October 25th, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Are you interested in researching your genealogy, but are not sure where to begin finding your Eastern European ancestors? Are you already well on your way to filling out your family tree, but have hit a "brick wall" with one or two individuals? Are you an experienced genealogist but are looking to broaden your horizons with the latest methods of DNA analysis? The 2014 Family History Group Fall Conference will have something for everybody from experts Matthew Bielawa, Angie Bush, Michael Buryk, and Michelle Chubenko.
Galicia: An Introduction to the Austro-Hungarian Province
This lecture will provide an introduction to genealogical research in the Austro-Hungarian province of Galicia, also known as Halychyna in Ukrainian. Covered in this presentation will be a critical overview of the region’s history, geography, and multi-ethnic and religious diversity. Emphasis will be made on researching vital records of Galicia, determining the location of pertinent records in archives in both Ukraine and Poland, and interpreting the records for family history.
Ukrainian Vital Records: Finding Them, Reading Them, Understanding Them
Vital records remain the basis of our family research. This presentation will introduce Ukrainian vital records, including from the Austrian and Russian Empires, as well as from the Kingdom of Hungary. Topics will include finding the vital records using North American, Ukrainian and other foreign sources, as well as reading the records through a wide variety of examples and learning common terminology and hints on translating and recording data in your genealogical software.
The Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine in L’viv
This presentation will introduce the Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine in the city of L’viv, the largest repository of genealogically valuable documents in western Ukraine. Topics will include an introduction to the archives, known by its Ukrainian acronym TsDIAL, procedures and etiquette for using the archives both in person and from abroad, as well as displaying some of the most important collections for Ukrainian family research.
Eastern Europe and DNA Testing
There are significant numbers of Americans with Eastern European background. For many years it has been difficult to research these family lines, although more records are becoming available all the time. In addition to the record sets now becoming available, DNA testing is also helping those with Eastern European background to discover cousins in the "Old Country" and confirm (or refute) family rumors. This presentation will cover the basics of DNA testing, the testing companies, and ways DNA can be used to enhance your genealogical research.
Q&A Panel: Breaking Down Your Brick Wall Ancestor
Submit your brick wall ancestor to genealogy@ukrhec.org by October 1st. The panel will review participant submissions, consolidate common research questions and present research plan suggestions to participants.
