65 Exceptional Reasons to head to Manchester, NH this April

Here are 65 exceptional reasons to head to the New England Regional Genealogical Conference in April 2013!

NERGC FEATURED SPEAKERS

Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD, is the author of two of the best-selling books in genealogy. Forensic Genealogy has been widely recognized for its innovative forensic science approach to genealogical research. DNA & Genealogy was commissioned by Family Tree DNA for its Second Conference on Genetic Genealogy in November 2005,and has been praised by readers as "the ideal handbook for anyone starting out in genealogy using the DNA tools available" and "the book to get for someone starting or running a surname project."

Colleen consults with television and documentary production companies on Forensic Genealogy and DNA & Genealogy. She has been featured on NPR's Talk of the Nation radio program (July 2005), and has written cover articles for Internet Genealogy (June2006), Family Tree Magazine (April 2006) and Family Chronicle (October 2005). Colleen writes a regular column for Ancestry magazine. In Colleen's day job she is a recognized expert in high resolution optical measurement techniques, with years of experience working for NASA and the National Science Foundation. In her two books, Colleen shows that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to get the most from your genealogical materials.

 

Stephen Morse, PhD, is the creator of the One-Step website for which he's received both the Lifetime Achievement and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the Award of Merit from the National Genealogical Society, the first-ever Excellence Award from the Association of Professional Genealogists, and two awards from Polish genealogical societies.

In his other life, Morse is a computer professional with a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. He has held various research, development, and teaching positions, authored numerous technical papers and written four textbooks, and he holds four patents. He's best known as the architect of the Intel 8086 (the granddaddy of today's Pentium processor), which sparked the PC revolution 30 years ago.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Lisa A. Alzo is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Slovak/Eastern European genealogical research, writing your family history, and using the Internet to trace female and immigrant ancestors. She is the author of nine books and numerous magazine articles.

Kathy Amoroso is the Director of Digital Projects at Maine Historical Society. She started as outreach coordinator for the Maine Memory Network project in 2001 and now manages the websites and digital initiatives at MHS. She is from Maine and has a degree in Communications and Psychology from the University of Miami.

Cherry Bamberg, FASG, is the editor of Rhode Island Roots since 2002; consulting editor to the NEHG Register since 2006; 2006 Donna Holt Siemiatkoski Genealogy Volunteer of the Year Award winner; Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists, elected 2007; Rhode Island researcher for the Danish version of Who Do You Think You Are? 2010. Scores of articles on Rhode Island families and research, 1998 to present. Author and/or editor of books for Rhode Island Genealogical Society 2000 to present.

F. Warren Bittner, CG, is a genealogical researcher and lecturer, with twenty-five years experience. His is owner of a small genealogical research firm.

Debra Braverman is a New York based genealogist specializing in estate due diligence and nineteenth and twentieth century New York City research. She has testified numerous times as an expert witness in New York Surrogate's Courts. Debra is currently a member of the Boards of Directors of APG and ISFHWE.

Michael Brophy is a professional genealogical researcher, columnist and lecturer in the Boston area. He has served as Publicity and Program Director of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council.

Chief Paul Bunnell, UE, has over 35 years experience as a professional genealogist, completed all genealogy requirements for Associates degree through BYU, membership in over 50 societies, registered in 4 organizations including the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada with 3 certified Loyalists.

Melinde Lutz Byrne, FASG, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, Melinde holds degrees and certificates in anthropology, library science, and archival management. She is president of the American Society of Genealogists. She did serials acquisitions for Harvard's Tozzer Anthropological Library and has been a self-employed genealogist since 1976. She has been a forensic genealogist since 1986.

Joseph V. Camposeo, CMC, Town Clerk since 1996, Joe is the son of Italian immigrants that sought opportunity in Manchester, CT. Organized Manchester's Family History Day; earned a BA from Bellarmine University; is a certified municipal clerk (CMC); past president of CT Town Clerks Assn., and currently a member of the NACRC Executive Board.

