Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog

The ISGS Office will be closed on Thursday, December 24, 2015 in observance of Christmas Eve. Regular hours will resume on Monday, December 28, 2015. © 2015, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

Join us on Tuesday, January 12 , at 8:00 PM Central, when Drew Smith, will present Organizing Your Genealogy Research Process . To attend this webinar, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8573458780274373378 . Last week's webinar, The US Federal Census: Good, Bad and Ugly for Genealogists , presented by Gary Smith, is now available to ISGS members in the Members Section of the ISGS website ( http://ilgensoc.org/members.php ). Upcoming Webinars January 12 – Organizing Your Genealogy Research Process Presenter: Drew Smith Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8573458780274373378 February 9 – Reconstructing Black Community Life Through Benevolent Societies Presenter: Angela Walton-Raji Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8291948619192469250 March 8 – Researching in Archives & Libraries: Do’s and Don’ts Presenter: Melissa Barker Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1846416843611494402

Title : The US Federal Census: Good, Bad and Ugly for Genealogists Date : Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 8:00 pm Central Description : The US Federal Census has become a staple of genealogical research in the United States. Using the census most effectively, however, requires understanding that there are good, bad, and truly ugly aspects of this record. Most are related to the type, quality or quantity of information recorded, but there are also some major pros and cons of the existence of the record. Recognizing the possible pitfalls and highpoints will allow a researcher to use the record to best advantage. Presenter : Gary M. Smith Gary M. Smith is President, Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG) and Second Vice President and National Conference Coordinator, International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE). He was a founding member, Great Lakes Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and served as lay librarian at the Westlake (OH) Family Hi