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Genealogy Conference and Cruise
Destination: Alaska
Date: September 16 - 23, 2012
Ship: Princess Cruises Star Princess
~ Hosted by Wholly Genes, Inc. ~
Join us for an educational and fun-filled voyage to Alaska while we learn about genealogical research methods, sources, tools, and technologies from some of the foremost experts in those fields.

You'll be among friends (old and new) and fellow researchers from around the world as you soak up new knowledge and skills through a lecture series that rivals any regional or national genealogy conference - but at one remarkably-low price that includes all meals, taxes, port charges, onboard entertainment, and conference events.

Bring your spouse/companion who will find plenty to do on board while you enhance your research skills. Then spend the meals, evenings, and port days together for a truly memorable vacation!


The Speakers
These include some of the preeminent genealogists in the country; the professionals who teach the professionals. But now they're ready to teach you! Lectures will be targeted to the typical family researcher but will include material that will be valuable to even the most experienced genealogists. Plus, you'll have access to these speakers in one-on-one and small group settings to pick their brains about your specific research challenges.

  • Thomas W. JonesThomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, has edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly since 2002. He is a trustee and a past president of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, past board member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and recipient of its 2011 Professional Achievement Award and its 2004 Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit. Retired from a thirty-year career in higher education and professor emeritus at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., Tom works as a genealogical researcher, writer, editor, and educator. He coordinates courses at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and Samford University’s Institute on Genealogy and Historical Research and; and he teaches in Boston University’s Genealogical Certificate Program. Tom’s research has encompassed records of every state east of the Mississippi, as well as Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, England, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Wales. He specializes, however, in Georgia, Illinois, and Virginia and is most interested in solving “brick-wall” genealogical problems. Tom writes and speaks frequently on genealogical methods with broad application across geographic areas, time periods, and levels of expertise. He is known for meaty lectures benefiting genealogists of all experience levels.

  • J. Mark LoweJ. Mark Lowe, CG, is a full-time professional genealogist, author, and teacher who researches primarily in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. Mark has published articles in APGQ, North Carolina Genealogical Society Quarterly, SPEAK!, The Longhunter, and other society publications. His weekly local history article appears in the Robertson County[Tenn.] Times. He is the Director of the Regional In-depth Genealogical Studies Alliance (RIGS Alliance) a week-long hands-on research session focusing on original documents and manuscripts in cooperation with the National Archives. He is also an instructor at IGHR (Institute for Genealogical & Historical Research (Samford Univ.) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (UGA). He is a former officer and Board member for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), Past-President of the Association of Professional Genealogists, a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association and was awarded the APG - Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award.

  • Debra S. MieszalaDebra S. Mieszala, CG, is a Certified GenealogistSM specializing in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest. She does genealogical research for the military to locate relatives of service members missing in past wars, and formerly did adoption-related research as a Confidential Intermediary in Illinois. A national-level lecturer and author, she has taught at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. Debbie has been published in NGS Magazine, The Digital Genealogist, and OnBoard! As a member of the BCG Outreach Committee, she writes press releases on newly certified genealogists. She has attended IGHR and NIGR, and holds a certificate in paralegal studies.

  • Paul MilnerPaul Milner, M.Div, is a professional genealogist and lecturer; specializing in British Isles and U.S. research for over 25 years. Born and raised in northern England, settling in the U.S. in 1975. A nationally recognized speaker for British Isles research and migration. Co-author of A Genealogists Guide to Discovering your English Ancestors and A Genealogists Guide to Discovering your Scottish Ancestors. APG Board member and former board member of FGS and GSG; book review editor, FGS Forum.

  • Craig ScottCraig Scott, MA, CG, is the author of The 'Lost Pensions': Settled Accounts of the Act of 6 April 1838 and Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury, Inventory 14 (Revised). He has co-authored several books relating to records in Northern Virginia. He has authored articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and Family Chronicle and many other genealogical publications. He is the President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with over 3,000 titles in print located in Westminster, Maryland. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty-four years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military. He was the Clan Scott Genealogist (1985 - 2000). He is a member of the Company of Military Historians, recently a Governor-at-Large of the Virginia Genealogical Society, on the editorial board of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, and a former Director of the Association of Professional Genealogists. A faculty member for several years of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Samford University he was the coordinator of the 2007 Advanced Military Records Course about the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

  • Thomas MacEnteeThomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogy research and as a way to connect with others in the family history community.

