NGS 2014: Report from Virginia

Now that we’ve settled back into our Library routine, we wanted to share some of our adventures from the National Genealogical Society Conference held in Richmond Virginia a couple of weeks ago.

Louise Jones, presenting "Beyond Vertical Files" at Librarians' Day.
Louise Jones, presenting “Beyond Vertical Files” at Librarians’ Day.

Your friendly neighborhood KAO Editors/Librarians presented at the conference on various topics. During Librarians’ Day, Louise Jones presented a session on Vertical Files and how KHS is actively preserving the unique materials, while increasing their access for researchers. As many of you know, our enormous vertical file collection is very popular among Kentucky roots researchers. However, the contents can be hugely varied, and sometimes fragile or unique. Louise instructed fellow librarians on our newly developed processing workflow that allows us to preserve unique/fragile/rare material that falls more into the archival category. As we preserve them, they are going into the catalog for even greater accessibility.

During the regular conference, Louise presented a virtual tour of the significant genealogical collections available throughout the state of Kentucky. Even though many genealogists begin their research journey in Frankfort at KHS or KDLA, the wonderful and unique resources available statewide should not be missed! Explore the region your ancestors settled in, as it might reveal unique collections that can bust through your brick walls!

Just before heading home, Cheri Daniels presented a session on using Pinterest to engage family members in memory collection. This widely popular social media tool is a great way to visually share photos, ideas, memories, and inspiration with family members who might not be normally engaged in family history. For your next reunion, Holiday, or anniversary event, consider creating visually inspiring Pinterest boards to share with family members. One special way to honor your ancestors is by creating a board devoted to visual representations of that ancestor. Family members can then pin images that remind them of the ancestor, and contribute memories for a more complete representation of that person’s life!

Ancestor Boards in Pinterest
Ancestor Boards in Pinterest

So, what did we do when we weren’t presenting? Well….we were having a great time attending the other wonderful sessions, researching at the Library of Virginia, and exploring the enchanting neighborhoods of Richmond. Here are a few memories from our trip!

Researching at the Library of Virginia
Researching at the Library of Virginia
Answering questions and networking with those who attended our sessions.
Answering questions and networking with those who attended our sessions.
Meeting some great speakers: Linda McCauley and I found our June Second Saturday speaker, Michael Lacopo at the Blogger dinner hosted by Family Search.
Meeting some great speakers: Linda McCauley and I found our June Second Saturday speaker, Michael Lacopo at the Blogger dinner hosted by Family Search.
Turning around and finding some smiling Kentuckians from home! Linda Colston: KGS President.
Turning around and finding some smiling Kentuckians from home! Linda Colston: KGS President.
Competing in the Twitter challenge: Most tweets about #NGS2014gen wins free registration for next year's conference!
Competing in the Twitter Challenge: Person tweeting most about #NGS2014gen wins free registration for next year’s conference!
Visiting the Virginia State Capital Building.
Sampling new technology tools for possible library acquisition.
Sampling new technology tools for possible library acquisition.
Encountering fun characters promoting special causes: Preserve the War of 1812 Pensions initiative.
Encountering fun characters promoting special causes: Preserve the War of 1812 Pensions initiative.
Picking up some treats from FindMyPast to give away at our Tea & Sympathy events.
Picking up some fun treats from FindMyPast to give away at our Tea & Sympathy events.
Sampling the fun wares of Carytown one evening.
Sampling the delightful wares of Carytown one evening – including a beautiful Tea Room!
Visiting Thomas Jefferson's Monticello on the way home.
Visiting Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello on the way home.

Miss out on the conference fun this year? Next year’s NGS Conference is even closer: Missouri! Hope to see everyone next year!

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