Sat., Mar. 13, 2010. Researching your Irish and Scots-Irish Ancestors - an all-day conference.
8:30 am (registration and coffee) – 4:30pm.
Embassy Suites Hotel, Philadelphia–Valley Forge, conveniently located near the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), Blue Route (I-476), and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Registration: $55 Members; $60 Non-Members (includes Continental Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and Handouts).  
 
Join Fintan Mullan, executive director of the Ulster Historical Foundation, and Dr. Brian Trainor, former Director of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and former chairman of the Irish Manuscripts Commission, for an all-day focus on Irish research.  
 

Registration Form and Program Information.

Fri., Mar. 26, 2010. GSP Annual Meeting.
1 pm, Skyline Room – 4th floor, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia.
Please RSVP* by 19th March to ExecDir@genpa.org. Members and interested friends are invited, but space is limited. Refreshments will be served.  
 
After a brief business meeting and induction of new First Families of Pennsylvania members, well-known speaker and popular author John T. Humphrey will present:

Pennsylvania’s Eighteenth-century Economy
The lives of our ancestors were influenced and often determined by the economic forces that surrounded them. This presentation takes a look at the economy, and its impact on the family as it examines records that are frequently overlooked.

John T. Humphrey, CG, is past president of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society, and past vice president of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. Humphrey was the former Director of the National Genealogical Society, Learning Center in Arlington, Virginia. As a specialist in German research, John has lectured widely, including in Germany, and in 2011 will be the German research instructor at the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research at Samford University. His principal genealogical publication is the sixteen-volume set of Pennsylvania Births listing more than 195,000 births in fifteen eastern Pennsylvania counties. His most recent publication is Finding German Ancestors: A Practical Guide for Genealogists.

Fri., April 2, 2010. Tracing Philadelphia Germans Back to the Fatherland.
Genealogy First Friday co-sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania and the National Archives, Mid Atlantic Region. Join the discussion with GSP board member Norman Douglas Nichol, PhD.
12 pm – 2 pm. National Archives, Mid-Atlantic Region (NARA), Philadelphia.  
 
Dr. Nicol is a professional genealogist and historian whose research foci are Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic states, Northeast Pennsylvania, Britain, Scotland and Germany. He is familiar with archives and repositories serving all of these interests and regularly travels abroad to do research. Additionally he is skilled in reading early forms of handwriting including German Script, also in transcription and analysis of relevant documents. Among many organizational affiliations, Dr. Nicol serves on the Board of Directors of The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. 
 
NARA sponsors First Friday lectures and/or brown bag lunch gatherings the First Friday of every month.

Sat., June 26, 2010. Appraisal Day, sponsored by GSP.
10 am to 2 pm. The Bucks County Visitor Center, 3207 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020-2032. Google map.
Admission: $25. Light refreshments. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact GSP: ExecDir@genpa.org or 215-545-0391.  
 
Dr. Lori, holding a Ph.D. in Art History from Penn State University and certified as an art and antiques appraiser, will appaise items brought by attendees. Rather than the one-to-one appraisals seen on TV, Dr. Lori will discuss all items before an audience of all attendees, providing not only information for the individual who brought the item, but providing an educational, interesting and sometimes humorous discussion of each item for everyone. Limit: 2 items. Dr. Lori will not appraise weapons or musical instruments.  
 
Who is Dr. Lori? As seen on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Tonight Show, Fine Living Network, FamilyNet, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Daytime, Retirement Living TV, and Comcast TV, Dr. Lori is an award-winning TV personality, TV talk show host, and art historian. Dr. Lori is a nationally syndicated columnist with columns carried in 86 publications reaching more than 8 million readers monthly, an editor of several lifestyle magazines, and an author with 30 books to her credit. A certified fine art and antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori is the director of www.DrLoriV.com. Presenting more than 100 events every year and conducting in home appraisal visits, Dr. Lori reviews approximately 20,000 items a year.

Tues., Mar. 9, 2010. Don't Forget the Ladies.....Finding and Identifying the Women in Your Past.
7 pm. Presentation to Old York Road Genealogical Society by GSP board members Carol M. Scheaffer and Nancy C. Nelson.  
 
The Old York Road Genealogical Society meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington.

