Zion Genealogical Society

= Zion Genealogical Society  =

2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion, IL 60099

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MONDAY - MARCH 18, 2013 The Zion Genealogical Society Celebrates their 34th Anniversary Holds Annual White Elephant Sale &amp; This Months Speaker

FINDING ARCHIVES: Using the Internet to Find Hidden Sources by: Sarah A.V. Kirby  ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

When you cross an aerospace engineer (a.k.a. rocket scientist) with a teacher, librarian, and genealogist, you get a wide range of knowledge and a depth of experience rarely equaled. You also get complex topics explained in everyday language with enthusiasm and excellence. As a family historian, researcher, genealogist, and librarian, I like to talk about just about anything from basic to advanced topics. I am particularly adept at making obscure and under-utilized resources understood. I am both tech-savvy and fond of dusty archives and courthouses. I tend to focus my energy on topics that are unique. Many include demonstrations of internet resources.

I obtained a PLCGS from NIGS in Genealogical Librarianship (PLCGS - Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies; NIGS - National Institute for Genealogical Studies) in 2009. I have been researching my family since 1994 and have had a surname website since 1997. After obtaining my MLIS (Masters in Library and Information Science) in 2003, I began moving towards professional genealogy. I am currently a member of APG and NGS. I have been on the APG's Publications Advisory Committee since early 2007. I also hold memberships in IL State GS, NEHGS, NYGBS, Lake Co (IL) GS, and Detroit SGR. My first career was as a NASA rocket scientist. My BS is in Aerospace Engineering and I worked in Houston's Mission Control where I honed my public speaking skills.

The Zion Genealogical Society serves not only the Zion-Benton Community but also includes the neighboring Lake County Illinois Communities of: Beach Park, Gurnee, North Chicago, Park City, Wadsworth, Waukegan, Wildwood, and Winthrop Harbor.

The Zion Genealogical Society is sponsored by the Zion-Benton Public Library. Mail to the Society should be sent in care of the Zion-Benton Public Library at 2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion, Illinois 60099-2280. The Society’s genealogical research materials are housed at the Zion-Benton Public Library for public use. Our general meetings are held on the third Monday of each month and begin at 7:00 p.m. These meetings are open to the public at the Beach Park Village Hall at 11270 West Wadsworth Road, Beach Park, Illinois.

The Society membership year runs from September 1 to August 31. Individual annual dues are $15 (online newsletter) or $18 (paper newsletter). Family annual dues are $18 (online newsletter) or $21 (paper newsletter). Lifetime membership is also available for $150 (online or paper newsletter). Dues may be paid at Society meetings or sent to the Zion-Benton Public Library in care of the Society. Please notify the Society promptly of any changes to either your postal or e-mail address.

The Illuminator (on-line newsletter) is published the first week of February, May, August and November. Items which appear in The Illuminator are carefully selected by the staff. These items are included for the convenience of our members. The ZGS makes no claims on the validity or accuracy of the statements made. Contributions to The Illuminator are very welcome. Articles may be submitted to the editor or mailed to the Society as stated above. The staff of The Illuminator reserves the right to limit the length of articles, subject to available space. Articles can also be e-mailed to the Society at [mailto:ziongenealogy@aol.com ziongenealogy@aol.com].