Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog

The Honors & Awards Committee is currently accepting nominations for 2017 in the following categories:  Community Service Award:  This award may be given to an individual, company, or institution for service or contributions to genealogy. Nominations may be made by local genealogical or historical societies. Special Recognition Award:  This award may be given to an individual for the promotion of genealogy in general or for having been a major influence toward the success of the nominating organization. Nominations may be made by local societies. Youth Award:  Students are eligible for this award for a genealogical project. Nominations may be made on the suggestion of a teacher, advisor, or local society. Distinguished Service Award:  A national figure may be honored for exceptional contributions or service to genealogy. Access nomination forms here.  For more information about the awards read the awards and honors summary. Please mail completed forms by July 1 to

Join us on  Tuesday, July 11 , at 8:00 PM Central, when Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG will present The Watchfires of a Hundred Circling Camps . To attend this webinar, register at  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6586254248864499459 . Last week's webinar, Preserving Old Family Letters: Tips From An Archivist , presented by Melissa Barker, is now available to ISGS members in the Members Section of the ISGS website ( http://ilgensoc.org/members.php ). Upcoming Webinars July 11 -  The Watchfires of a Hundred Circling Camps Presenter:   Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG Registration:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6586254248864499459 August 8 -  Ten Years is a Long Time: Census Substitutes for the In-between Years Presenter:   Amy Johnson Crow, CG Registration:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2394575075177831939 September 12 -  Luxembourgers on the Prairie: Researching your Luxembourg Ancestors Presenter : Lisa Oberg Registration :  https:/

Title :   Preserving Old Family Letters: Tips From An Archivist Date : Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 8:00 pm Central Description : Old Family Letters. If you are fortunate enough to have some, they are a true family treasure. Writing letters is also a thing of the past, something that is not done anymore, all the more reason why we should collect, save and most importantly preserve the letters that we do have in our family records collections. In this presentation I will talk about the ways you can preserve your family letters so that they are protected for generations to come. Presenter : Melissa Barker Melissa Barker is a Professional Genealogist and Certified Archivist/Records Manager. She has been conducting her personal genealogy research for the past 25 years. In 2004 she started her own professional genealogy firm “Once Upon A Time Genealogy” and took research clients for 6 years. In 2010 she received her certification in archives and records management. She was instrumen