The OGS Conference Booklet is now available online. The Ohio Genealogical Society 2013 conference will be held on Thursday April 25 through Saturday April 27, 2013 at the Millennium Hotel in downtown Cincinnati.  The theme of this conference is “Expanding Your Ancestry Through Technology.”

A review of the program made me want to sign up immediately! The nationally-recognized keynote speaker, Thomas W. Jones, will kick-off the conference with “Strategies for Finding ‘Unfindable’ Ancestors.” Last spring, several friends who attended the NGS Conference told me that he was one of the main reasons they attended NGS. Somehow, I missed hearing him.  I’m looking forward to a “do over.”

I’m also excited about the number of “tracks” that are part of this conference. There are 98 lecture topics organized into specific research tracks, such as DNA, German, Irish, Military, African American, land, methodology, regional, professional and many technology tracks from national and state speakers. Looking at the program, you can easily identify the offerings in areas of special interest to you or areas where you would like to increase your expertise.

If you have Ohio ancestors who served in the Civil War or lived in Ohio before 1912, you may want to consider completing a lineage application before the December 31st deadline. You can go to the OGS website and see what the requirements are to complete an application for one of the lineage groups. I’ve found that nothing enhances your genealogical skills more than collecting the documentation necessary to “prove” that your ancestors qualify for one of these groups. Those who qualify will be able to be honored at one of the luncheons or dinners to be held during the conference.

If you want to receive any of the updates posted to this conference blog, please sign up by email. As items are added, they will be emailed to you automatically.  You are encouraged to comment on any post of interest to you. Ask your questions, add your comments, and we’ll get a conversation going.  Feel free to add a link to this blog to your own blogs or society websites. Looking forward to April.

Kathy Reed

With the start of school and Family History Month scheduled for October, our thoughts turn to where our genealogical journey may take us this year.  Fresh from this year’s OGS Chapter Management Seminar sponsored by the Ross County Chapter, I am “ready to go.” So how exciting that this year’s conference will focus on how technology can aid us in our genealogical search.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Expanding Your Ancestry Through Technology.” It is scheduled to take place from Thursday April 25 through Saturday April 27, 2013 at the Millennium Hotel in downtown Cincinnati.There will be 98 lecture topics organized into specific research tracks, such as DNA, German, Irish, Military, African American, land, methodology, regional, professional and many technology tracks from national and state speakers.

Once the conference brochure and schedule are finalized, I will be posting about the research tracks, speakers, and sites you might want to consider during your visit to Cincinnati and Hamilton Co. You don’t even need to remember to check for updates. Simply add your email address to the RSS feed and you will receive an email when new content has been added to this blog.

As a life-long resident of this region, I look forward to sharing what I love about this area, so rich in culture, geography, and genealogical resources. Should you have questions, post them in the comments section and I’ll do my best to help to get you an answer.

Kathy Reed

Recording Secretary for the Hamilton County Genealogical Society

An extended forecast of the weather for the 2012 OGS conference has a 0%-20% chance of rain Thursday through Saturday. Sunday may have a 40% chance of rain. Temperature is to be in the mid-40s to the mid-50s. Remember, it feels cooler with the wind from the lake. Dress in layers and bring a jacket or coat if you are going out in the evening.

The Cleveland Indians are playing in Kansas City over the weekend, but if you are in town early on Wednesday, there is a 12:05 game. Tickets are available.