Parking at the Raleigh Marriott!! VERY IMPORTANT

Raleigh Marriott City Center
Parking for Genealogical Society

Guests of the Genealogical Society have (1) complimentary parking space per guest room.

PLEASE USE VALET PARKING.

A Valet Parking Coupon will be provided to you when
you arrive. Please give coupon to attendant when you retrieve your car. You can come and go throughout the day without incurring additional charges.

Please note that self parking fees are the guests’ responsibility at $12 overnight. In and out privileges do not apply! A new ticket and additional fees will be generated every time you leave the parking deck.

If you have any questions about this, please contact the Marriott.

Directions to the Raleigh Marriott City Center

From North
Take State Highway 1 to Capital Boulevard. Proceed on Capital Boulevard which will become Dawson Street. Turn left onto West Lenoir and then left onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From South
Take State Highway 1 to Interstate 40 East. Proceed on I-40E and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From East
Take Interstate 40 to Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From the West
Take Interstate 40 West towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Take Interstate 40 East towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet parking is on the left.

Where Am I -- an Overview of Raleigh and its Environs!

Someone mentioned that we should explain about the two beltlines that Raleigh has and that many still use terms like "inner" and "outer" in regards to directions around one of them! If this sounds confusing, it can be and after a quick look at an overview map, we hope that all will be at least clearer!


This map shows us:

• the location of the RDU airport with regard to downtown Raleigh (just west of the large green park -- Umstead) -- just off Interstate 40
• it shows the locations of Durham and Chapel Hill for anyone either participating in a planned tour to one of those locales or who has planned a visit while in the area
• it shows the major highways into and around the Raleigh area

Now let's explore the Raleigh area a little more closely!

• Interstate 40, essentially runs east-west along the south side of Raleigh (then SE to Wilmington or NW towards Asheville) -- this is the road typically used to get out to Durham and/or Chapel Hill
• Interstate 40, along the south side of Raleigh overlaps with Interstate 440 or the so-called "inner loop".
• The 440 circumnavigates Raleigh and is the circular road shown closest to city center.
• Before Interstate 540 was constructed a few years ago, directions on the 440 were always done in terms of "inner" and "outer" beltline ... inner meant that you wanted to head clock-wise and outer meant that you wanted to head counter clock-wise. When the 540 was built, did that get confusing! Signage is being removed using those terms and if you ask directions while downtown, you might hear someone mention inner and outer -- more than likely they are referring to a direction for driving and not one or the other highway.
• Raleigh now has the northern portion of an "outer loop" constructed, Interstate 540. For most of you, this will not be a road that you are traveling on and just in case you end up on it from the airport, know that it probably won't take you where you want to go.

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As someone explained to me when I first moved here and did many trips around Interstate 440 ....

"Think of the beltline as a wheel, even though it is convoluted. The inside of the wheel travels in clockwise direction, the outside of the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction. Determine the point at which you will enter the beltline and your exit point. The direction you need to go will determine whether you take the inner or outer loop. It is not as confusing as it sounds."

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CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTIONS ...

*** To reach the convention center from the south (US40) and the east (US264/64) drivers take the inner beltline (you are essentially following 40 west) to exit 298B South Saunders Street toward Downtown Raleigh. Turn right onto South Saunders Street. Stay in the right hand lane. South Saunders splits and the right lanes become McDowell Street. Turn right onto Lenoir Street. Raleigh Convention Center will be on the left. Entrance to parking is on right immediately after the turn onto Lenoir (Performing Arts Center Deck) OR one block ahead on Lenoir on left (Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage).

***Visitors from the west (US40, US64) may take the outer loop of the beltline (again you are essentially following 40 east) to exit 298B South Saunders Street toward Downtown Raleigh. Follow directions given above.

***Visitors from the north, you probably want to just take Capital Blvd (US1) south. Stay on Capital Blvd., crossing over I-440 beltine. Capital Blvd. becomes Dawson Street as you approach downtown. Go 9 blocks south on Dawson Street. Turn left onto Lenoir. Cross over McDowell Street and Raleigh Convention Center will be on the left. Entrance to parking is on right immediately after the turn onto Lenoir (Performing Arts Center Deck) OR one block ahead on Lenoir on left (Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage).

