Instructors

Instructor Name	Class
Barker, Charles K	Let’s Start with You-Beginning Your Research
Genealogy Background
President of Indiana African American Genealogy Group (IAAGG) Nine years on the board of IAAGG Thirty-five years of family research in Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas Have attended numerous genealogy conferences Past genealogical presentations include: “Now That You Have Found Much of Your Family Information – Share It” “ How to Use Family Tree Maker Program” “Use of “Wills and Other Court Records in Family Research”. Retired Sr. VP Information Systems Director, BetterInvesting Central Indiana Chapter
Brief Description of Workshop
I will discuss the Family Group Sheet, Interviewing Techniques, Logs and Organization, Census and Other Records, Using the Computer and the Internet and Sharing Your Findings
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Have researched all grandparents and published three family books;

Instructor Name	Class
Brindle, Regine	Finding Clues
Genealogy Background
President of The Belgian Researchers since 1998, editor of “Belgian Laces” since 1998, FHC director 1998-2007, busy with FH research since 1975, but more specifically since 1994.
Brief Description of Workshop
Finding Clues (Learning how to glean information from documents to help you continue your research)
Experience with Topic of Presentation
My experience is mostly with European records, using the details within the records to pull information that can determine where to look next, but is not limited to them. Include, using letters, bills, objects etc.

Instructor Name	Class
Burdett, Tom	Now Where Did I Get That? (Organizing Records)
Genealogy Background
Active involvement in family history and genealogy for over 14 years. Special interest in family histories, journals, New England, North Carolina and Virginia research. I enjoy attending genealogy conferences to share and to gain greater understanding of resources and to network with others. Professional employment is in the medical diagnostics industry for the past 28 years. Originally from the state of Washington, I spent most of my childhood in Southern California. I have lived two years in Chile and three years in England
Brief Description of Workshop
Review of the value of organizing family history records. Focus on three fundamental storage and organization methods a) files, b) binders and c) personal computer. Resources include several templates that could be of used in improving your organization and research focus. Examples will be shared in the workshop and handouts reviewed.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Workshop presented to various genealogy groups in the past, including the Central Indiana Family History Conference . Updated with information to reinforce the fundamental importance of organization when involved in genealogy.

Instructor Name	Class
DeLuna, Cesar	Hispanic Research
Genealogy Background
I’m just a beginner, but I have a great desire to find my own Hispanic ancestors.
Brief Description of Workshop
We will talk about what is available through the Family History Library and on the internet to aid us in researching our Hispanic ancestors.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
As I said, I'm just a beginner but I'm learning more and more and want to share it with you.

Instructor Name	Class
Dinius, Lowell	Computer Genealogy
Genealogy Background
Forty years of experience in genealogy primarily in the Midwestern United States. Past Director of the Fishers Family History Center. Formal training at Everton Publishers. Course work at BYU Independent Study.
Brief Description of Workshop
The computer as a tool for collecting, organizing, processing, communicating and publishing genealogical information.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Fifteen years of experience using Windows operating system environment for genealogical applications.

Instructor Name	Class
Duerden, Ina	Scandinavian Research
Genealogy Background
Two years on a full-time mission at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Three years as a volunteer staff member at the White River and Brownsburg Family History Centers.
Brief Description of Workshop
This class will include: Maps and Border changes in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish geography; Patronymics and Language characteristics; Feast Days; and Types of records and sources.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Raised in Denmark and speaks, writes and reads Danish and some Norwegian. Two years in Scandinavian research; extensive research in Danish lines, Danish Church records and on-site research in Danish locations; basic Norwegian research.

Instructor Name	Class
Engelking, Debbie	"Weather" or Not to Migrate
Genealogy Background
I have been researching my own family history for over thirty years and am a former Director of the Virginia Beach Virginia Stake Family History Center. I have presented classes at various genealogy groups and am currently the Staff Training Coordinator for the two Family History Centers in the Indianapolis Indiana Stake.
Brief Description of Workshop
Migration is an important part of our ancestors’ stories. Their wanderlust is what drove them from the eastern states to settle the, then unknown, west. We will also discuss how weather played a role in sometimes helping families to move even when they didn’t want to.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
My family has been in the United States since before the American Revolution coming to Indiana from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio. It has been interesting learning how they came to settle here.