Fri., Feb. 5, 2010. My Experiences in Using Y-DNA for Family Research.
Genealogy First Friday sponsored by the National Archives, Mid Atlantic Region. Join the discussion with Clarke Glennon, GSP Board Member, other GSP members, plus genealogists from the greater Philadelphia area.
12 pm – 2 pm. National Archives, Mid-Atlantic Region (NARA), Philadelphia. 
 
NARA sponsors First Friday lectures and/or brown bag lunch gatherings the First Friday of every month.

Sat., Jan. 23, 2010. Records Unearthed: A Genealogist’s Workshop.
Sponsored by Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery and led by GSP Board Member Susan S. Koelble, a Certified Genealogist, lecturer, teacher and author.
Session 1: 12 pm – 1 pm; Session 2: 2 pm – 3 pm. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. 
 
Session 1, No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded, will guide genealogists through the materials that can be found in the Recorder of Deeds Office, stressing the importance of information found in deeds, registry jackets, sheriff deeds, and miscellaneous books. Session 2, Getting the Most out of Your Philadelphia Research, will detail the area facilities where participants can get the most “bang for their buck.” The location, hours, and records available will be covered for repositories such as City Hall, City Hall Archives, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the National Archives Mid Atlantic-Region, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Sat., Jan. 9, 2010. GSP's Post-Holiday Party.
2 pm. William Penn House, 1919 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.  
 
Once the holiday madness has ended, come join us January 9th at the William Penn House, 1919 Chestnut Street, for an afternoon of party food and post holiday fun with fellow genealogists. The party begins at 2:00pm, and then feel free to come back with us to the new offices for a brief visit.

Fri., Dec. 11, 2009. Pennsylvania Partnership Summit: "The Virtual Society in Action," Philadelphia-Valley Forge.
9:30 am – 4 pm. Embassy Suites Hotel, Philadelphia–Valley Forge, located near the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), Blue Route (I-476), and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Two representatives of each Partners member society may attend the event without charge. The fee for additional society members and representatives of non-member societies will be $40 each, with lunch included.  
 
In today's electronic world, genealogical societies of all sizes are turning to the virtual world to interact with and provide services to members. The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania and its Partners Program cordially invites representatives of your society to attend the 2009 Pennsylvania Partnership Summit, “The Virtual Society,” an all-day program focused on ways societies can add to their Internet presence to increase society outreach. 
 
The morning program features David E. Rencher, chief genealogical officer of Family Search.org discussing Societies Going Virtual and Societies Going Virtual—An Update (click on a title to download its syllabus in Microsoft Word format). Following a buffet lunch, Tim Siftar from Drexel University's Hagerty Library, Seth Horwitz of CommuniShare Consulting, and Tom Ceresini, Independent Library Consultant, will address Getting Starting with Virtual Meetings and Service Delivery: Options and Best Practices. 
 
Further details and online registration. The following documents require the free Adobe Reader: Mail-in registration, FAQ flyer, Schedule. This program is supported by The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Statewide Organization Grant Program.

Fri., Dec. 4, 2009. First Friday event at NARA: Census Records, Philadelphia.
12 noon to 2 pm, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 900 Market St., Philadelphia (entrance on Chestnut street between 9th and 10th streets).  
 
GSP joins with the National Archives and Records Administration in Philadelphia as co-host for their First Friday event, as GSP board member Karen Higgins presents an overview of Census Records. GSP members and the public are welcome. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee is provided.

Sat., Oct. 31, 2009. Lecture, Walking Tour and Lunch at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.
10 am: Guided Walking Tour; 12 noon: Lunch. 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Register online via this website or by mail via flyer registration form. $25 GSP member fee, $30 non-member fee. Fee includes lunch. Space Limited/Register Early! 
 
Laurel Hill Cemetery, designated a National Historic Monument in 1998, is located in what is now the East Falls section of Philadelphia on an estimated 78-acre tract of land. Numerous prominent people are buried at the Cemetery, including members of many prominent Philadelphia families - The Rittenhouses, Wideners, Elkins and Strawbridges to name a few, but Laurel Hill is also home to others such as General Meade and thirty-nine other Civil War-era generals and six Titanic passengers. Come and tour this magnificent cemetery and enjoy lunch in The Cemetery Gatehouse.

