It’s Time for the 48th Annual BYU Conference on Family History & Genealogy

The First Day of the 48th Annual BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy

The lower level entrance is accessed from Lot 20Y located at 730 E. University Parkway and the Marriott Center’s Lot 19Y.

An important reminder: Conference Center parking and the entrances are affected by construction. As the official website states, “[a]ll handicap parking is now located at 1550 North 900 East in Lot 23A, southeast of the BYU Conference Center. The rest of Lot 23A is reserved for those with an “A” permit. In the event that all handicap stalls are occupied, a handicap permit allows you to still park in this lot.”

The upper level entrance is located off 1550 North 900 East in Lot 23A, southeast of the BYU Conference Center.

“Free visitor parking is available in Lot 20Y located at 730 E. University Parkway, west of the BYU Conference Center. Parking is also available in the Marriott Center’s Lot 19Y. Please do not park in stalls or areas identified with “Service Vehicles” or requiring an “A” permit.” For a map, click here.

The keynote speaker for the opening session is Paul Cardall, described as “a pianist with a heart.” An award-winning recording artist, he has a story to share with us today. His most recent album, 40 Hymns for Forty Days, debuted at Number 1 and stayed in the top ten for more than 40 weeks. Participants from the myFamily History Youth Camp will be joining us for this opening session.

I met some wonderful conference participants from California, Texas, and Washington at early check-in yesterday :)

After the keynote address, sessions—organized by tracks—will span all skill levels from beginner to advanced with a track that addresses the ICAPGen accreditation process. Online research and methodology sessions are offered throughout the day. Sessions covering research in the United States, Germany, and Scandinavia will be offered. For more information, click here.

The FamilySearch track begins with a session titled, “Begin at the Beginning: Helping Others to Love Family History.” Next Robert Kehrer will present “Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.org.” Other FamilySearch topics discussed will be the mobile tree app and the use of FamilySearch hinting. In the final session of the day, Brian Edwards will provide a product road map, titled, “FamilySearch Past, Present, and Future.”

Yesterday Michael Provard and his wife prepared the computer lab for use throughout the week.

There is a computer lab in Room 2283 and book scanning available in Room 2285. Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution will be available to assist those interested in completing their applications to join this organization.

The BYU Family History Library is open from 7am to 12 midnight Tuesday through Friday. It will be open from 8am to 12 midnight on Saturday. The library has subscriptions to many noted genealogical websites and houses a large collection of microfilm. To check to see if the library has a microfilm of interest, obtain the film number from the FamilySearch catalog at FamilySearch.org and then check FHL Films and Fiche at BYU to see if the film of interest is here. Scanning, printing and other services are available. For more information about the BYU Family History Library call 801-422-6200.