APG Blog

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has an immediate full-time opening for a Genealogist in the Registrar’s Office. Primary responsibilities focus on examining and evaluating lineage-based information provided on DAR membership applications or supplemental applications, and corresponding with prospective members or Chapter Registrar if further documentation is needed.

Qualifications
Previous experience in conducting genealogical research is required. The successful candidate must be able to analyze and evaluate lineage information, be detail oriented and resolve issues from conflicting data, and be able to write clear and concise letters explaining difficult research problems, including provide suggestions to the applicant for further research. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, including the ability to adapt quickly to proprietary databases, is essential.

Limited overtime hours possible during board weeks, (April, June, October and December) however, must be available to work overtime hours during one week of annual meeting.

Please send a cover letter and resume including a writing sample and a sample or portfolio of genealogy/family research performed, to:

Attn: Human Resources
NSDAR
1776 D. St., NW
Washington D.C., 20006-5303
Fax: (202) 737-5702
E-mail: resumes@dar.org

WESTMINSTER, Colo., November 16, 2010—The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG®) announced today the results of its 2010 election of new board members and committee members. In a general election voted upon by APG members, 10 board members were elected for two-year terms, 2011 –2012. Two nominating committee members were chosen for the 2011 term. The newly-elected board members include:

Region 1 – West: Mary Penner (New Mexico) has been elected to a second term on the board. She chairs the Professional Issues Committee, has lectured at two APG Professional Management Conferences and has been a frequent contributor to several genealogy publications. Beverly Rice, CG (Oregon) is a past APG treasurer and secretary and currently works on the APG Roundtable committee. She is a trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists and is the director of American Studies for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies.

Region 2 – Midwest: Harold Henderson (Indiana) is a professional genealogist and writer who has authored numerous books and articles. He serves on the board of his county genealogical society and writes the Midwest Microhistory blog. Debbie Parker Wayne, CG (Texas) is a founding member of APG’s Lone Star Chapter and has managed publicity for the APG Professional Management Conference for the past two years. She is the webmaster for many sites, including that of the ProGen Study Group.

Region 3 – Southeast: Diane Giannini, CG (Virginia), serves on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society and is past-president of the Charles County Maryland Genealogical Society. She has written for Digital Genealogist and NGS News Magazine. Donald W. Moore, CG (Virginia), elected to a second term, is past president of the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society, incumbent vice president of the Virginia Genealogical Society and editor of its newsletter. He has also written for Digital Genealogist and has provided reviews to several genealogical publications.

Region 4 – Northeast: Amy E.K. Arner (Pennsylvania), elected to a third term, is a professional genealogist specializing in Western Pennsylvania, the past-president of the Great Lakes Chapter and a proofreader for the APG Quarterly. Kimberly T. Powell (Pennsylvania), author of several books, has written and blogged about genealogy for About.com for more than 10 years. She conducted research for the PBS show, Faces of America.

International Region 5A: Eileen O’Duill, CG (Ireland), elected for a third term, specializes in international probate research and has lectured at national conferences in the United States and in Ireland. She has worked on programs to grow APG’s presence internationally.

International Region 5C: Carole Riley (Australia), elected for a second term, is a genealogist based in Sydney who specializes in New South Wales, including convicts, migration, probate and more.

Nominations Committee: Brent Morgan (Virginia) is the chair of the Society of Civil War Families of Ohio and is the registrar for the Richmond, Virginia Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Gena Philibert Ortega (California) is the genealogy community director for FamilyLink, where she is newsletter editor for WorldVitalRecords and manages GenealogyWise. She has authored more than 100 articles published in a wide range of genealogy publications. She serves as vice president for the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

About the APG
The Association of Professional Genealogists (http://www.apgen.org), established in 1979, represents more than 2,400 genealogists, librarians, writers, editors, historians, instructors, booksellers, publishers and others involved in genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy, local and social history. Its members represent all fifty states, Canada, and thirty other countries.

Media Contacts:
Kathleen W. Hinckley, CG
Executive Director
Association of Professional Genealogists
P.O. Box 350998, Westminster, CO 80035-0998
Phone: +1 303-465-6980, fax: +1 303-456-8825, e-mail: admin@apgen.org

Corey Oiesen
Communications Officer
Association of Professional Genealogists
email: corey@genealogyheroes.com
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APG is a registered trademark of the Association of Professional Genealogists. All other trade and service marks are property of their respective owners.