Instructor Name	Class
Erickson, Sherry	Using a Family History Center
Genealogy Background

Brief Description of Workshop

Experience with Topic of Presentation

Instructor Name	Class
Fishburn, Mary	Beginning PAF
Genealogy Background
I am the Ward Family history Consultant for the Indianapolis 1st Ward and have been working on my own family history for the past 20 years.
Brief Description of Workshop
Beginning PAF: Basic navigation of the PAF software. I plan to walk participants through inputting their family history information into PAF and show them how to print off their pedigree charts and family group records.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
I have been using PAF for my family history records for over 15 years. I have taken the online training offered for Family History Consultants. Although I am not an expert, I feel very comfortable with teaching the basic navigation through the fields.

Instructor Name	Class
Hayes, Nichelle M.	African-American Research
Genealogy Background
Active involvement in family history and genealogy for over 20+ years. Special interest in family histories, African-American research and the state of Louisiana. I enjoy meeting genealogists and family historians to learn about techniques and funny stories. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was the 3rd president (former) of the Indiana African American Genealogy Group (IAAGG).
Brief Description of Workshop
Overview of the exciting challenges inherent in research of African – American ancestors. Resources that will aid the beginner – advanced researcher in knocking down the brick walls. I will discuss the basic steps in African American Genealogy, Identifying Enslaved Persons and Owners of enslaved persons (prior to 1870), resources for research. Information on will be given on preserving the present.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
See Presenter Background.

Instructor Name	Class
Haynie, Gabriel	Advanced PAF
Genealogy Background
I have worked on my own genealogy for several years and have heavily used PAF.
Brief Description of Workshop
This class will be a more in depth overview of PAF including how to use media, how to enter complex family relationships, etc.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
I have taught a computer genealogy class at IUPUI and used PAF as our primary tool.

Instructor Name	Class
Hessler, Charlie	Advanced German Research
Genealogy Background
History degrees from Indiana University (1968) and Stanford University (1971); genealogy research for over 35 years on my own families, as well as helping friends with their research.
Brief Description of Workshop
Advanced German Research will focus on how to locate the town of origin of German ancestors and how to read German records, even with little or no knowledge of the German language.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Speaker at 2007 Fishers Conference; extensive research in German materials, including those at Salt Lake City, as well as research in archives and libraries in several German cities, such as Würzburg, Osnabrück, Kassel, and Ludwigsburg.

Instructor Name	Class
Hessler, Charlie	Beginning German Research
Genealogy Background
History degrees from Indiana University (1968) and Stanford University (1971); genealogy research for over 35 years on my own families, as well as helping friends with their research.
Brief Description of Workshop
Beginning German Research will focus on library and Internet resources for getting started on tracing German ancestors in American records.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Speaker at 2007 Fishers Conference; extensive research in German materials, including those at Salt Lake City, as well as research in archives and libraries in several German cities, such as Würzburg, Osnabrück, Kassel, and Ludwigsburg.

Instructor Name	Class
Jordan, Jeri	Southern Hospitality
Genealogy Background
I have been working on my Family History for years. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Tennessee, where most of my ancestors are from. I have ancestors from TN, KY, SC
Brief Description of Workshop
We will be covering records that are available in the Southern States.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
I have done most of my research in Tennessee.

Instructor Name	Class
Lifferth, Ernest and Judy	Fun with Family History
Genealogy Background
Journal and Family History Writing. Authored a small book on, “Searching for Lifferths in Germany”
Brief Description of Workshop
Station KLHA Evening News….A fast-paced television news cast focused on Keeping Lifferth (or your family) History Alive with news from around the world. The workshop will cover ideas for organizing and having family reunions or dinners commemorating family history events, helping younger generations to know their ancestors
Experience with Topic of Presentation
We recently coordinated our own Lifferth Family 33rd Annual German Dinner complete with Temple Session, Family History Workshop, German Dinner and program. Over 200 family members attended.

