Top 10 Reasons to Attend Midwestern Roots 2019

March 15, 2019

This is part of our Midwestern Roots blog series, where we’ll be sharing exciting sneak peeks and information about the conference. Midwestern Roots Family History and Genealogy Conference will take place July 19 and 20 with preconference workshops on July 18. Find out more about Midwestern Roots and all the local and nationally-renowned speakers we have lined up for you as well as the a la carte preconference workshops in the Midwestern Roots Registration Guide.

Midwestern Roots is back and better than ever this year! I’m so excited about what we have planned for all you genealogists and family history researchers – whether you’re just starting your search or have been digging for years. Check out the Registration Guide for details on speakers, sessions, accommodations and more today. Register by June 16 to get special early pricing.

If you’re new to Midwestern Roots, let me tell you the top 10 reasons you should be there this July 19 and 20. Here we go.

1. For Every Learning Level
If you’re just getting started in your family history journey or you’re a seasoned professional looking to fine-tune your research, there’s something for everyone to learn.

2. For Many Backgrounds
Has your family been in the Midwest for generations or just passed through? Or are you the first family member to be in the area? Don’t worry, you can still learn a lot about researching your personal family history – no matter where they settled.

3. Centrally Located
As the “Crossroads of America,” Indianapolis is an easy city to reach from all over the United States. Conveniently located at a conference center right off I-70, you’re just minutes from the Indiana State Archives, the Indiana State Library and the Indiana Historical Society. Extend your time in the region by traveling to National Archives Great Lakes Region, Michigan Archives, Ohio History Connection and Kentucky Historical Society – only a few hours away.

4. Affordable
Your two-day conference registration includes a Thursday evening networking event, two fantastic keynote presentations, eight content-packed sessions, two lunches, unlimited access to the exhibitor hall, a digital download of the syllabus and free parking at the Marriott East. You can also join us for one day only and individually choose preconference activities that best fit your schedule and interests. If you have a valid student ID, enjoy a steep conference discount to continue your education.

5. Quality Content
Learn from experts in their field – conservationists, preservationists, archivists, librarians, authors, professional genealogists, genetic specialists and social media managers. With some of the top national experts, you’ll walk away with invaluable tools to continue your genealogy.

6. Diverse Topics
Discovering your past is for everyone. You can find sessions on many ethnic communities, including African-American, Latino, Eastern European, German and American Indian as well as other difficult research hurdles such as female immigrant ancestors and cases of adoption.

7. Current Trends and Fresh Topics
We have new content and sessions not commonly explored in other major genealogy conferences including researching the built environment, writing and publishing, social media, Quakers and African American communities, Latino and Hispanic research, medical and hospital records, Eastern European research, getting the most out of oral histories, funeral home collections, and combating stigma and myths in American Indian heritage.

8. Robust Preconference Schedule
Before we even get started, the preconference schedule promises to kick off the weekend in a really fun way. On Wednesday, July 17, spend the evening with podcasters Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey for Stuff You Missed in History Class LIVE! as they explore the Utopian society of New Harmony, Indiana. On Thursday, join in at the Indiana State Library for a day focused on librarians who help others with genealogy. Choose from a variety of workshops and classes to fit your interests and research goals – from DNA research, organization, writing and publishing, neighborhood research, digitization, social media, to computer labs focusing on Ancestry.com and Fold3.

9. Preserving Family Heirlooms
Genealogy isn’t just names and dates, it’s also all the family heirlooms that stir up memories and tell our family story. During Thursday’s preconference, hear from IHS staff about how to include family heirlooms in your research and learn best practices to safely mark, store and organize these priceless family treasures.

10. Hoosier Hospitality
From speakers and vendors to volunteers and guests, Midwestern Roots 2019 focuses on you! Our staff carefully considers all your needs so you have the absolute best conference experience.

See you in July! Ready to register? Click here.

Lauren K. Peightel is the coordinator of genealogy and family history programs and co-chair of Midwestern Roots at the Indiana Historical Society. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and is passionate about connecting all people to their personal family history. If she's not in the office or traveling, you can find her reading, making miniatures or continuing her hunt for the perfect single malt scotch.

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