Raymond Cassidy has been a member of the French-Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut for over 15 years and is currently serving on their board of directors. He is also the associate editor for the society's journal, Connecticut Maple Leaf, and has published many articles in it. Ray has presented seminars and given lectures on researching French ancestry. He was one of the many speakers at the last New England Regional Genealogical Conference held in Springfield. Ray hosts a website, www.raysplace.org, which specializes in French-Canadian genealogy and the genealogy of French and European nobility and royalty.

Sandra MacLean Clunies, CG, is a professional genealogist, author, and lecturer. Past President of the National Capital Area Chapter of APG, and a past member of the APG Board of Directors, she has served on the adjunct faculty of NIGR and IGHR. She is a past winner of the NGS Family History Writing Contest for a study of New England mill workers and received the 2009 Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit by APG.

Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer, MLS, is a librarian, archivist, food researcher, genealogical speaker, and writer. She was reference librarian and archivist at The Culinary Institute of America for eleven years. Her publications include a book, Long-Distance Genealogy, and articles in national and regional genealogical magazines, including the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.

Laura Murphy DeGrazia, CG, of Long Island, New York, is trustee and past president of BCG, and coeditor of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record.

Janis P. Duffy is currently working in the Library/Archives at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. She is the former Reference Supervisor at the Massachusetts State Archives. Janis is a member and Past-President of TIARA (The Irish Ancestral Research Association) and is a member of the Tiara team that has lead many research tours to Ireland and Salt Lake City. Janis has been pursuing her Irish heritage for over 25 years. She lectures locally and nationally on many genealogy subjects. Janis is a member of NGS and IGSI.

Pam Stone Eagleson, CG, is a researcher, writer and teacher. She conducts client research nationwide with an emphasis on New England, mid-Atlantic and the Midwest; and has attended IGHR, SLIG, NIGR, and VIGR. Winner of the 2004 NGS Family History Writing Contest, Pam is a former Board member of APG. She is co-administrator of the Stone DNA surname project and member of numerous regional and local historical and genealogical societies.

Dwight E. Fitch is a retired Computer Support Engineer who was born and raised in Southern Vermont and has been working on his early New England roots and studying early New England History since 2001. He is a member NEHGS, Central Massachusetts Genealogical Society, Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor, Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Society, Descendant member of Friends of Old Deerfield, and is currently a board member and Vice President of Townsend Massachusetts Historical Society.

Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD, is the author of two of the best-selling books in genealogy. Forensic Genealogy has been widely recognized for its innovative forensic science approach to genealogical research. DNA & Genealogy was commissioned by Family Tree DNA for its second conference on Genetic Genealogy in November 2005,and has been praised by readers as "the ideal handbook for anyone starting out in genealogy using the DNA tools available" and "the book to get for someone starting or running a surname project." Colleen consults with television and documentary production companies on Forensic Genealogy and DNA & Genealogy. She has been featured on NPR's Talk of the Nation radio program (July 2005), and has written cover articles for Internet Genealogy (June 2006), Family Tree Magazine (April 2006) and Family Chronicle (October 2005). Colleen writes a regular column for Ancestry magazine. In Colleen's day job she is a recognized expert in high resolution optical measurement techniques, with years of experience working for NASA and the National Science Foundation. In her two books, Colleen shows that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to get the most from your genealogical materials.

Bruce D. Frail is a USMC veteran, author, founder and researcher for American Civil War Ancestor with over 30 years of research experience. Bruce is the National Graves Registration Officer of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Rhode Island State Coordinator of Missing In America Project. He is also a member of the Advisory Council & Archival Preservation Committee of Rhode Island's Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission. Bruce's expertise has been instrumental in the identification of the remains of several Civil War soldiers.

Nora Galvin is a fulltime professional genealogist specializing in Connecticut and Irish research and genetic genealogy. She holds positions in Connecticut Ancestry Society, the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council, Connecticut Society of Genealogists, and she is a member of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Diane Gravel, CG, serves as a Trustee of the Thornton Public Library; Vice President, NH Society of Genealogists; Past President, New England Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists; Board Member, Association of Professional Genealogists; and Co-editor, Volume I, New Hampshire Families in 1790. She is currently working on Volume II.

