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Archiver > USGENWEB-SW > 2005-09 > 1126396453


From: "Mike St. Clair/ST" <>
Subject: FGS 2005 - Report on Final Day
Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 17:54:13 -0600


I'm sitting here in the midst of mayhem as the Salt Palace crews rip away
all the trappings of conference exhibit hall. I still have Internet
connectivity so thought I'd see if I could get this report out right from
the scene.

It was another very successful day with another large group of visitors
coming by the booth. Again, they were split between those who were
enthusiastic, long-time users of USGenWeb and those who hadn't yet gone
beyond a possibly a single visit. Several of our visitors were new workers
at the Family History Library who were trying to learn how they could better
help researchers who visited the library. They were excited to see what was
available at USGenWeb and will be passing that on to patrons they help.

We also have been emphasizing to our visitors that they may have already
transcriptions or indexes that they have done for their own benefit, but
which could be shared. Several responded with specific examples that they
knew they had. Others thanked us for reminding them of a way they can help
in this effort, even if they might be too committed to actually take on a
county or project assignment.

They are going to toss me out soon, but a couple of examples of the sorts of
things we heard:

One person on the professional staff at the Family History Library told us
she was originally from the Pittsburg area and had found problems in many
areas getting records to help her. She said the work done by USGenWeb
volunteers had repeatedly helped her get past personal brick walls. They
had done for her what she couldn't practically do herself because of the
distance.

A professional genealogist told us that the St. Louis County Minnesota was
outstanding and provided her and her clients a great deal of help when
working in that area.

A long time researcher described to us how cemetery records posted by
USGenWeb volunteers helped her finally break through and find the ancestry
of her great grandmother who had just disappeared from the records when her
great grandfather died.

I could go on and on, but here is the bottom line:

The work of The USGenWeb Project volunteers is tremendously appreciated; so
on behalf of our visitors at the conference this week I pass on their heart
felt thank you to all of you!

Mike St. Clair

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