Tag Archives: Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society September Seminar

by Charles Hansen

 

Are you coming?

A reminder that registration closes at midnight on September 20th!! This promises to be our biggest conference ever and certainly is the largest genealogy conference in Western Canada. People are flocking from all four Western Provinces plus even Australia! If you are interested in Family History, don’t miss out.

 

Besides having many interesting and informative sessions; a large Marketplace full of unique merchandise, information and piles of great used books; we are providing a FREE lunch and all-day refreshments! We also have over 100 Door Prizes including hotel packages, DNA Kits, Genealogy Software, Website Subscriptions and so much more! What’s not to love? You may even meet a distant cousin or finally make that big breakthrough on your elusive ancestor!

 

Be sure to join us for a fun and informative weekend! Much more information, registration and payment via Interac e-transfer (or by cheque) at: https://kdgswix.wixsite.com/kdgs

 

 

Claire Smith-Burns

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Director, KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre, Librarian@KDGS.ca

“Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference 2018, Conference@KDGS.ca

www.KDGS.ca                     

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society September Conference

by Charles Hansen

Complete Poster

Message Body

Please forward this to your clients, patrons, mailing lists and colleagues! Also, there is a poster attached. Thank you for helping us promote this conference – we will be happy to help you in turn!

 

Have you registered for the “Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference, Sept. 28-30 in Kelowna, BC, Canada? If not, this is a gentle reminder that time is starting to run out!

 

There is still room in most classes but some are definitely getting full! Be sure to join us for a weekend of fun and learning with some of the world’s top speakers and some exciting new offerings in our Marketplace!

 

It’s a pleasant road-trip up the Okanogan Valley to Kelowna. BC’s third largest city has lots to offer, including beautiful scenery, a vibrant wine industry and, of course, great genealogy opportunities! Grab your passport and join us in Sept.  With our low dollar, we are a bargain for our good friends to the south!

 

If you are already registered, you are invited to join our Facebook Conference site – lots of tips and great information is being shared! Find out more at: https://kdgswix.wixsite.com/kdgs.

 

Claire Smith-Burns

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Director, KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre, Librarian@KDGS.ca

“Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference 2018, Conference@KDGS.ca

www.KDGS.ca

Visit us on Facebook: Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society September Conference

by Charles Hansen

 

 

Guess Who’s Coming to the Conference? …Louis Kessler!

 

Louis is a programmer and a genealogist and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG). He developed the genealogy software Behold and built the GenSoftReviews site where genealogists go to rate and review their software. In 2016, Louis got into DNA in a big way and developed his Double Match Triangulator program for autosomal DNA analysis. The program won third place at the 2017 RootsTech Innovator Showdown.

 

Louis lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his wife and two daughters. He has been the chair of the Archives Committee, leader of the Genealogical Institute, and a Board member and President of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. Louis is an active GeneaBlogger and participates in the genealogy communities on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Since Louis has registered for our Conference, we asked if he would give a talk in the late afternoon time period as Blaine Bettinger’s talk is now full. Louis has kindly agreed and will be talking on:

Using Double Match Triangulation to Find DNA Ancestors:  There’s more to a DNA segment match than you think. If the same segment is passed down from a common ancestor, it is called IBD (Identical by Descent). But matches can be by chance or false and you need to distinguish these. Find out what triangulation can and cannot be used for. Learn how to efficiently find all triangulations with double matching techniques and how to use triangulation groups to help you find your DNA ancestors. Level I-A.

 

Louis is also donating three licenses to his Double Match Triangulator software – two as door prizes and one to an attendee of his talk! We are very grateful for Louis’ generosity and look forward to having him at our Conference!

 

ARE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE?

 

 

Claire Smith-Burns

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Director, KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre, Librarian@KDGS.ca

“Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference 2018, Conference@KDGS.ca

www.KDGS.ca

 

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society Genealogical Conference

by Charles Hansen

 

Who’s Up For a Genealogy Road Trip?

September is the perfect time for a road trip – the tourists have mostly gone home, the roads are in good condition and the weather is perfect!  What could be better?  Well, how about a Genealogy Road Trip?