Mary Ellen Grogan is a professional genealogist living in Boston who specializes in Massachusetts and Irish genealogical and historical records. Mary Ellen first researched in Dublin archives in 1984. (Her Reader's Card for the National Library of Ireland is number 151.) She has both participated in and led research tours in Ireland. A teacher by nature, Mary Ellen enjoys sharing her knowledge and giving others the opportunity to be successful in their research.

Meredith Hoffman is a professional genealogist, lecturer, and writer who specializes in researching 19th/early 20th century Jewish immigrant ancestors to the US and particularly enjoys solving difficult Jewish name problems. She holds degrees in Linguistics from UC-Berkeley and is a graduate of the Boston University Genealogical Research Program and IGHR. She is Syllabus Chair for the New England Regional Genealogical Conference, Publicity Chair of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Boston, and co-editor of the Success! Stories webzine on JewishGen.org.

Jayne A. Jordan was introduced to genealogy by a great uncle as a child. A degree in Paralegal studies enhanced her research abilities. She was President of the Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society. Jayne attended lectures at Plimouth Plantation to learn how to do an effective first person presentation of a 17th century woman.

Aleksandra Kacprzak is a genealogical researcher in Poland. Graduate of Copernicus University in Toruń, studies in archival science. Completed the Eastern European Genealogy course in Salt Lake City, UT. Member, European correspondent, and resource person for the Polish Genealogical Society of Connecticut and the Northeast. Licensed tour guide in Poland. President of genealogical research "Genoroots" in Poland.

Alice S. Kane is a Chinese-American and native Bostonian who previously worked in the Boston Public Library's Microtext Department before becoming a professional genealogist and researcher. In addition to client work and other projects utilizing many Boston-area repositories, she is the moderator of the Hyde Park Genealogy Club which meets monthly at the Hyde Park Branch of the Boston Public Library system, and is Treasurer of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Richard L. Kimball, PhD, was born in Massachusetts, raised in south-eastern New Hampshire, and has been doing genealogy since 2003, concentrating on his own and his wife's ancestry. He is a member of Aroostook County Genealogical Society, Hawke, Historical Society (Danville, NH), Maine Genealogical Society and NEHGS. His and his wife's families are primarily of old New England, Nova Scotia, and Quebec French origins.

Milli Knudsen is a volunteer researcher for the NH Attorney General's Cold Case Unit. She archivally processes murder files and brings genealogical problem-solving skills to unsolved mysteries.

David Allen Lambert has been an international speaker on topics of genealogical and historical research since being employed with NEHGS in 1993. His lecture topics over the years have included: New England, Atlantic Canada, and British Isles family research; military records; DNA; cemetery research; Native American and African-American research; and compiling local history books.

Ed Laput has served on the Board of the Godfrey Memorial Library since 2006 and has been involved in his own personal genealogical research for the last 15 years. He has been heading up a project to update the Hale Collection for more than 5 years.

Michael J. Leclerc is an internationally-known author, presenter, and researcher. Author of numerous articles in magazines and scholarly journals and editor of two books, Michael is chief genealogist at genealogy search engine Mocavo. He is a member of the board of APG and a former vice-president of administration for FGS.

Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community.

Marianne B. Marcussen has been a family researcher for thirteen years and has worked as a full-time genealogist at the Stark County District Library in Canton, Ohio for five years. Since moving to New Hampshire, she has conducted private research and spoken to numerous groups. She belongs to NEHGS, NGS, IGS (Indiana), and the New Hampshire Historical Society. [

Beth Mariotti is the Executive Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library. Beth is an avid genealogist who enjoys helping others get started or break through brick walls.

David S. Martin, PhD, is Professor/Dean Emeritus from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC; he has been a teacher, school administrator, and curriculum developer in addition to professor and university dean. He has been an active genealogist for 35 years and served as President of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society in 2011-2012.

Jill E. Martin, JD, is Professor and Chair of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut. She holds a J.D. (Albany Law), and a M.A. (Yale). She is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut. She completed a certificate in Genealogical Research at Boston University, and attended NIGR and IGHR.