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We hope this helps you as you arrive and explore Raleigh. If not, ask any designated "Ask Me" person at the conference, check out the Raleigh booth when you first arrive (we are hoping that print maps will be available there), or stop by the Hospitality booth! We're more than happy to help you get where you want to go!

Hanging Around Raleigh -- Restaurants!

I find meals an important part of my day and I bet you do also!

While you are in Raleigh, you have a great number of restaurants to now choose from and new ones are being added almost weekly. You have everything from the very casual to fancy and much in between!

This handy map covers eating establishment from the Raleigh Convention Center north to the state capital building! I suggest you print this map out and bring it with you! Notice that the second page provides an overview of each listed restaurant giving information on price, food type, etc.

Additionally, the Visit Raleigh web-site maintains a list of over 500 restaurants, located in Raleigh and nearby communities. You can search on locale, price, food types, etc.

And, the newspaper last week announced two new downtown restaurants ...

• Busy Bee Cafe on S. Wilmington (part coffeehouse, part lunch spot, part nighttime bar),
• Rosie's Plate at 701 N. Person St. This one specializes in food for people with gluten, nut and other dietary restrictions-open Saturdays.

And, our trusty on-site Hospitality Crew will be happy to make suggestions for your dining needs!

Shopping!

SHOPPING

If I’m a spouse and/or family of an attendee of the conference, what do I do with myself during the day? Shopping is one of the activities you can do. There are some unique shops and shopping areas in Raleigh and the surrounding area along with your usual malls.

Raleigh

Cameron Village is a unique shopping area, in that it is an open-air shopping mall and was not only Raleigh's first shopping center away from downtown, but is considered the first shopping center constructed between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. The Village opened in 1949 with three stores and one restaurant. By 1950, Cameron Village, a “town within a town,” comprised 65 stores, 112 business or professional offices, 566 apartment units, and 100 private homes. Today, Cameron Village is a mix of eclectic boutiques, upscale chain stores, restaurants, antique stores, a regional public library, service-oriented shops, grocers and residential. Cameron Village is located at 1900 Cameron Street. Their website is www.shopsofcameronvillage.com/

Glenwood South is another unique area, which has a historic designation, that has shopping (including boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and more), restaurants, nightlife and residential. Glenwood South's Northern boundary is West Peace Street. From there, the neighborhood runs East to Dawson Street, West to St. Mary's Street and South to Morgan Street. If you are staying in a downtown hotel you can hop on an R-Line bus to get here instead of driving.

North Hills was originally opened in 1965 as one of the first indoor malls in the Southeast. Eventually, the mall was demolished in 2003 with the exception of JC Penney to turn it into an outdoor village concept. This shopping center is anchored by Penney’s, REI and Target and also has a mix of fashion boutiques, an art gallery, an upscale hotel, offices, a multi-screen movie theatre and restaurants.

Across the street from North Hills is a shopping area called The Lassiter. The Lassiter is anchored by a Harris Teeter and Kerr Drug along with a mix of upscale boutiques, restaurants and residential. Both North Hills and The Lassiter are at the intersection of Six Forks and Lassiter Mill Roads. The website for the two centers is http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/

Crabtree Valley Mall was built 35 years ago and is one of the largest malls in the Southeast United States. Crabtree is anchored by Hudson Belk, Sears and Macy’s. Along with the anchor stores there are over 200 chain stores, hair salons, food court vendors, service-oriented shops and restaurants. Their website is: http://www.crabtree-valley-mall.com/ and is located at 4325 Glenwood Avenue.

Brier Creek Commons is a shopping area which is anchored by BJ’s, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with over 70 stores, restaurants and a multi-screen movie theatre. Their website is: http://www.shopbriercreekcommons.com/. Across the street from Brier Creek Commons is another shopping area known as Brier Creek Shopping Center which is anchored by a Super Wal-Mart and Kohl’s along with chain restaurants and service-oriented shops. Both of these are located at the intersection of Highway 70 and Brier Creek Parkway.