World’s Largest Professional Genealogical Association to Educate International Market on Need for Professional Genealogists, Standards and Ethics

WESTMINSTER, Colo., September 21, 2010—The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG®) announced today that it will participate in the Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2011, The National Conference, this coming February in London, U.K. APG will exhibit at the event, with the goal of educating new audiences on the benefits of hiring professional genealogists who adhere to genealogical standards and ethics.

APG president Laura Prescott and APG executive director Kathleen Hinckley, CG, will represent the organization at the show. “The APG represents more than 2,000 professional genealogists in more than 30 countries,” said Prescott. “The Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE conference will give APG an opportunity to meet approximately 15,000 family history enthusiasts and educate them about our mission and the availability of our members to serve them.”

The APG’s international committee has been exploring the growing need for professional genealogists in markets outside of North America. The committee, with members in England, India, Ireland, Israel and the U.S., examines opportunities to share the APG message and promote international awareness of, and interest in, professional genealogical services. The upcoming exhibition will be the APG’s first conference presence outside of North America.

About the Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2011 Conference and Exhibition
The Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2011 conference, the U.K.’s largest and most comprehensive family history event, will be held February 25?27, 2011 at London’s historic Olympia Exhibition Centre. The conference, held since 2007, was created in response to overwhelming interest in the U.K.’s television show Who Do You Think You Are?, now in its seventh season. The show features nearly 200 exhibitors and more than 100 seminars and workshops. Celebrities from the U.K. show will also appear. See http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.co.uk for more information.

About the APG
The Association of Professional Genealogists (http://www.apgen.org), established in 1979, represents more than 2,000 genealogists, librarians, writers, editors, historians, instructors, booksellers, publishers, and others involved in genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring, and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy, local, and social history. Its members represent all fifty states, Canada, and thirty other countries.

Media Contacts:
Kathleen W. Hinckley, CG

The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG®) announced today that its board has approved two new chapters for the organization. The Northland Chapter will serve members from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The board also approved the organization’s first virtual chapter, to be held in Second Life. Both chapters have commenced operations as of today.

“We welcome these new chapters and the support they will provide to our members,” said APG President Laura Prescott. “These chapters will benefit underserved geographies, both real and virtual. The board and executive committee discussed at length the implications of chartering a virtual chapter and felt that it would be an exciting and effective alternative for members who don’t have a local chapter or who cannot attend meetings in real life.”

Northland Chapter to Cover Much Ground
The Northland Chapter serves a broad region of northern states that are not currently served by an APG chapter. Chapter organizers, Sandy Mochal Thalmann, sandy@authenticorigins.com, and Jay Fonkert, CG, jfonkert@aol.com, have centered the operation in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Virtual Chapter in Second Life Provides a New Outlet for Professional Collaboration
The Second Life APG Chapter meets in Second Life and is open to all members anywhere in the world with Internet access, who may use their Second Life avatar personas. The chapter plans to meet monthly to preview and critique presentations in progress, discuss research resources, and share ideas about professional business practices and standards. Tami Glatz, or Genie Weezles in Second Life, is the contact, tglatz@gmail.com.

Today at the 2010 Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Conference in Knoxville, Tenn., the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG^®) honored five of its members for their outstanding achievements in the field of genealogy. APG President Laura Prescott presented the awards at today’s luncheon, which featured Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FNGS, FASG, FUGA, who presented, “Writing Genealogy: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?”

Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG, received the APG Professional Achievement Award. The award, created in 2007, recognizes exceptional professional achievement and ethical behavior with contributions to the field of genealogy. Rose has more than three decades of experience in serving genealogical organizations and societies as a researcher, lecturer, author, columnist and volunteer. She has served on the faculty of the National Institute of Genealogical Research (NIGR) in Washington, D.C., and on the faculty of The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) at Samford University, as both an instructor and coordinator. Rose is the author of several genealogy books including, Courthouse Research for Family Historians: Your Guide to Genealogical Treasures and Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case.

APG also awarded Alvie L. Davidson, CG, the Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit, an award honoring personal commitment and outstanding service to the APG. A professional genealogist and private investigator, Davidson served on the APG Board of Directors from 2003?2008, and was elected again in 2010. He has served on numerous committees and is currently booth chair, organizing member volunteers to answer questions at the APG booth during conferences.

