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The Genealogy Event is taking place in Limerick, August 22 – 23 at The Strand Hotel.  The two-day conference will combine presentations by experts in various aspects of genealogy with social events designed to help attendees meet one another in relaxed settings. 

Learn from Experts on a Broad Range of Subjects

The event will feature numerous informational sessions where attendees can pick up many helpful tips when researching ancestors in Ireland. Speakers will include many experts, including Dr. David Butler from Limerick’s own Irish Ancestry Research Centre, Event Partner to the conference, who will explain how understanding surname origins can assist research.  

Dave Enright will discuss how to use the newest technology tools while Margaret Jordan will provide advice on how DNA can help locate family members.

Brian Donovan, from Findmypast and Eneclann, will demonstrate the value of using estate records or prison records to trace Irish ancestors, while Dr. Ursula Callaghan will provide tips on using newspapers to trace your family. The full extent of available civil registration records will be delivered by Eileen O'Duill. Other presentations will include the resources available at Ireland's National Library of Ireland and National Archives, graveyard records, Irish parish records, military records and an overview on Limerick.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from such organizations as Blueleaf Redtree, Eneclann, Findmypast, Irish Ancestry Research Centre, Irish Family History Foundation, Irish Genealogy Solutions, Limerick Genealogy, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at their tables in the Exhibit Marketplace.

Finding Ancestors in the U.S.A. or Further Afield

Several sessions will focus on tracing ancestors who emigrated from Ireland to America, or beyond. Dorothy Dougherty, Public Programs Director at U.S. National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) New York office, will be on hand to explain how best to research U.S. records. Dougherty’s presentation, will offer an overview of records available through NARA, cover select immigration and U.S. naturalization records, and offer advice on how to search the Irish Famine Files Database.

Jane Halloran Ryan will present research strategies when looking to locate those who landed in the U.S. or Canada. For those whose ancestors went further than North America, Paddy Waldron will provide guidance on how and where to look for family members who emigrated to other parts of the globe.

Uncovering Sensitive Information

With digital technology genealogy has become easier, and discoveries are often just a mouse click away. Yet, many who are researching their family histories still face roadblocks. “Even though the digital revolution has made it possible for almost all people of Irish origin to trace their family histories online as far back as the 1830s,” says Fiona Fitzsimons, Research Director, Eneclann, Ltd., “many still find themselves facing roadblocks." Fitzsimons, one of The Genealogy Event’s featured speakers, will be conducting a two-part, Advanced Workshop that will highlight interpreting documents on the Registry of Deeds and finding records of children raised in care from 1840 to 1995. Those who attend this special Eneclann-sponsored Advanced Workshop will receive step-by-step guidance on how to access surviving records and insights on how Irish laws can either impede or help research.

Go One-on-One with Experts

For those who want individual assistance, members of the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland (APGI) will be on hand throughout The Genealogy Event. Ticket holders will be able to pre-book free private consultations with APGI accredited experts.

Relaxing Options to Suit All Tastes

Several optional social events for attendees and guests include a welcome barbecue at Limerick’s Curragower Pub, overlooking the Shannon River; a “night out at the dogs” at Limerick’s Greyhound Stadium; and, for those who want to wrap up their attendance “Georgian Style,” a more formal “fork supper” will take place at One Pery Square, one of Limerick’s most elegant hotels.

Sign Up Now to Attend

Join the fun and guarantee your seat today! Purchase tickets online at thegenealogyevent.com. Detailed information on sessions, speakers, and prices for social events can be found on the website.

Can’t make the trip to Ireland? The Genealogy Event will also be held in America on 17-18 October at Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, 1 Bowling Green, New York City.

For more stories on tracing your Irish heritage from findmypast click here.