Triangle Towne Center & Commons is a recent addition to our shopping. It is anchored by Hudson Belk, Sears, Macy’s, Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Along with the anchor stores there is your usual mix of chain stores, hair salons, food court vendors and restaurants. The mall is located at 5959 Triangle Town Boulevard and the website is: http://www.triangletowncenter.com/

Cary

Cary Towne Center is the mall in the western part of Wake County and is anchored by Macy’s, Hudson Belk, Sears, Dillard’s and JC Penney. In addition to the anchor stores, the mall has approximately 140 other chain stores, food court vendors, restaurants and service-oriented shops. The mall is located at 1105 Walnut Street and the website is http://www.shopcarytownecentermall.com/.

Crossroads Plaza has over 70 stores (such as: REI, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Stein Mart, Old Navy, Toys R Us) and approximately 15 food court vendors and restaurants. The Plaza is located on Walnut Street and the website is: http://www.shopcrossroadsplaza.com/.

Durham

The Streets at Southpoint is anchored by Hudson Belk, JC Penney, Macy’s, Sears and the first Nordstrom’s in North Carolina. In addition to the anchor stores, there are 140 chain stores, food court vendors, restaurants, service-oriented shops and a multi-screen theatre. The mall is located at 6910 Fayetteville Road and the website is http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/.

Outlet Shopping

North Carolina is lucky to have a great outlet shopping experience. Carolina Premium Outlet is located in Smithfield, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from Raleigh. The center has a great collection of stores, such as, Liz Claiborne, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren, just to name a few. The center is located at 1025 Industrial Park Drive and the website is http://www.premiumoutlets.com/.

.... and, if mall shopping isn't your "bag" ... check out this link to Visit Raleigh with suggestions for other types of shopping!

Of course there are more shopping opportunities than are listed here, but this is just to get you started.

If You Are Using Your RV For The Conference -- Read This!

NGS Conference Alternate Lodging
RV Parking at the NC State Fairgrounds info

Conveniently located 5.6 miles from the Convention Center, the charge is $25 a night for full hook up. 30 & 50 amp available. (No club discounts available)

I have blocked out the dates from May 10th to May 17th for anyone wanting to come in early to work at the NC State Archives. If anyone wants to stay after the conference you can do that....There is a two week parking limit.

Once you are there, you bypass the "first come first serve" rule of individual reservations. There s public transportation (bus) from the fairgrounds to the Convention for $4.00 round trip.

The cutoff date for reservations is May 1st 2009 as I have to give the fairgrounds a head count.

For further information or to reserve a space please contact me.
Carolyn Putterman
ancestor1776@optonline.net

For further information on the NC State Fairgrounds, check out: http://www.ncstatefair.org/facilities/rvaccess.htm

A Guide to Tipping

Any conference or vacation requires financial planning. Here is some information about tipping to help make your trip to Raleigh more enjoyable.

Visitors to Raleigh can expect the anticipated tips for service to be similar to any other city in the United States. Tips are figured on the amount of the service before adding the tax. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about tipping.

Below are some generally accepted guidelines to answer the question, "How much do I tip?"

Wait staff: 15% for average service; 20% for good service
Bartenders: $1-$2 per round, or 15-20%
Taxi drivers: 15% plus $1-$2 for help with bags
Skycap at airport: $1 per bag curbside check-in; $2 per bag inside check-in
Valet attendant: $2-$5 average for each trip to the car
Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for luggage assist; $1 per person to hail cab
Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag to bring luggage to room; $2 minimum if you have only one bag
Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night

Other tipping amounts can be found on the Tip 20 website.

Society Night -- Has Your Society Signed up Yet?

We have a great event planned for the evening of Wednesday, May 13th -- Society Night!

This is an opportunity for genealogy, family history, historical societies and related to set up a table for one evening to either meet "distant" members who are visiting Raleigh, talk to potential members, sell publications, or just chit-chat with one another!

Remember that this event is FREE not only to conference attendees and it is open to the general public! So, if you are looking for a fun evening and a low-cost way to "share" about your society, please do join us!