Why not get a few friends together and come to Kelowna for the “Harvest Your Family Tree” Genealogy Conference, taking place from Sept. 28-30, 2018 – Western Canada’s Largest Genealogy Conference?  Sharing the costs and enjoying the companionship of like-minded friends is a wonderful way to see the countryside. All you need is your passport! Don’t want to drive? Our airport has direct flights between Seattle and Kelowna via Horizon Air.

 

We are thrilled to offer Eleven acclaimed speakers, including: Blaine Bettinger (genetic genealogist/DNA specialist); Cyndi Ingle (Cyndi’s List); Helen V. Smith (from Australia); Dave Obee (Canada’s preeminent genealogist); Lesley Anderson (Ancestry). Of the 31 workshops on offer, only five are on Canadian records so there is something for every researcher no matter where in the world you are searching.

 

We have great rates at two local hotels: The Kelowna Inn & Suites (www.kelownainnandsuites.com, 1-800-667-6133) is offering rooms at only $99 per night (plus taxes), including breakfast; The Ramada Hotel (a full-service hotel; ramadalodge@rpbhotels.com, 1-800-665-2518) is offering $119.99 per night (plus taxes).  This is definitely budget-friendly, especially if you share the room with a friend or two.  Both hotels are located along Hwy. 97 and a short drive to all conference venues (carpooling can also be arranged).  When making your reservation, be sure to tell them you are coming for the Genealogy Conference.

 

While in Kelowna, enjoy our great shopping, many beautiful wineries, historic sites and get in some genealogy research at our KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre and Kelowna’s other great archives and specialty libraries.

 

For more information, visit our Conference pages at https://kdgswix.wixsite.com/kdgs/ or follow the link from our homepage, www.KDGS.ca. Register soon as some workshops are filling up quickly! Questions: email me at Conference@KDGS.ca.

 

Claire Smith-Burns

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

 

Director, KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre, Librarian@KDGS.ca

“Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference 2018, Conference@KDGS.ca

www.KDGS.ca

 

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society HARVEST YOUR FAMILY TREE GENEALOGY CONFERENCE!

by Charles Hansen

This is Your Chance to Start Discovering YOUR Family History!

If you’ve already registered – read on for the latest news and please consider sharing this email with friends who may be interested – thanks!

 

  • Are you interested in finding out about your family history? 
  • Are you already on the family history journey but having trouble making progress? 
  • Are you a well-seasoned family historian but always wanting to learn more?

 

If any of the foregoing applies, then…

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE “HARVEST YOUR FAMILY TREE” GENEALOGY CONFERENCE!

September 23-25, 2016

www.KDGS.ca

People are flocking from all points of Western Canada and the Northwest US to attend this inspiring event, right here in Kelowna!  With 10 internationally acclaimed speakers from England, the US and Canada; a large Marketplace of Vendors & Exhibitors; and 28 workshops to choose from, our “Harvest Your Family Tree” Genealogy Conference is the place to be and the largest event of its kind in Western Canada!

 

The fun begins at noon on Friday, Sept. 23rd at our downtown Kelowna Public Library where you’ll find our own KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre, the Okanagan Regional Library’s main collection of genealogy materials, including a huge collection of microforms and the University of British Columbia Library’s Innovation Centre.  There will be free tours, talks & hands-on opportunities at all three facilities plus several workshops ($18 each – pre-registration required) to choose from.  A perfect time to start digging into your roots!

speakers

Friday Evening is our “Meet the Speaker’s” Reception where a Q&A panel will discover what makes our speakers tick!  Enjoy the refreshments and a myriad of interesting family history displays. If you have a self-standing display or family history project you’d like to show off, please bring it along; tables are provided. The Reception is at the lovely Centre for Learning Atrium located at Kelowna’s Okanagan College Campus ($15 – pre-registration only).

