Earlier today, I received an email announcing that the National Genealogical Society (NGS) will have two tracks of sessions streaming live during their conference in May.  There is a cost involved and registration by April 30, 2014 is required.  Below are the details.

Track #1 – Records and Research Techniques
  • Using Evidence Creatively: Spotting Clues in Run-of-the-Mill Records, Elizabeth Shown Mills
    May 8, 2014 at 2:30 PM (Eastern)
  • Can a Complex Research Problem Be Solved Solely Online?, Thomas W. Jones
    May 8, 2014 at 4:00 PM (Eastern)
  • Using NARA’s Finding Aids and Website, Pamela Boyer Sayre
    May 9, 2014 at 8:00 AM (Eastern)
  • Disputes and Unhappy Differences: Surprises in Land Records, Sharon Tate Moody
    May 9, 2014 at 9:30 AM (Eastern)
  • “Of Sound Mind and Healthy Body”: Using Probate Records in Your Research, Michael Hait
    May 9, 2014 at 11:00 AM (Eastern)
Track #2 – Virginia Resources and Migration Patterns
  • From Ulster to Virginia and the Carolinas, David E. Rencher
    May 9, 2014 at 2:30 PM (Eastern)
  • Researching a Civil War Soldier in Virginia, Craig Roberts Scott
    May 9, 2014 at 4:00 PM (Eastern)
  • The Migration Triangle: Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, J. Mark Lowe
    May 10, 2014 at 8:00 AM (Eastern)
  • A Treasure Trove of Rarely Used Records, Barbara Vines Little
    May 10, 2014 at 9:30 AM (Eastern)
  • Colonial Migrations In and Out of the Shenandoah Valley, Vic Dunn
    May 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM (Eastern)

You can register for one or both tracks, which entitles you to watch the sessions live AND access the recordings for three months.  Their website also states that all registrants will receive an electronic copy of the conference syllabus—what a bonus!  You must register by April 30, 2014.  Pricing is as follows:

  • For only one track – $65 for NGS members / $80 for non-members
  • For both tracks – $115 for NGS members / $145 for non-members

Personally, I think this is a GREAT deal and I am signing up for Track #1.  Here’s why.

  • First, I am unable to attend the conference, so this is a great alternative.  And even if I were attending the conference, this is still a great option to consider, especially since some of these sessions may fill up and you may not be able to attend it in person.  Additionally, if these conflict with other session you want to attend, why not spend a little extra and attend the others and then watch these after the conference.
  • Second, $65 for five sessions (or $115 for ten sessions) is reasonable.  And it looks like we get a digital copy of the entire(?) conference syllabus—score!  Better still, I can only handle so much travel and so many sessions during a multi-day conference, so I am happy to fork over $65 for five top-notch lectures that I can watch at my leisure and not have to shell out money for transportation, lodging, and food (and I don’t have to pack and I can “attend” in my PJs!!).
  • Third, I am thrilled that they are allowing three-month access to the recordings of the track(s) chosen, simply because unless you are on the east coast or an early-riser, those morning sessions are going to be hard for many of us to attend.

So glad to see NGS offering the opportunity!  Thanks a bunch!!