Read more about all that is happening on Society Night !!

Sign up for Society Night now!

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives and State Library of NC! Part V -- IMPORTANT VISITOR INFORMATION!!!!

We know that many of you coming to Raleigh will want to visit the North Carolina Archives and the State Library of North Carolina. Besides being conveniently located in the same building, they have partnered to set up a system to facilitate registration and control access to their areas (there are limits to how many individuals can be accomodated at one time in each facility).

If you are planning to visit either or both -- the North Carolina Archives and the State Library of North Carolina -- READ "RECOMMENDATION FOR RESEARCHERS"!

They have created the above "Recommendation for Researchers" sheet to help ensure that your visit goes smoothly. The key topics covered are: Special Conference Hours, Plan your Research, Take With You, and When You Get Here. Please carefully read "Recommendation for Researchers" and then plan your visit accordingly.

NGS 2009 Conference Business Card

Make a great first impression! The National Genealogical Society and the North Carolina Genealogical Society have teamed up with VistaPrint to offer business cards for your use at the NGS 2009 Conference in the States in Raleigh.

Take advantage of the ability to order personalized business cards to bring with you to the conference. These cards will include the conference logo alongside your contact information. This will allow you to quickly and easily network with researchers who are also working on your family lines.

Create your card in minutes, receive in as few as 3 days. VistaPrint provides full-color printing on your choice of stock.

For pricing and additional details, visit http://ngs2009.biz.vistaprint.com/

Note: This product is provided for the exclusive use of conference attendees of the 2009 NGS Family History Conference in Raleigh, NC. Use of these products by any other party for any other reason is strictly prohibited.

Taxis -- Airport and Raleigh

With many of you flying in and/or wanting to get about town -- a taxi may be needed while you are attending the conference.

1. Remember that Elite Coach (responsible for transportation for the various pre-conference tours) is offering a special on its services
2. Transportation from RDU Airport to the Sheridan, Marriott Hotels and the Raleigh Convention Center can be pre-booked online with several providers. The Marriott Hotel staff recommended Blue Van Super Shuttle, and the Sheridan staff suggested both Blue Van Super Shuttle and the White Horse Transportation, Inc.

• The Blue Van Super Shuttle company quoted a price of $16 per person, one way, to the Convention Center and those two hotels. 1-800-258-3826 (1-800-Blue Van). Note: This company is not RideFly. The folks at Blue Van Supershuttle strongly suggest calling them instead of online booking to avoid confusion in website information.


• White Horse Transportation quoted $35 for one person and $5 per additional person. 919-782-5893.


• Ride Fly is another provider. Their prices are $29 per person, one way or they have group rates. Example: a party of four would be transported for $59.


• Other taxi companies that were called quoted prices in the $30-$40 range or declined to provide a specific amount. RDU suggests "typical" one-way fares to assist you.


• Visit Raleigh also provides some information on local taxi services -- note that this list is incomplete though will be helpful if you use taxis once in Raleigh.

Depending on your group size you might find White Horse Transportation less expensive. There may also be a difference in the vehicles they use. Take a look online and judge for yourself.

(by: Maryann Tuck & Diane Richard)

Visiting the NC Archives -- Part IV -- DO YOUR HOMEWORK

If you really want to make the most of a visit to the North Carolina State Archives, we suggest that, if at all possible, you do some homework before you arrive in Raleigh -- this will let you know what is and is not available and allow you to make the best use of your time at the facility!

MARS Catalog ...

For anyone planning a visit to the North Carolina State Archives, a preliminary search using the online MARS (Manuscript and Archives Reference System) Catalog may provide detailed descriptions of records pertaining to your research and expedite your time accessing records once you arrive at the Search Room. A link to the MARS Catalog is available on the website. The system allows patrons the ability to browse collections from the comfort of their home and hopefully confirm that the North Carolina Archives has records beneficial to their family research.