Fri.-Sat., Oct. 23-24, 2009. The Industrious Bee: Francis Daniel Pastorius, His Manuscripts, and His World, Philadelphia.
Hosted by the McNeil Center for Early American Studies, 3355 Woodland Walk (34th and Sansom Streets) on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. 
 
Join Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania Fellow, James M. Duffin, and other notable Germantown historians for a two-day program highlighting Francis Daniel Pastorius (1651-1719) and his manuscripts. Francis Daniel Pastorius left behind a formidable body of writing that is only now beginning to be adequately studied, but which touches upon virtually every cultural, social, philosophical, religious, and political question relevant to life in early America. Pastorius's encyclopedic body of work ranges from the first antislavery tract in America to children's ABC primers, legal texts, poetry, gardening, manuals, and a massive commonplace book, The Beehive. 
 
This conference is free and open to the public but advance registration is required. To register, to request access to the precirculated papers (which will not be read aloud at the conference), or for other information, please see the conference website, www.mceas.org/pastorius, or contact mceas@ccat.sas.upenn.edu.

Sat., Oct. 17, 2009. Regional Family History Conference, Cherry Hill, NJ.
Hosted by The Cherry Hill Family History Center. $12 registration fee includes lunch. GSP will be represented with a table in the Exhibit Hall and via speaker Sandi Hewlett. Keynote speaker: Dick Eastman. More than 20 classes and presentations on a whole range of subjects, from beginner to advanced. Conference program and details: www.mafhc.org.   Read Dick Eastman's report on this event.

Sat. and Sun., Oct. 10 and 11, 2009. History and Mystery Conference at Ft. Mifflin. Sponsored by Ft. Mifflin and The East Coast Paranormal Investigators. GSP will have an informational/educational table. For details on registration, speakers, events and vendors/organizations go to www.ecpic.org.

Sat., Sept. 26, 2009. The 3rd Annual Bucks County Ancestry Fair, co-sponsored by GSP and The Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Bucks County Visitor Center, 3207 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020. Google map.  
 
Speakers, genealogical exhibitors, historical societies, book sellers, plus other vendors.

Mon., Sept. 14, 2009. 2nd Annual Genealogy Fair. 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Willow Valley Retirement Communities, Cultural Center, Lakes Campus, Lancaster, PA. Map and directions (scroll down the map to see the Cultural Center). Vendors, organizations, exhibitors and food.

Sun.–Fri., Aug. 2–7, 2009. The 29th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, co-sponsored by the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGSGP). The Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel.  
 
The organizers anticipated over 1000 attendees from 40 states and 20 countries representing over 70 Jewish Genealogical Societies from around the world. The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania was among a large number of exhibitors and vendors participating throughout the week and sponsored a speaker. Program and registration information at www.philly2009.org.

Sat., May 30, 2009. Genealogy Software—Back to Basics, presented by David Kleiman and Kate Myslinski of Heritage Muse. Lecture and Fair. 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA. Google map.  
 
Wondering what genealogy software to use? Did you import data to a new program and now have to clean up your files? Does the data you entered years ago fail your current criteria for completeness of inputting, sourcing, and consistency? Want to know how to output your data to share with others? Our speakers will discuss these issues and more to help you understand and use genealogy software programs, merge files, resolve conflicts, clean up old files, identify potential issues, and document sources and repositories. Examples from all major programs will be presented, so you can find the best software for your own use and see how others have resolved similar problems.

 Mon., May 11, 2009. Genealogy Research in Germany: Lecture and Individual Consultation—Documents Translated and Explained, presented by Thilo Agthe. 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, 4th Floor.  
 
Summary of Internet resources presented.  
 
Thilo Agthe will discuss the challenges of researching family history in Germany . After an overview of records that may reveal your German origins, and of useful guides to resources in Germany and at the LDS, the talk will feature an in-depth discussion of what researchers need to know about German history and geography (including former German territories now part of other countries, such as Poland), the particulars of German laws (especially the data protection regime) that complicate genealogical research, and how to get the most out of trips to Germany for onsite research at archives and churches.

Wed., May 6, 2009. The History of Penn Treaty Park, presented by Ken Milano, author and historian. 6:00 pm: Lecture followed by light refreshments, book sales and signing. The Kensington Methodist Church, 300 Richmond Street, Philadelphia 19125. Google map.
 
