturday, June 9, 2012. The competition starts at 8am PDT, 9am MDT, 10am CDT and 11am EDT.

The three participants have been chosen and the winner will be decided by YOU! All you have to do is register for the live event (free), watch the 1-hour competition from your computer, and vote.

In the three rounds of competition, the three contestants will demonstrate their gen-tech expertise and try to woo you with their favorite gen-tech secrets. Everyone will learn - but only one will leave with the title of "Jamboree Genealogy Idol 2012." Legacy Family Tree's Geoff Rasmussen will host the event which will be broadcast live via the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, California.

You need to register in order to participate.  Registration details and other Really, Really Important Information can be found on the Legacy blog:

Jamboree Genealogy Idol on the Legacy blog.