2021 Annual Seminar

FamilySearch Tips and Tricks

This session shares tips and tricks to searching record collections in FamilySearch. Learn new techniques for searching the collections, compiled genealogies, and the Library Catalog.

About David Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS:

David E. Rencher, AG®, CG®, FUGA, FIGRS, is employed as the Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. A professional genealogist since 1977, he is one of the rare few who have earned both credentials: Accredited Genealogist® with ICAPGen in Ireland research (1981) and Certified Genealogist® with the Board for Certification of Genealogists (2006). He is the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research in Athens, Georgia, and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1980 with a BA in Family and Local History. He is a past-president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) 1997-2000, a past-president of the Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) 1993-1995 and a Fellow of that organization. He is a fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society, London. He is the past chair of the joint National Genealogical Society and International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies committee for the Record Preservation and Access Coalition; he serves as a director on the board of the National Genealogical Society and as a counselor for the New England Historic Genealogical Society.

Family History Library Now and Tomorrow, What to See and What to Expect

This session shows the exciting updates to the FamilySearch Family History Library. From infrastructure updates that include new places to eat and rest to new sit/stand desks with multiple monitors, the FHL is ready for an influx of guests to serve.

About Lynn Turner:

Lynn Turner, AG®, graduated with a BA in Family History and Genealogy from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Spain and Latin America. He has been an accredited genealogist in Spain research since 2006. Lynn has worked at FamilySearch for seventeen years in various roles and is currently the Assistant Director of the Family History Library. Lynn has extensive experience in lecturing and presenting classes on Hispanic genealogy. He has presented as a guest lecturer at the national archives of Peru and has also given presentations in Spain, Colombia, and Brazil. He has presented Hispanic workshops at both NGS and FGS as well as coordinating week-long genealogical institute courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).

FamilySearch New England Colonial Offerings

This session highlights FamilySearch resources and provides for researching your colonial New England ancestors.

About Robert Raymond:

Robert Raymond is a deputy to FamilySearch Chief Genealogical Officer, David Rencher. He is a frequent presenter at national, regional, and local conferences. For a decade Robert wrote a top ranked genealogy blog about Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, records, and methodology. Robert is a genealogical technologist with over 40 years of experience in technology and genealogy. He holds over a dozen technology patents and earned a master’s degree in electrical (computer) engineering from Brigham Young University where he was honored as a Kimball Scholar. He was a member of the Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honor Society, and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. Robert was a director of the National Genealogical Society from 2012 to 2018.

Technology for Genealogists

This session highlights technology tools that can be used in repositories, cemeteries, and even offices to capture and preserve key data. From the go back to the sit/stand desk we’ll have fun in discussing tools of the trade.

About Ed Donakey:

Edgie E. Donakey is Vice President of Strategic Relations and Senior Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer at FamilySearch International. Ed manages the Chief Genealogical Office while also working with societies, institutions, and businesses to identify opportunities to collaborate. A professional strategist and past CEO, Ed provides business and technology support to genealogical societies, non-profits, and emerging businesses while also coaching senior executives. Ed’s genealogical interests keep him in the Deep South, Ireland, and Scotland. Currently the NGS Secretary and a member of their board of directors, he was recently asked to serve on the advisory board of the Association of Genealogy Educators and Schools. A past FGS Vice President of Development and board member he also served as their National Conference Co-Chair for the 2014 FGS Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Ed sits or has sat on executive advisory boards at Dell, HP, Oracle, Altiris, and other technology organizations. His undergraduate and graduate studies were in philosophy and political philosophy respectively at BYU where he continues to lecture and present in multiple colleges and departments.