The following announcement was written by the U.S. National Genealogical Society:
Missouri has long been known as "The Show Me State," with residents often saying, "I'm from Missouri--you'll have to show me." This unofficial state motto will have special meaning for the nation's genealogists as they gather in Kansas City from 14-17 May 2008 for "Show Me the Way to Our Nation's Records," the annual NGS Conference in the States.
Kansas City was the jumping off point of the westward expansion. Starting with the Lewis and Clark expedition, the migration grew with thousands of pioneers moving west by horseback, wagon trains, and railroads. Whether headed for the gold mines in California, the land in Oregon, or trading opportunities in Santa Fe, these migrating Americans and new immigrants populated the Midwest and western United States.
They had a variety of experiences and backgrounds including the early explorers, trappers, and fur traders; brought a variety of occupations to the region, including clergy, farmers, merchants, ranchers, and teachers; and traveled by wagon train, stagecoach, and railroad. From their original homes to their new ones, they left civil and church records, diaries, manuscripts, photographs, and perhaps a few sod houses to show descendants the way to their stories.
This conference will feature record types from across the country. Speakers interested in participating in the 2008 NGS conference are invited to submit lecture proposals for the event. Possible topics include:
- National, regional, and state government records
- Settlers and settlement of the Midwest and West: migration patterns, trails, and transportation methods
- Military records for the nineteenth and twentieth century
- Land topics: federal and bounty land records, early land grants, and homesteading
- Ethnic topics: African Americans, French, German, Native Americans, and Spanish
- Family history writing and publishing
- Methodology, problem solving, and technology, and other general subjects
Each speaker will be limited to a maximum of four presentations; however, an unlimited number of proposals may be submitted. First consideration for speaking opportunities will go to NGS members. Speakers receive a complimentary conference registration, honorarium, and travel allowance. Hotel accommodations and per diem compensation are based on the number of lectures presented.
Most sessions will be one hour, which includes a brief question and answer period. Camera-ready syllabus material is required in early 2008. Prospective speakers may submit proposals online at the NGS Web site at www.ngsgenealogy.org from 1 January to 1 March 2007.
