The following is an announcement written by the Augusta (Georgia) Genealogical Society

When: Saturday, August 7, 2021

Where: Online

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Registration Deadline: August 6, 2021 – Register online at augustagensociety.org

Cost: $45 Non-Member, $35 Member

Speaker: Elissa Scalise Powell

Subject: Researching Your Pennsylvania Heritage

Join AGS, Saturday, August 7, 2021, for a day long webinar with Elissa Scalise Powell. Topics for the day will be as follows:

Problems and Pitfalls of Reasonably Shallow Research. Assumptions, misinterpretations, and not digging deep enough into original records can mislead research, sometimes for years. By following the principles of reasonably exhaustive research and the incentive to make it a part of usual research habits, attendees will learn about particular pitfalls to watch for and how to remedy them.

Primer to Pennsylvania Records. Pennsylvania records and courthouses may be confusing with an indexing system that may not be familiar to every researcher. This lecture will help the attendee gain a better understanding of how to begin research in the Keystone State and types of records contained in every Pennsylvania Courthouse: The Recorder of Deeds, the Register of Wills, and the Prothonotary, along with access strategies.

How Did My Pennsylvania Ancestor Get There? Migration Trails Out of the Keystone State. Considering the trails and push and pull reasons why your ancestor left Pennsylvania will give you some clues as to where you might search for his origins there. Equally important is the mode he used according to what was available at the time of migration.

Sailing Into the Sunset: Tips for Finding Your Ancestors on Passenger Lists. Finding ancestors on passenger lists depend on at least three things: being able to recognize him with the limited information on the list, understanding if a record even exists, and working the transcribed indexes correctly. Examples will be shown of 18th Century, 19th Century, and 20th Century passenger lists and search strategies.

About the Speaker:

Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist®, a western Pennsylvania researcher for over 30 years, is the co-director of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and “Genealogy as a Profession” course coordinator since 2007 at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR). She was an instructor and module creator for Boston University’s Genealogical Research Certificate program (2008 -2016). She was the mentor for ProGenStudy’s 1st, 25thand 50thgroups and author of two chapters in the 2018 Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice and Standardsbook. She was the course co-coordinator of the AG/CG Preparation Course at the 2010 and 2013 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). She was honored with the Association of Professional Genealogists 2017 Professional Achievement Award, and in 2010, with the NGS President’s Citation in recognition of outstanding, continuing, or unusual contributions to the field of genealogy. She is a regional and national speaker on such topics as Pennsylvania records, methodology, professional development, and society management.

The Augusta Genealogical Society is happy to announce that our 2021 Annual Symposium has been refashioned for distance-learning. We know that many of you were looking forward to the in-person experience AGS has offered for over 40 years. Enjoy this live event from the comfort of your home.

Once you have registered you will receive a personalized individual access link to use the day of the webinar. You will also receive several email notices with your access link leading up to the day of the symposium.

For more information, please contact the Augusta Genealogical Society – phone 706-722-4073 or visit our website: augustagensociety.org

About Us: The Augusta Genealogical Society is a nonprofit organization founded in Augusta, GA, in September 1979.