Instructor Name	Class
Loper, Wally & Dee	Going to Court
Genealogy Background
We both of been doing family history for a number of years and serve as family history consultants.
Brief Description of Workshop
The class is all about where to find: Marriages, Divorces, Land records, Wills, Court records for small claims, and felonies, county maps, Etc.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Our favorite vacations include stops at various courthouses to do family history research. We love finding those records that don’t always appear online or in indexes.

Instructor Name	Class
Malcom, Stephen & Elisabeth	For Whom the Bells Toll (Church Research)
Genealogy Background

Brief Description of Workshop

Experience with Topic of Presentation

Instructor Name	Class
McDonald, Stephen D	Roles and Responsibilities of Priesthood Leaders
Genealogy Background
Area Advisor in Family History for the Northeast Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and frequent lecturer on Family History.
Brief Description of Workshop
The recent changes in priesthood oversight of family history will be discussed. The emphasis on the key role of Family History Consultants will be explored. Staffing of Family History Centers will be reviewed.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Area Advisor in Family History and has provided extensive training sessions in the Northeast Area

Instructor Name	Class
McDonald, Lynda	Online Training of FHC Directors and FH Consultant
Genealogy Background
Area Advisor in Family History for the Northeast Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Director of the Dayton, Ohio, Family History Center for the past 6 years.
Brief Description of Workshop
The Family History Online Guide is available to all Family History Center Directors. Let’s explore together the nine areas of information that will aid in our directing of our Family History Centers. The Family History Consultant has available extensive training online. The lessons will aid you in your calling in helping members of your individual Wards. These lessons will give the Family History Consultant the tools needed to fulfill their assignments.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Area Advisor in Family History and has provided extensive training sessions in the Northeast Area

Instructor Name	Class
McDonald, Stephen and Lynda	The New Family Search And Temple Submission
Genealogy Background
Stephen is a frequent guest lecturer at Family History Conferences and Lynda has been the Director of the Dayton Ohio Family History Center for the past 6 years
Brief Description of Workshop
“New FamilySearch: A New Program for Linking Generations” FamilySearch is a secure website provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where people can share family history information and work together to link generations. This site has undergone recent changes. A review of the reasons for the changes, an introduction to the organization of the new FamilySearch and an online demonstration to include Temple Submissions.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
As Area Advisors in Family History for the Northeast Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the McDonalds have been giving extensive training sessions in many areas on this topic.

Instructor Name	Class
Merrill, Alexa	Making Sense of the Census
Genealogy Background
Past Chairman of the CIFHC Former Stake Family History Center Director & Stake Family History Consultant Ward Family History Consultant Family History researcher for more than 35 years in Indiana, Utah and Hawaii
Brief Description of Workshop
Making Sense of the Census is an introduction to the basic steps and strategies of census research. We will explore the various types of US Census records available, where they are located, how to access these records, and the wealth of information that they contain for the family historian.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Since census records are such a basic resource, I have researched them for many years at different repositories such as the Indiana State Library, the Allen County Public Library, the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, the Hawaii State Archives, and the National Archives in Washington, DC! I also presented a census workshop at the 2006 Central Indiana Family History Conference.

Instructor Name	Class
Merrill, Alexa	Lock Stock & Barrel (Land Records)
Genealogy Background
Past Chairman of the CIFHC Former Stake Family History Center Director and Stake Family History Consultant Ward Family History Consultant Family History researcher for more than 35 years in Indiana, Utah and Hawaii
Brief Description of Workshop
Lock, Stock & Barrel is an introduction to researching land and property records in the United States. The cycle of obtaining land, then selling and moving and acquired other property generated many kinds of records. These records apply to more people than any other record type. The history of land transactions from the government to individuals and transactions between individuals, as well as the records these transactions generated, will be discussed. A seven-step process to help find family history information in land records will be presented.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
A professional Real Estate Broker with over 10 years experience and has presented a similar seminar on this topic to other genealogy groups in the Indianapolis area.