When you click on the link and launch the MARS or Encompass system, you will be directed to the “Browse/Basic Search” page and should find a screen with twenty-three folders or collections that you may search. Before you begin a search, you may want to browse the collection titles by clicking the view description image (lower case “i” in a circle) to the right of the collection name and then select the “view relationships” image. This will show the hierarchical arrangement of the record group, series, and items that are currently cataloged in MARS. You may also browse the collections and find helpful record descriptions at the series or item level. By selecting the folder image beside the collection or record group title, you may also find descriptive information about each series or items within the collection.

After you browsed the collections you can select one, several or all collections to search for a specific family name, geographical location, subject or keyword. Simply type your query into the blank space next to the “search” image and click the “search” button. Be sure to check the specific collection or collections you want to search or click the “select all” button to avoid overlooking a collection. After the search is complete, the Results Summary page should appear with the collection title on the left and the number of hits listed on the right. Then select the hits image to view the list and then select the “view description” image for a description of the record. If you found a record that may be helpful in your research, either print the page and bring it with you on your visit to the NC Archives or write down the title of the record along with the MARS ID number and the call number. The Search Room staff will need the call number to locate the actual record; however the MARS ID number would be helpful in the retrieval process. Also note that you may search and view scanned images of original records, such as 1885 Confederate pension applications and some estate records, land and Governor’s papers from the colonial era. Of course putting images of original records, such as marriage bonds, in a searchable online database is an ongoing project of the archives, so be on the lookout for new additions to the MARS catalog.

Please note that the MARS Catalog does not include descriptions of every item in the custody of the North Carolina, so do not be discouraged if your search does not yield any results. [Editor's note -- there is a physical card catalog and other print research aids available in the search room.] Nevertheless the catalog still has an immense number of collections to search and can sometimes seem slow and cumbersome. The Archives is currently looking into updating the database system to one with more storage space for digital images and faster search time. But if you are patient and spend time becoming familiar with the MARS Catalog, you will be better prepared and knowledgeable of the vast collection of records at the North Carolina State Archives.

Record Types Link ...

Another way to get familiar with the North Carolina Archives before making a visit would be to peruse the website. One item that genealogy researchers should take note of is the information regarding county records under the “Record Types” link. Since the vast majority of court and probate records are kept together by the county in which the record was filed, one would need to know the primary county of residence of a family before delving into these records. On the webpage is a link to the Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives: County Records. It is a list of records from 106 current and defunct counties that are available to our researchers. Also available are links to container lists for wills and estates from a few of our counties, as well as definitions of the types of county records in our custody.

Services Link ...

Anyone planning a visit should review the “Services” link on the website because it explains the access and security procedures for the search room.

The “Services” link contains another link to “Archival Information Circulars” which provide helpful guidelines on some popular resources at the North Carolina State Archives.

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In the event that your questions have not been answered, feel free to contact the North Carolina Archives staff by phone at 919-807-7310 or email us at archives@ncdcr.gov. If you send an inquiry by email, please note in the subject heading “NGS visitor” so that your question gets forwarded to one of the reference archivists.

Please note that you can learn more about electronic resources maintained by the North Carolina Archives and Library and attend the conference class “Genealogy 2.0: Using Digital Tools to Trace Your North Carolina Roots” scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00p.m.

Thank you for your interest in visiting the North Carolina State Archives and we look forward to meeting and assisting you in person.

Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society

Since 1981, Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society has worked to increase the interest in and to raise the standards of genealogical research. The Society's 265 members located in 31 states all receive The Messenger, a monthly newsletter, and the OMGS Quarterly.

The Messenger informs members of programs, genealogical events, news about members, and acquistions in the Carolina Room of the Public Library and lists current Society publications for sale.

For 25 years, the Society has issued the Quarterly, with an emphasis on historic Mecklenburg County, formed from Anson County in 1762, including at that time territory that has been divided into other counties in both Carolinas. A prize-winning publication, the Quarterly covers all aspects of family research, such as Bible and church records, family histories, and government documents.

The Society's monthly programs help to further members' understanding of the standards and techniques of genealogy. OMGS also sponsors workshops, some in conjunction with the Carolina Room of the Charlotte Public Library, including one on the role of genetics in genealogy. Another, co-sponsored with the North Carolina Genealogical Society in July 2008, "From Ulster to the Carolinas: Finding Your Scots-Irish Ancestors," was an all-day presentation by David E.Rencher from the Family and Church History Department of the LDS Church in Salt Lake City.