Barbara J. Mathews, CG, specializes in colonial New England genealogy. She is Verifying Genealogist for the Massachusetts Society of The Colonial Dames of America and Genealogist for the Welles Family Association. She is a Trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and a trustee of the non-profit BCG Educational Fund. Her society experience includes being Program Co-Chair for NERGC 2009; an officer in the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council and the Massachusetts Genealogical Council; and Mentor of ProGen Study Group 7.

Carol Prescott McCoy, PhD, president of Find-Your-Roots in Brunswick, Maine, conducts research and educates people about genealogy and family history. An entertaining, informative teacher, she focuses on New England, New York, West Virginia, and the Maritimes. She is passionate about genealogy, especially land and tax records. Her Ph.D. in psychology is from Rutgers; her B.A. from Connecticut College.

Lisa McKinney is a full-time genealogist and journalist with Cherokee, Yankee, and Confederate roots which keep her quite busy! She has a master's degree from SMU and is continually learning about genealogy, even after 20 years. She does client research, writes the "Ask the Ancestors" column, and lectures.

Linda McMeniman, PhD, taught at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey for twenty-five years in the fields of college writing and communication, authored several writing textbooks, and gave dozens of workshops and presentations. Since retirement, she teaches semester-length courses for family researchers at the Osher Institute at the University of Delaware. These have included lecture courses, interest-group presentations, and computer workshop leadership. She has also presented occasionally to other local genealogy groups.

Shellee A. Morehead, PhD, is an author of scientific articles in national and international journals and she researches, lectures and writes on genealogy and family history. Her specialties include Rhode Island, Italian, and French-Canadian research, and genetic genealogy.

Stephen P. Morse, PhD, is the creator of the One-Step website for which he's received both the Lifetime Achievement and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the Award of Merit from the National Genealogical Society, the first-ever Excellence Award from the Association of Professional Genealogists, and two awards from Polish genealogical societies. In his other life Morse is a computer professional with a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. He has held various research, development, and teaching positions, authored numerous technical papers and written four textbooks, and he holds four patents. He's best known as the architect of the Intel 8086 (the granddaddy of today's Pentium processor), which sparked the PC revolution 30 years ago.

Jolene Mullen has been researching for twenty-five years. She is a member of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council and the Association of Professional Genealogists and is active in several lineage organizations. Her book, Connecticut Town Meeting Records during the American Revolution, was published by Heritage Books in 2011.

Muriel Chabot Normand has combined her knowledge of French-Canadian genealogy and her background in Maternal Child Health in this overview of the genetics of Quebec. Muriel is a researcher, speaker and board member of the American-Canadian Genealogical Society. She has presented at various local libraries and societies as well as NERGC 2011.

Jean Nudd has worked for the National Archives for over eighteen years, first at the Pittsfield, MA facility and currently in the Waltham office. She holds a masters' degree in History with a specialty in local history. Jean has been researching her New England and mid-west ancestors for almost 20 years. In addition to speaking at previous New England Regional Genealogical Conferences, Jean has a wide range of lecture experience at the local, regional, and national level including FGS, the Ohio Genealogical Conference, and many years at the "Life in the Past Lane" conferences for the Friends of the National Archives in Pittsfield.

David Ouimette, CG, manages Content Strategy at FamilySearch, prioritizing historical records for acquisition and online publication for family history research. He specializes in the records of Ireland, Quebec, and New England. As Vice President of the Utah Genealogical Association, he is responsible for Crossroads magazine. David lectures at the Samford Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and national genealogical conferences. He authored Finding Your Irish Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide.

Marian Pierre-Louis is genealogical writer and speaker who specializes in southern New England research. She frequently speaks at conferences, societies and libraries on New England topics including house history research, African-American research and brick walls. She is a regular guest presenter on the Legacy Family Tree webinar series. She is also the author of the Marian's Roots and Rambles blog.

Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL, is a BCG Trustee, Professional course coordinator at IGHR, instructor for Boston University's Genealogical Research Certificate on-campus and online courses and at Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. She is co-director of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP).

Laurie L. Pratt is a genealogist, author, historical researcher and Social Media Coordinator for American Civil War Ancestor. She is currently working on her second book about New Hampshire Civil War soldiers with co-author, Bruce D. Frail.