Instructor Name	Class
Remali, Stu	They Came Across an Ocean
Genealogy Background
I have been involved with genealogy off and on for more than thirty years. I am the first generation in the United States on one side of my line and second generation on the other, so I have some experience in trying to find immigrant ancestors.
Brief Description of Workshop
We will talk about the immigration process and how to find records of those who traveled to the United States.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Most of my research has been overseas, in England, Norway, and Finland. While researching in those countries I've on occasion had to figure ways around obstacles of distance, language and customs.

Instructor Name	Class
Remali, Patty	Family Search Indexing
Genealogy Background
I have been working on my own family history for almost 40 years. I have been indexing for several months now and love it!
Brief Description of Workshop
What is all this buzz about Family Indexing? It is done on the computer so it cannot be all that easy! I already have so much to do, how could I possibly do this too? I just do not have time, for anything else. We have all been there, but in a short time, you can find out what this buzz is all about. You can learn that it is easy, and it does not take all that much time. If you have not looked into Family Indexing, why dont you stop in for a short 45 - 50 minute presentation and find out if this is something you CAN do? No obligation, no money involved, just a few minutes of your time, and a little more knowledge of how new technology is being used by our church to help you have indexed, digital records for free.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
What keeps me going is my testimony of service. Everyday I try to look for a way to serve someone. Some days it is in my home, others it is in my neighborhood, and some days it is serving those on the other side. I find genealogy and service very rewarding and fulfilling. Family Search Indexing is a great way to give service by providing help to those researching their ancestors. I hope in some small way I can share my love of this part of the gospel with you.

Instructor Name	Class
Surface, Peggy	From a Woman’s Point of View
Genealogy Background
I’m a newly called Family History Consultant but I have been working on my own family tree for quite a few years now.
Brief Description of Workshop
Tracing Female Ancestors. So many times we’re left with “Jane married to John Smith”. We’re going to learn how to get started and “hunt” them down and while doing so find some different ways you might be able to find those elusive maiden names.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
I’m in the same boat you are: half of my ancestors are women. I’ve had to search for those pesky maternal lines myself. I’ve been called to serve, I’m willing to learn and give 110%!

Instructor Name	Class
Various Instructors from the Conference,	Questions & (Hopefully) Some Answers
Genealogy Background
Tons of experience in different aspects of research.
Brief Description of Workshop
Sometimes we just need a different point of view when we’ve been puzzling over what seems an unsolvable problem. Send us your questions on the “brick walls’ of your family history research. We’ll find some tricks and some different aspects for you and present them in a panel discussion to, hopefully, knock down a few of those walls.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Between us there’s probably not much we haven’t seen or been involved in with our own research and training.

Instructor Name	Class
Warrington, Andrew	British Research
Genealogy Background
Strictly amateur – have conducted research on my exclusively British ancestors going back to about 1715. Have used internet, family as well as public records to locate people.
Brief Description of Workshop
Summary of resources available to trace your British ancestors. A review of the internet databases, public records and some more “fun” information. Brief case study on my own family research.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Own research (I am British) and information gathered in the process of conducting my family search.

Instructor Name	Class
West, Jim and Shirley	Hoosier Heritage
Genealogy Background
Jim: I am currently serving as a family history consultant for the Columbus I Ward, where they're preparing to introduce the new familysearch program. Served for 2 years as president of the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society. I also have a BS degree from BYU. Shirley: I am currently a missionary for the new familysearch program. I participated in indexing for the Familysearch Indexing program for both the 1900 and 1850 censuses. I served as a board member for the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society for 5 years. I've been serving as a family history consultant for upteen years and worked in the family history library in Columbus for umpteen years.
Brief Description of Workshop
Indiana has a lot to offer the researcher looking for his/her Hoosier Heritage. We will be showing you what to look for and where to find it.
Experience with Topic of Presentation
Jim: I’ve done extensive research in central Indiana and Kentucky beginning with the territorial records for Indiana to the present. My wife thinks I spend too much time in the Indiana State Library and the Filson Club in Louisville which means I have a lot of research experience in libraries and archives. Shirley: I've been doing family history for 40 years taking time out to have 6 children. My family research has centered in early central and southern Indiana with ancestors coming into Bartholomew, Shelby and Johnson Counties at their formation.

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