The largest family history conference on the seas.
COLUMBIA, MARYLAND – 5 February 2012: Wholly Genes, Inc. announces the 2012 Genealogy Conference and Cruise, September 16-23, 2012, to Alaska’s Inside Passage. This annual conference has a reputation for offering lectures by some of the most respected genealogists in the country on topics that are relevant to all researchers, including methodology, standards, repositories, record types, research aids, and technology. With expert presentations aboard a cruise ship plus exciting ports of call, this event offers a major educational opportunity and a unique vacation experience – all at a price that rivals a typical national conference or vacation alone.
This year’s conference offers some of the most sought-after speakers on genealogy and technology topics, including:
Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS: Co-Editor of the NGS Quarterly, past President of the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild (GSG), and expert on research in Ireland and East Coast States, especially Georgia and Virginia.
J. Mark Lowe, CG: Past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), past Vice-President of the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild (GSG), and expert in land records, migration, court records, and church records (Baptists, Methodists, and Moravians).
Debra S. Mieszala, CG: Certified genealogist and expert in forensic genealogy and research in Midwest States, especially Illinois.
Paul Milner, M.Div.:Professional genealogist and expert in British Isles research, migration, and Lutheran records.
Craig Scott, MA, CG: Expert in military records, Federal records, Government publications, Scottish records, Quaker records, and book publishing.
Thomas MacEntee: Expert in using technology and social media for genealogical research.
Although the host company, Wholly Genes, Inc., makes family history software, the 17+ hours of genealogical lectures are completely software-neutral and relevant to all researchers. (Non-competing lecture time is set aside for users of The Master Genealogist (TMG) who want to learn how to make the best use of that software’s features and companion products.)
Classroom lectures represent only part of the appeal of this annual conference. One of its most popular features is the opportunity for attendees to meet one-on-one or in small groups with the speakers in order to get expert advice about their specific research challenges. “In addition,” said Bob Velke, President of Wholly Genes, Inc., “group discussions, cocktail parties, and other events make the conference a great place to learn new research skills while making new friends who have similar research interests.”
The conference will be held on the luxurious Star Princess traveling roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, with visits to Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska, and a brief stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
Unlike many traditional conferences, none of the presentation times overlap, so conference-goers won’t have to make difficult choices and miss some lectures. The schedule also avoids conflicts with “scenic cruising time” as the ship sails through Tracy Arm Fjord and between the twin Sawyer glaciers.
“The cruise ship includes plenty of things for spouses or traveling companions to do while the family researcher is attending the lectures,” said Velke, “but families and friends can share meals and have memorable vacation experiences together while the ship is at port.”
Prices start at just $979 per person, including the cost of the cruise, food, shipboard entertainment, and attendance at all conference events. A roommate-finding service is also available for those who need it. Complete details can be found at www.WhollyGenes.com/cruise.htm.
About the company:
Wholly Genes Software is a privately held corporation founded in 1993 with the goal of providing professional-caliber software tools to family historians. Its flagship product, The Master Genealogist, is among the highest rated family history project managers and is in use in more than 30 countries around the world.
