First timer? What to expect at a GRHS convention

Never been to a convention? Wondering whether to come or what to expect?

This year’s convention promises a jam-packed set of events to interest both first-timers and veterans!

My experience with conventions in my professional life (technology & writing) is that most yield only one or two new ideas out of several days of workshops. So I was absolutely overwhelmed by the first GRHS convention I went to nine years ago. Every single workshop I went to gave me some new information that helped my family research. I got so many new research clues that my genealogy to-do list kept me busy for several years!

So – what can you expect at a GRHS convention?

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"....you're bound to fill up your schedule whether your interest is piqued by Dampfnudle, Dakota immigrants, mass murder - or all three!"
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Each day includes 4 – 6 workshop sessions. But with several different workshop topics offered during each session, you’ll have to make some decisions which to attend. Even though several of the workshops are offered at multiple times, there are about 35 different topics to choose from, so you’re going to have some tough choices! With so many options, you’re bound to fill up your schedule whether your interest is piqued by Dampfnudle, Dakota immigrants, mass murder – or all three!

If research is your passion, don’t miss the workshop for your Regional Interest Group (RIG) to get tips on the resources available for the region of your ancestral village. Other workshops offer the inside scoop on the latest records available, with speakers coming from the Mykolaiv archive in Ukraine and from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Heritage Hall will contain displays on the regions and villages where our ancestors came from.

And while the workshops can keep you busy, be sure to leave enough time to explore the GRHS library, much of which will be transported from the office in Bismarck. The books, maps, obituaries, and pedigree charts in the collection put loads of family data at your fingertips. Village Coordinators are often available in the library to help you with your research. Get a peek at GRHS’ newest research tool, the Genealogy Database, which will also be featured. The library is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. It closes at 4 p.m. on Saturday to get ready for the trip home.

If a full day of research and history wears you out, there are also lots of social opportunities. One of the best things about a GRHS convention is the chance to connect with those you’ve e-mailed with all year but have never met! There are also daily kuchen breaks, a couple of sing-a-longs, entertainment during the meals, and pre-dinner social hours.

And of course, the convention is also the time to take care of some of the important business of the Society. You can expect (short!) speeches from those running for the board, a business meeting and election, and the installation of new officers. This year we will be voting on several important issues, including a major revision to the bylaws and a dues increase.

The convention will close on Sunday with our traditional worship and memorial service.

At my first convention, I got more research tips than I had time to work with and learned a lot of new things about the history and culture of my ancestors. Others use the convention to connect with distant cousins. One person I know even met his wife at his first GRHS convention!

Come to Rapid City – you never know what may happen!

Carolyn Schott is on the GRHS Board of Directors, Bessarabia RIG spokesperson & webmaster, and co-editor of the Heritage Review.