Sometimes the small tidbits you pick up at a conference can be just as helpful as the larger programs. That was the case at the recent National Genealogical Society’s Conference held in Pittsburgh in late May.

One of the most interesting things I learned is that the National Genealogical Society has transferred its circulating collection to the St. Louis County Library in Missouri. What this means is that every book in the NGS Special Collection at St. Louis is available for interlibrary loan! To the general public!

As you know, most genealogy books in collections do not circulate. Visit the NGS Online Catalog to search for books of interest at www.ngsgenealogy.org/libprecat.htm and in St. Louis at www.slcl.lib.mo.us/slcl/sc/ngs/ngs-ill.htm. Print out a copy of the book you would like to see and take to your local interlibrary loan librarian. The NGS Special Collection is a valuable resource so learn how to take advantage of this access opportunity.

The conference was also worthwhile with a broad variety of talks. To see a complete list of presentations visit this site: www.eshow2000.com/ngs/at-a-glance.cfm. If you are interested in the topics you can purchase audiotapes of many of the presentations from Repeat Performances: www.audiotapes.com.

Va. conference in July

The Virginia Genealogical Society will sponsor the Virginia Institute of Genealogical Research at Roslyn, the Virginia Diocesan Center, in Richmond July 6-10. The Institute consists of two simultaneous tracks of instruction: one for the novice Virginia researcher and one for the more experienced researcher.

A group of eight leading experts in Virginia genealogical research will conduct the sessions and panels, lead evening discussion groups, and generally be available to provide guidance and advice for your research problems. For full details, including specific session titles and times, contact the Virginia Genealogical Society, by e-mail: mail@vgs.org; or phone: (804) 285-8954.

Genealogy meet near Disney

In the heart of Florida and close to Disney World, genealogists from all over the country, Great Britain and Europe will be attending the Federation of Genealogical Society Conference, hosted by the Florida State Genealogical Society Sept. 3-6.

The conference in Orlando features more than 200 lectures and 95 speakers.

For more detailed information on each lecture, visit www.fgs.org.

For information on vendors at the event, check out www.fgs.org/2003conf/conf-exhibitors.asp.

The deadline for early conference registration at the lower price is July 15. Co-chairs Jim and Pam Cooper can be reached at
P. O. Box 7066, Vero Beach, FL 32961-7066.