speaker1

Saturday’s activities kick off at Okanagan College’s Centre for Learning, sharp at 8am.  What a fantastic day we have planned for you!  Our Marketplace is even bigger than our 2014 Conference by a third!  Be sure to cheque the exhibits on the second floor, too!  My Heritage will be there and we are so very grateful for their sponsorship:  you will covet your Conference bag and spiffy name-badge, all courtesy of My Heritage.  Of course, we’ll have all your favourite vendors, including The Bookshop from Penticton, BC Genealogical Society Boutique, KDGS Used Bookstall and Shop the Hound plus great exhibits from FamilySearch, Vancouver Public Library’s Genealogy Department, Okanagan Regional Library, Kelowna Museums, Family Roots Tracer, Lake Country Museum & Archives (hosting a Heritage Photo Booth – bring home a souvenir vintage pic of you at the Conference), KDGS will have their newly minted Cemetery Books, Raffle Tickets (for three fab prizes), Archival supplies, bottled water and more.  Speakers, Dave Obee, Lisa Louise Cooke and Xenia Stanford will have booths, too.  New this year will be the Guild of One-Name Studies, Maple Ridge Heritage Group and Family Tree Design (as well as My Heritage, of course)!  Bring your cheque-book and some cash!

 

We have well over 100 wonderful door prizes!  Thank you to all the businesses, organizations and individuals who supplied these – a list will be in your Conference Syllabus.  Your chance of going home with a great prize is over 50%.  By just filling in your Evaluation Questionnaire at the end of the day, you could win a crisp, new $100 bill!  We listen to your feedback:  this year, free coffee and tea will be available as soon as our doors open at 8am and during the lunch hour, as well as during our two breaks.

kelowna

Sunday will be a day to relax, stretch your legs and learn a little about the history of Kelowna’s Downtown Cultural District with a tour led by our famous Bob Hayes!  This free event includes two special visits:  1.  Okanagan Military Museum to learn about their great resources for military and family history; 2.  Kelowna Art Gallery to enjoy a special art exhibit about Mexican Migrant Workers, their lives and culture.  For those who wish to linger, we have an option to join us for lunch at our former CPR Station, now The Train Station Pub.

 

REGISTER NOW:  WWW.KDGS.CA

MORE INFORMATION:  Conference@KDGS.ca or phone Marie, 250-763-7159

 

Claire Smith-Burns

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Chairperson, “Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference 2016, Conference@KDGS.ca

Director, KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre, Library@KDGS.ca

www.KDGS.ca

 

 

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society Genealogy Road Trip

by Charles Hansen

Who’s Up For a Genealogy Road Trip?

 

Roadtrip

September is the perfect time to travel – the tourists have mostly gone home, the roads are in good condition and the weather is perfect!  What could be better?  Well, how about a Genealogy Road Trip?

 

Why not get a few friends together and come to Kelowna for the “Harvest Your Family Tree” Genealogy Conference, taking place from Sept. 23-25, 2016?  Sharing the costs and enjoying the companionship of like-minded friends is a wonderful way to see the countryside.

 

The Kelowna Inn & Suites is offering an unbelievable rate of only $79 per night (plus taxes), including breakfast, to our Conference registrants.  This is definitely budget-friendly, especially if you share the room with a friend or two.  The hotel is nicely appointed, has an on-site restaurant and is very conveniently located along Hwy. 97 halfway between the Friday and Saturday Conference venues.  www.kelownainnandsuites.com; 1-800-667-6133 – be sure to tell them you are coming for the Genealogy Conference.

 

While in Kelowna, enjoy our great shopping, many beautiful wineries, historic sites and get in some genealogy research at our KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre and the other great archives and specialty libraries close-by.  Be sure to scoop up some freshly-picked apples to bring home, too!  Go to the Conference pages at www.KDGS.ca, then take a look at the “Staying in Kelowna” page for lots of great suggestions and website links.  You may also want to stay on a few days after the Conference to see the Royals:  Prince William, Duchess Kate and little George & Charlotte will be in Kelowna on Sept. 27th!!!

Register for our Conference:  www.KDGS.ca.  Don’t delay too long as some workshops are filling up quickly!

¶¶¶

 

Heritage

 

Besides all the great Conference news we have been sending you over the past months, we are very excited to announce that MY HERITAGE will have a booth in our Marketplace!  They have very generously come on-board as our main sponsor, supplying name-tag lanyards, beautiful conference bags, some fabulous door prizes and My Heritage software for each registrant.  We welcome them to our Marketplace and to Kelowna!  If you aren’t familiar with My Heritage, check out their website:  www.myheritage.com.