In addition to its periodicals, OMGS has published a number of books, including a series in progress on local cemeteries. The Society also sells books written by members, including a comprehensive series of abstracts by Herman Ferguson of Mecklenburg court minutes, deeds,wills, and tax lists. Publications and the Quarterly are indexed.

In mid-2005 the Society realized its longtime dream of an Archives to store its collection of books, periodicals, family files, and ancestor charts submitted by members, issues of the Quarterly, copies of other regional society quarterlies, and books on various families, Charlotte/Mecklenburg, North Carolina and other states, and genealogy in general. Volunteers continue to compile computerized indexes to provide easier access by researchers. A 15-second search of all indexes with approximately 550,000 surname listings including 18,000 from the family files and more than 53,000 from the Quarterly (60 percent complete) saves a huge amount of time when reviewing holdings. Donations of family research papers, books, and several collections of material from experienced researchers have been welcomed.

The Archives, located at the Park Ministry complex on Independence Boulevard, is open on Tuesdays, 10-12; Thursdays, 10-12 and 1-4; and the third Saturday each month, 10-2.

The Society meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Community Center, Aldersgate, a Methodist retirement community, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina. A sister group in north Mecklenburg, the Hopewell Group, meets on the second Saturday of most months in Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

More details about Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society and its activities as well as the list of publications and index to Quarterly articles are on the website.

Handicap Parking in Raleigh

Recognizing that some conference attendees will be using cars and possibly Handicap parking placards, here is a bit of information about Handicap parking in Raleigh.

1. If you have a Handicap parking placard and park in a metered spot, you can park for the entire day for free. IMPORTANT NOTE: these spots go early as there is currently no time limit for how long a car with a Handicap placard may remain in such a spot.

2. The parking decks do have designated Handicap parking spots -- you will be charged the going hourly/daily rate for that parking deck.

3. As far as the Convention Center goes -- The decks that are located nearby have Handicap parking on street level with ease of access to the Convention Center. There is also parking on the street around the convention center (see #1 above).

Society Night

On Wednesday evening, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the mezzanine area of the convention center will play host to Society Night. Free and open to the public, many county genealogical and historical societies from all over North Carolina and nearby states will have representatives displaying information about their group's activities, answering questions about area repositories and resources, and selling publications and books. This is a great opportunity to network with genealogists from your research areas and to learn more about how you can benefit from the many societies' offerings. Live piano music will add ambiance to the evening. The exhibit hall will also be open that evening until 7:00 PM.

A free lecture series will also be offered at 7:00 PM: [note that these talks will run concurrently!]

1. "How Our Ancestors Moved over the Land in Olden Times: Land Transport Capabilities and Limitations in Colonial Carolina" presented by Tom Magnuson from the Trading Path Association.

2. "Genealogy 2.0: Using Digital Tools to Trace Your North Carolina Roots." Druscie Simpson and Christy Allen from the North Carolina State Library and Archives will present a guided tour of the North Carolina State Archives/State Library's digital resources, such as the Archives' MARS catalog, and will showcase digitized publications and records related to genealogy.

3."Melungeon Voices" is a film by Julie Williams Dixon and Warren Gentry. The Melungeons of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have been shrouded in mystery for hundreds of years with theories of who they might be ranging from descendants of the Lost Colony to descendants of shipwrecked sailors who intermarried with Native Americans. For any genealogist looking for a Melungeon ancestor, this one-hour documentary film is a must see. Part genealogy, part geography, part genetics, the story of the Melungeons offers a fascinating look into the earliest days of America and how people put aside ethnic and racial differences to survive.

4. "Irish Emigration to America and Canada," presented by Mary Sullivan from the Irish History Foundation, will explain the reasons for the pattern of emigration from Ireland to America and Canada - who was affected and why.

5. "The Journey of an Ancestry Record: How an Image on Ancestry.com Gets From the Archives to the Website" will be presented by Laryn Brown from Ancestry.com.