Diana Crisman Smith received the APGQ Excellence Award, which recognizes exceptional articles submitted to the organization’s quarterly magazine. Smith provided an article on writing for each issue in 2009, including “Ready for Prime Time? Tips for Making Your Writing Fit for Print” and “How is Your Writing? Enter a Writing Contest and Find Out.”

Certificates of appreciation were also presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to APG, by a member or a non-member. Angela Packer McGhie was recognized for her leadership as president of the APG National Capital Area Chapter, as well as for her educational efforts in coordinating the ProGen Study Groups, directing her local Family History Center and in initiating a workshop featuring Thomas Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG.

Polly Kimmitt, CG, received a certificate of appreciation for her activities as president of the New England Chapter of APG in 2009. During her tenure, Kimmitt was responsible for spurring an increase in meeting attendance and chapter memberships and motivated the organization to design a chapter logo, brochure and new interactive website. Under her leadership, the chapter created a booth and presence at the New England Regional Genealogical Conference and its featured Ancestors Road Show. The chapter credits Kimmitt’s energy and guidance in helping it be named “Golden Chapter” at the APG Gathering of the Chapters at the 2009 National Genealogical Society Family History Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“We congratulate today’s award recipients,” said APG President Laura Prescott. “As the world’s leading professional organization of family history and related professionals, the APG celebrates excellence and ethics in the genealogy profession. These recipients have distinguished themselves in many ways and have strengthened APG as a result. They are models for what it means to be a professional genealogist.”

Please mark your calendar (and set your phone to remind you) to attend the APG Annual Meeting and Roundtable panel discussion on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, Salon AB, Hilton Hotel, Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Annual Meeting and Roundtable will begin at 7 p.m. and is held in conjunction with the FGS conference.

The Roundtable topic is “Your Internet Presence- How to get IT and what to do with IT: A discussion of what IT is.”

Professional genealogists are always talking about the need for a “web presence” to enhance and grow their business. What are the options to gain and maintain a “web presence” and use the Internet to increase your audience and grow your business? Join the APG Roundtable on Tuesday evening, August 17th and discover what our panel of professionals has to say on the subject.

Panel members include Drew Smith, Josh Taylor, Kathy Hinckley, Thomas MacEntee, Katherine Flynn (via the Internet) and Laura Prescott, moderator.

The panel members will each discuss a particular option or area that can enhance a professional’s web presence then the discussion will be open to the audience for questions and a sharing of ideas. This is a subject that can have some of us quaking in our boots while others are smiling with the opportunity to expand their horizons. Which are you?

The APG Roundtable is open to all APG members and their guests.  If you are interested in becoming an APG member you are welcome to participate in learning and sharing from other professionals.

Kathleen W. Hinckley, CG
APG Executive Director

CALL FOR PAPERS

Professional Management Conference (PMC)
sponsored by the Association of Professional Genealogists

Friday and Saturday, 9-10 September 2011
Springfield, Illinois

at the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ Conference

*****Deadline for Submission: 1 July 2010*****

Lecture and workshop proposals for the 2011 Professional Management Conference at the Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conference are now being accepted. The PMC encourages all members of the genealogical profession to look at ways to improve both their genealogical and their business skills.

Lectures and workshops should:

• Challenge genealogical professionals to think outside the box?
• Help professionals evaluate and review their current business
• Encourage professionals to meet the demands of the twenty-first-century client

Lectures and workshops must be new, original, and on topics relevant to professional genealogists, but do not need to be specifically genealogical. Presentations from other professional fields that would benefit professional genealogists will be considered. Lectures will be one hour, including questions; however, consideration will be given to longer or interactive presentations. Workshops should be hands-on, interactive, and last approximately two hours, including questions.

Proposals should be submitted electronically to admin@apgen.org either in Microsoft Word or PDF format and should include the following:

• Name, address, telephone, fax, and e-mail address of speaker
• Title of the presentation
• Detailed description of the presentation
• Short one-sentence summary for the program brochure
• Short one-sentence biography for the program brochure
• Biography of 150 words for publicity
• Audio visual requirements
• List of lectures given in the last 18 months including topic and location

The Association of Professional Genealogists (http://www.apgen.org) , established in 1979, represents over 2,000 genealogists, librarians, writers, editors, historians, instructors, booksellers, publishers, and others involved in genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring, and education; and supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy, local, and social history. Its members represent all fifty states, Canada, and thirty other countries.