 
Penn Treaty Park is the location where in 1682 William Penn is believed to have made a Treaty of Friendship with the Native Americans. Native Americans have always honored the location of this peaceful event along the river, handing down the story of this historic occurrence in their traditional oral history. This legend became a universal symbol of religious and civil liberties, and interest in creating a permanent park and preserving the site continued throughout the years. Penn Treaty Park was officially established in 1893. 
 
Born and raised in Kensington where he has since resided and a graduate of Temple University as a History Major with concentration in Philadelphia History, Mr. Milano, with Rich Remer and Torban Jenk, co-founded The Kensington History Project, a group that researches, lectures and publishes on the history of Kensington and Fishtown.

Thurs., April 9, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. What's New at NARA, presented by NARA staff, and Extreme Genealogy: Unconventional Methods of Breaking Your Brick Wall, presented by Deborah Large Fox. Lecture and Bargain Book Sale. National Archives and Records Administration, 900 Chestnut Street.  
 
What do you do when that elusive ancestor won't come out of hiding? Learn how to go beyond being a researcher and become a family history detective! Discover the sometimes unorthodox methods used by your fellow family history researchers to solve their genealogical mysteries in this informative and entertaining class. Suitable for beginners and expert family historians alike.  
 
Deborah Large Fox has taught genealogy and has researched professionally since 1997. Her experience as a prosecuting attorney has provided her with a unique insight into the methodology of researching genealogical and historical records.
 
Prior to Deb's presentation, NARA staff will discuss the newest additions to the NARA Mid Atlantic collection.

Wed., March 18, 2009, 2:00pm. GSP Annual Meeting at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St., Philadelphia, Second Floor.  
 
A brief business meeting will be followed by a lecture, Acta Germanopolis: On the Origins of Germantown, Pennsylvania, and reception.  
 
The business meeting will include the election of officers and directors and the induction of new members into the three levels of GSP's First Families lineage society.  
 
The business meeting will be followed by an informative lecture by J. M. Duffin. Using his recent publication, Acta Germanopolis: Records of the Corporation of Germantown, Pennsylvania, 1691-1707, as the basis of his presentation, Jim will discuss the German founders of Germantown, the first German settlement in the British colonies, and their self-government in the first decades of the Province of Pennsylvania. He will also give an illustrated lecture on the protocols and best practices of historical editing, using Acta Germanopolis as a case study. This presentation will therefore be valuable instruction both on early German settlement in the Mid-Atlantic colonies and on proper techniques for publishing primary sources.

Wed., March 4, 2009, 6:00pm. Alive to the Call: Women and History in Northeastern Pennsylvania; Presentation and Reception at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St., Philadelphia, Second Floor.  
 
In honor of Women's History Month, GSP is proud to join HSP in presenting Josephine Dunn, Associate Professor of Art History, University of Scranton, speaking on the often-overlooked contributions of women in northeastern Pennsylvania. Highlighted will be the enterprising, unconventional women who built communities through civic and philanthropic engagements, like Belinda Mulrooney (Queen of the Klondike), Lucy Ann Lobdell (Female Hunter of the Delaware Valley), Sara Walker (of the US Sanitary Commission), and Cornelia Pinchot (suffragist, women's labor union sympathizer, and First Lady of Pennsylvania in the 1920s and 1930s). This presentation is made possible by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

Sat., February 14, 2009, 10:00am-4:30pm. Putting Technology to Work for Family History & Genealogy: Lecture, Consultation, and Book Signing at the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Center, 3207 Street Rd., Bensalem, PA. 
 
When leveraged to its full potential, technology can be of tremendous benefit to every family historian -- and you might be surprised to learn just how easy it can be to master technology even if you consider yourself "technologically challenged." Dan Lynch, author of the critically-acclaimed new book Google Your Family Tree, will discuss how to structure more effective queries to obtain the most relevant results through Google. He will also share proven tips for how to organize files for easy storage and quick access, as well as how and why electronic gadgets such as digital cameras, digital audio recorders, scanners, and GPS devices can add to your effectiveness as a family historian. 
 
Dan has nearly 25 years of professional experience in the technology industry and 30 years of genealogy experience. See http://www.DanLynch.net for more information about Dan or Google Your Family Tree.