Laura G. Prescott is a professional researcher, writer, and speaker. Her specialties include online research, working with manuscript collections, and fitting technology to genealogy. She is a consultant at Fold3.com and past president of APG.

Connie Reik, MSL, is Government Publications Coordinator and Research & Instruction for History at Tisch Library at Tufts University. She is a graduate of the National Institute on Genealogical Research at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and has a B.A. in history.

Scott Reilly is an archivist with the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA). He has been with VSARA since 2008 and has headed its State Archives Unit since March 2010. He holds an MLS in Archives and Records Management from the University of Texas at Austin and is a member of the Academy of Certified Archivists.

Craig R. Scott, CG, is the President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty-eight years, he specializes in problem solving, especially as it relates to federal records. IGHR and SLIG faculty.

Christine Sharbrough, MSLIS, CG, is a Reference Librarian at the Derry Public Library, a reference materials reviewer for Library Journal, editor of the Library Sciences site at BellaOnline.com and Chair of the RUSA RSS Committee for Teaching at the Point of Need. She has been a genealogist since 1982, achieved certification in 2005, is the editor of the AAHGS News national newsletter, is currently a ProGen 17 mentor, and part-time genealogist for ProGenealogists in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Helen A. Shaw, CG, is Vice President of the Maine Genealogical Society, Registrar for the Maine State Organization of the DAR, and President of the Old Broad Bay Family History Association.

Susan Steele directed The Irish Ancestral Research Association's Foresters Project from 2005-2011. Foresters Project volunteers rescued 80,000 fraternal insurance records of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. Susan continues to work on processing this collection in its new home, the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Michael L. Strauss, AG, is an Accredited Genealogist. He holds a BA in History and is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and serves as President of the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society. Strauss is an expert witness in kinship-estate matters in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Edwin W. Strickland II grew up with a strong sense of family history, being the sixth generation to live on the family farm. He began "looking for dead people" at the age of 24. Self taught, he tells students, he knows every mistake they can make because he has already made it. He is a life member of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists and the Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor, being a Past-President of both. He has served DFAW as Genealogist for 25 years. He is a member of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council. He has taught genealogy courses for Enfield (CT) Adult Education, Windsor (CT) Historical Society and CSG; is a guest lecturer at the University of Hartford; leads the Connecticut TMG Users' Group and is editor of volume II of the Foote History and Genealogy.

Margaret R. Sullivan is Records Manager & Archivist for the Boston Police Department and Vice-President of TIARA. She writes on law enforcement history for local and national publications. Margaret has been honored for her research documenting early line-of-duty officers, 19th century African-American officers, and pioneer women police.

D. Joshua Taylor, MLS, is the Business Development Manager – North America for brightsolid online publishing, the creator of findmypast.com, and a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. A frequent speaker at genealogical societies, libraries, and other organizations, his previous speaking engagements include GENTECH, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conferences, the National Genealogical Society Annual Conference, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and RootsTech. He has authored articles in American Ancestors, UGA Crossroads, FGS Forum, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and New England Ancestors, and was a columnist for Digital Genealogist.

Lori Thornton is a genealogist and librarian specializing in Southern States research and in research of religious records. She has taught Information Technology courses at the university level. She lectures to librarians and genealogical groups on genealogy topics.

Michael Tougias is the author of 20 books with Simon and Schuster. He has won several book-related awards, and has written history pieces for the NY Times, Boston Globe, and over 100 magazines. Former newspaper columnist in papers across the country.

Donna E. Walcovy, PhD, is the owner of Marking Burials, a company that performs restoration and preservation of historic gravestones and burying ground. She is a member of The Association of Gravestone Studies (AGS) and a professional member of The American Institute of Conservation (AIC). Dr. Walcovy is also the Director of The Falmouth Genealogical Society's ~ Cemetery Transcription Project, http://www.falgen.org/cem.

Rick Wetmore had a professional career as a Systems Engineer for over 30 years with a background in maritime navigation technologies. With his experience in Geographic Information Systems - GIS, Rick has applied this knowledge to his long held passion for family history studies and sharing techniques with others.

The New England Regional Genealogical Conference (NERGC) is being held April 17-21, 2013 in Manchester, NH. More information is available from the conference website.