News Summary
The Williamsburg Area Genealogy Society is set to hold its inaugural genealogy conference, ‘Discovering Your Ancestry Can Be Revolutionary,’ on September 20. This event aims to enhance community interest in genealogy while offering valuable insights and resources to attendees. The conference features expert sessions, a keynote speaker from the National Archives, and opportunities for hands-on learning about genealogical research. Registration is now open with limited spots available, encouraging early sign-ups for those eager to explore their family histories.
Williamsburg, VA – The Williamsburg Area Genealogy Society (WAGS) has announced its first genealogy conference, titled “Discovering Your Ancestry Can Be Revolutionary,” scheduled for September 20 at the Reserve at Williamsburg Clubhouse. This inaugural event marks a pivotal step for the society, which transitioned to a nonprofit organization in the spring of 2024, as it seeks to boost community interest in genealogy while aligning with America’s 250th celebration.
The conference aims to provide attendees with valuable knowledge and resources for discovering their family histories. The president of WAGS emphasizes the significance of sharing experiences and resources among genealogy researchers, fostering a collaborative environment for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
The conference will feature a range of informative sessions designed to cater to various levels of genealogy enthusiasts. Highlights include a panel discussion by experts from William & Mary on The Bray School research, a presentation on the latest updates to Ancestry.com, and a beginner class focusing on the fundamentals of genealogy. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to effectively plan research trips, maximizing their chances of uncovering family histories.
Stuart Butler, a retired archivist from the National Archives, will serve as the keynote speaker, sharing insights into the extensive resources available at the archives, which are invaluable for conducting thorough genealogy research. The conference will also feature various vendors, providing attendees with access to a wealth of genealogical materials and tools.
Registration for the event is currently open to the public, with a fee of $60 that includes lunch. There are 70 spots available, and registration will close once all spots are filled or by September 1, whichever comes first. The society encourages those interested in genealogy to register early to secure their place at this informative event.
The WAGS community has grown significantly since its founding in 2019, when it began as a small group of 12 individuals meeting at the home of its president. Today, the society has expanded to 53 members, reflecting a growing interest in genealogy within the Williamsburg area. Following its increased membership, WAGS has outgrown its original meeting space at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and has now established a new base at the James City County branch of the Williamsburg Regional Library.
Monthly meetings conducted from September to May are a staple of the society, featuring expert speakers and sessions focused on various genealogy-related topics. Recent meetings have included discussions on analyzing census records and utilizing organizational tools like Excel to streamline research efforts. Membership in WAGS is available to everyone for an annual fee of $30, providing access to resources, meetings, and support in the pursuit of genealogical research.
The establishment of WAGS seeks to fill a gap in the region, addressing the lack of a dedicated historical or genealogical society in Williamsburg. The society aims to serve as a valuable resource for individuals researching their ancestry, particularly for those in the area seeking guidance in locating ancestral records.
As the conference approaches, WAGS hopes to engage a broad audience in the pursuit of genealogy, underlining its commitment to community enrichment and the sharing of historical knowledge. The collaboration and shared experiences among members and participants are expected to further enhance the understanding and appreciation of individual family histories.
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Williamsburg Area Genealogical Society Expands Membership
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Local Genealogy Conference Will Tie Past with Present
- Wikipedia: Genealogy
- Daily Press: Want to Discover Your Roots?
- Google Search: Genealogy Resources
- WYDaily: Tracing Roots in the Historic Triangle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Genealogical Research
- WYDaily: Colonial Williamsburg Partners with Ancestry.com
- Google Scholar: Genealogy Conferences
- The Bahamas Weekly: Bahamas Genealogical Conference
- Google News: Genealogy News
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