    Speakers are subject to change.

  • The Conference
    The conference schedule also includes opportunities for one-on-one consultations with the speakers, shared meals with professional genealogists, several late-night roundtable chats, and two cocktail parties to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones, among other events.

    Although the daily lecture schedule has not yet been published, the presentations will not overlap so, unlike many traditional conferences, you won't have to make difficult choices and miss some of the lectures. Likewise, no lectures or events are scheduled during port time -- so they will not interfere with your vacation time! Of course, Alaska is known for its beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife. All of our lectures* are therefore scheduled while the ship is in the open sea (i.e., no land in sight). In particular, no lectures are scheduled during the "Scenic Cruising Time" as the ship passes through the narrow fjord of Tracy Arm (the Inside Passage) and within sight of the twin Sawyer glaciers. So put down your note pad and grab your camera!

    While the hosting company, Wholly Genes, Inc., makes family history software, all of the events and lectures with expert researchers are software-neutral and relevant to every family researcher who wants to improve their skills. Users of The Master Genealogist (TMG) will have the opportunity to hear several additional non-conflicting presentations about how to make the most of that software and its companion products.

    Prices begin at just $979 per person (double occupancy), including the 7-night cruise, food, evening entertainment, port fees, taxes, cabin steward service, and all conference events. Bring your family, friends, and fellow researchers. A roommate matching service is available.

    Where else can you get group lessons, one-on-one consultations, and elbow-rubbing time with some of the foremost genealogy experts in the world while someone else handles all the food, housekeeping, entertainment, and transportation on a breathtaking Alaskan vacation? Come prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy the most educational vacation of your life!


    Cruise Itinerary - 7-Night Alaska*
    Day Port Arrive Depart
    Sep. 16, 2012 Seattle, Washington -- 04:00 PM
    Sep. 17, 2012 At Sea -- --
    Sep. 18, 2012 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:30 AM 4:00 PM
    Sep. 19, 2012 Tracy Arm Fjord & twin Sawyer Glaciers (Scenic Cruising) 6:00 AM 10:00 PM
    Sep. 19, 2012 Juneau, Alaska 2:00 PM 10:00 PM
    Sep. 20, 2012 Skagway, Alaska 6:00 AM 5:00 PM
    Sep. 21, 2012 At Sea -- --
    Sep. 22, 2012 Victoria, British Columbia 7:00 PM 12:00 AM
    Sep. 23, 2012 Seattle, Washington 07:00 AM --

    *Itinerary may vary slightly by departure. A detailed itinerary will be provided at time of confirmation.

      
    Please call The Cruise Web between 9am-5pm Eastern (M-F) at 1-800-377-9383 and press "2"

    Cruise Map - 7-Night Roundtrip Seattle, WA
    2012 Genealogy Conference and Cruise Itinerary

    Cruise Pricing
    Prices start at $979 (inside cabin, double occupancy) subject to availability. That includes food, port fees and taxes, shipboard entertainment, and attendance to all conference lectures and group events. The price does NOT include travel to/from Seattle, alcohol, tips, or optional guided shore excursions.

    Pre- and post-cruise hotels will be made available at group rates for those who want them. Roommate-matching assistance may also be available. Please tell your travel agent if you need help finding a roommate.

    Travel insurance is available at a group rate and may cover the cancellation fee under certain conditions.

    To make your reservation, download this registration form: http://www.WhollyGenes.com/cruiseregister.pdf

    Then print it and send the completed form to our group travel agent by fax (240-487-0153) or scan and email it to JulieA@cruiseweb.com.

    If you do not get a confirmation within 24 hours (or you have any other questions or concerns), please call The Cruise Web toll free between 9am and 5pm Eastern (M-F) at 1-800-377-9383 and press "2" for the special Wholly Genes reservation hotline.

    During business hours, a bank of operators is standing by but the reservation line is expected to be busy at times. If you are asked to leave a message, your place in line will be preserved and an operator will return your call.


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