 

 

 

Claire Smith-Burns

Library & Public Education Committees

Chairperson, “Harvest Your Family Tree” Conference (Sept. 23-25, 2016)

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

Kelowna, BC, Canada

Conference@KDGS.ca

Librarian@KDGS.ca

www.KDGS.ca

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society September Conference

by Charles Hansen

kdgs

Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25

Kelowna & District Genealogical Society

“Harvest Your Family Tree” Genealogical Conference & Marketplace 2016

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

 

Prepare to be inspired!

Combine your vacation with a top notch genealogy conference and stretch your $$ further.  One of the largest Western Canadian genealogy conferences, 10 acclaimed speakers from the UK, US and Canada with 33 topics, huge marketplace, Expert Panel, Speakers Reception, Guided Historic Walking Tour, bushels of fabulous door prizes and raffles.

Head north and get ready for a warm welcome!

 

www.kdgsconference2016.blogspot.ca

 

Kelowna & District Gen Soc News Flash

by Charles Hansen

Kelowna

 

The Kelowna & District Genealogical Society announces:
Brush up your Skills and Learn How to Research Your Family History the RIGHT Way!
This is a workshop for ALL skill levels but Especially for Beginners:
 If you are just starting out on the family history journey this all-day workshop is for you! Come away feeling confident and gain new skills that will help you to be an effective and successful researcher.
 This workshop is also recommended for those who have been researching for some time but would like to hone their skills and learn new ways of approaching old problems.
Brenda is a writer and researcher residing Maple Ridge, BC. Presently, she serves as Chair of the Maple Ridge Community Heritage Commission and is a founding member of the Maple Ridge Family History Group. Brenda was on the BC Historical Federation’s Publications Committee and Education Committees from 2005 to 2013. She presents research methodology programs for libraries, museums and archives, family history societies and other interested groups. Brenda has developed two workshop series for the Cloverdale Genealogy Collection of Surrey Libraries. Brenda has spoken at several KDGS Conferences, in additions to many other events, and is well-regarded for her expertise and presentation style. She is a “mother hen” to fledgling genealogists, as well as being a mentor to more advanced researchers.
 $40 (includes four workshops listed below, refreshments & handouts); $35 KDGS Members
 $12 – One-on-one Consultation with Brenda; $10 KDGS Members
 Okanagan College “E” Building (Centre for Learning); Rooms E310 (Workshops & Sales Tables) & E309 (Consultations)
 Free Parking available adjacent to the E Building; enter through main doors, take elevator or stairs to the 3rd Floor
9:00am – 10:00am:
 Shop at the BC Genealogical Society’s Boutique for Books and Supplies
 Shop at the KDGS Archival Supplies Table

Brenda will help you with specific research problems. You must register separately for a consultation and limit your time to one problem/question. All who register (even if you don’t have a problem to share) get to sit in and listen to Brenda’s advice – learn from the expert! ADD-ON PRICING
10:00am – 12:15pm: Where do we start? What tools do we need? Where do we look? Are we on the right path? Join Brenda in exploring the methodology for launching a family history research project. Participants receive a starter workbook and other materials to guide their first steps on this popular self-development path. As the paper and web site visits accumulate, the frustration deepens. A tidy workspace, a research log, and coherent files support the family historian’s search for ancestors. Learn to create tools for organizing research activities and results.
12:15pm – 1:30pm: LUNCH ON OWN – many local restaurants to choose from or bring a bagged lunch
1:30pm – 3:45pm:
Who said that? Under what circumstances? Family historians know we need to cite sources, but many of us need training to do it well. Learn why and how to document your family history reports. This presentation demystifies the process. Are you up against the wall, or lost in a deep, dark forest of your family’s making? Consider the possibility that the research problem you have encountered can be solved by a range of family history research techniques.
3:45pm – 4:15pm: Time to shop and chat with Brenda Please fill in and email or give to Claire Smith-Burns, librarian@kdgs.ca; you may remit your payment (cheque made out to KDGS or cash) to Claire Smith-Burns; or you may bring your payment to the Workshop on April 11th):
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________ Email:__________________________________________________________KDGS No.:___________
Workshop Only: $40 Non-Member ______ ____ $35 KDGS Member ________________
Consultation with Brenda Smith: $12 Non-Member ___________ $10 KDGS Member _______________