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Introduction
This year we're back to the seas with the 6th Annual Genealogy
Conference and Cruise! With an impressive list of world-class
speakers and
as many as 450 researchers, it has earned the reputation as the
largest family history conference on the seas and is nearly always
sold out. But this year it will truly be an EPIC event.
We'll be traveling on
the Norwegian Epic, the newest and one of the largest cruise ships
in the Caribbean. It is so new, in fact, that its maiden voyage
isn't until July! Its size can be described as nothing short of
massive -- but that size offers some great advantages. While carrying
16% more passengers than any of our previous host ships, it is 35%
bigger and has 41% more staff -- so it will feel spacious by comparison
and you will be pampered throughout.
What's more, the Epic
offers tremendous new facilities, including modern meeting technology,
widespread internet access, 20 dining options, and even some single
cabins. Of course, there are the requisite bars and lounges, casino,
swimming pools, spa, sports complex, and even a bowling alley and
17-degree ice bar!
The line-up of nightlife
alone is stunning with performances by Blue
Man Group (yes, the real one), Second
City Comedy Troupe, and Cirque
Dreams, an acrobatic dinner theater, among many other
options.
Whether this is your
idea of fun or you prefer a quiet evening with a book and a glass
of wine on your private balcony, the Norwegian Epic is nothing short
of magnificent!
With all of the options,
it is easy to forget that, over the course of the week, you'll wake
up at three different tropical ports where you can go sightseeing
or shopping, tour historic Mayan ruins, swim with the dolphins,
or just soak up the sun on a beach, among dozens of other options.
All This
and a Genealogy Conference Too?
What could be better
than a Caribbean vacation and a first-class genealogy conference
all rolled into one?
Although Wholly Genes
makes family history software, the 15+ hours of genealogical lectures
are completely software-neutral and presented by the preeminent
experts in their fields. You'll be among friends (old and new) and
fellow researchers from around the world as you soak up new knowledge
and skills through a lecture series that rivals any regional or
national genealogy conference. And, unlike many traditional conferences,
none of the lecture times overlap so you won't have to make those
difficult choices!
As popular as our lecture
series is, many veterans of our conference value something else
even more. That is the opportunity to share a meal with a world-class
genealogist or to schedule one-on-one time to discuss their
specific research challenges. Come armed with your records and be
prepared to hear about new resources, repositories, and finding
aids that will help you to break down those brick walls. Some people
find these private consultations alone to be worth the trip.
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The
15+ hours of genealogical lectures are completely software-neutral
and presented by the preeminent experts in their fields.
Non-competing
time is set aside for TMG users who want to learn how
to make the best use of that software's features and
companion products.
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Of course, if you're a user of our software, you'll also find a
variety of opportunities to learn how to make use of its features
and companion products from the developers themselves, technical
support staff, and expert users. Our annual conference is the only
time that you will find so many TMG experts in one place!
While more than 98% of
attendees to our previous conferences have rated it "good"
or "great", we're always looking for ways to make it better
so we're implementing many of your suggestions. For instance...
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- The
ship's itinerary still includes three days at sea (so lectures
that don't interfere with vacation time), two ports of call
that we haven't previously visited, and a return to the most
popular port, Costa Maya, the entranceway to ancient Mayan
ruins and other historic sites.
- The ship includes
a number of studio cabins - so single travelers don't need
a roommate.
- This year all
of our genealogical lectures will be in a single
venue (the ship's main theater).
- You'll hear presentations
from world-class speakers who are new to our conference, as
well as some who are returning by popular demand:
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- First,
we are honored to bring you Lloyd Bockstruck,
30-year veteran Supervisor of the Dallas Public Library,
who has been described as "easily the most sought
after lecturer for annual seminars of local and state
genealogical societies."
- This year
will also feature Dr. Stephen P. Morse, whose
long resume includes the development of the "One-Step"
web portal, the extremely popular search engine for
the Ellis Island databases and dozens of other on-line
resources.
- In response
to your pleas, we've manged to coax professional genealogists
and most-popular speakers, Hank Jones, Megan
Smolenyak, and Craig Scott to come back for
return engagements. (See below for more about the speakers.)
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- Even in the case
of returning speakers,
every lecture will be new to our conference.
- Lectures will
cover a wide spectrum of topics, including methodology, record
types, repositories, finding aids, technology, online resources,
international research, and case studies. (Specific lectures
have not yet been announced).
- In addition to
the regular lecture series, the meeting schedule will include
longer lunches, the casual late-night roundtable discussions
which have been so popular, and more time to socialize with
other researchers (e.g., at cocktail parties).
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So join us for an educational
and fun-filled voyage to the Western Caribbean while we learn about
genealogical research methods, tools, and technologies from some
of the most popular speakers and authorities in those fields. Don't
miss this opportunity to learn new research techniques from the
experts while also enjoying relaxing jaunts to warm and exotic ports
of call. It will be a memorable trip!
This
event is nearly always sold out so register early to avoid
missing your chance to join us!
The Speakers
As always, we offer an incomparable lineup of all-star
speakers:
Lloyd
Bockstruck
Genealogist, author, columnist, and 30-year veteran
Supervisor of the Genealogy section of the
Dallas Public Library.
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Hank
Jones , FASG
Author, professional genealogist, popular speaker,
singer, songwriter, and former Hollywood actor.
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Dr.
Stephen P. Morse
Genealogist, designer of the
"One-Step" web portal, and architect of
the original Intel 8086 chip.
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Craig
Scott, MA, CG
Certified genealogist, publisher, speaker, and
military record expert.
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(Click
on a speaker's name for more complete biographical information)
Users
of The Master Genealogist (TMG) family history project manager will
also hear specialized presentations about that software and its
companion products. Our annual conference is the only time that
you will find so many TMG experts in one place, including:
Bob
Velke
President of
Wholly Genes and lead developer of TMG
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John
Cardinal
Expert TMG user and developer of "Second
Site"
and "TMG Utilities"
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Lee
Hoffman
Editor of "Getting the Most Out of The Master
Genealogist" |
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Dorothy Turner
Senior Technical Support Representative, Wholly Genes
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Lectures
and Other Events
Planned genealogical lectures are as follows:
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"They Came
Together - They Stayed Together" by Hank Jones, FASG.
Breaking down some genealogical brick walls by studying group
emigration.
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"Genealogy
Today: Where We've Been & Where We're Going"
by Hank Jones, FASG. Based in part on Hank's series of popular
"Psychic Roots" books.
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"A Genealogist
In Hollywood" by Hank Jones, FASG. A fun presentation
about Hank's early days as a Hollywood actor, including "behind
the scenes" tales of what it was like back in the show-biz
stone age, and how genealogy played an important part during
the lulls.
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"Neglected
History" by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak. It's remarkable
how much of our history has been ignored or distorted, but
with a little patience and healthy dose of curiosity, any
of us can ferret out the truth! Megan walks audience members
through several cases she's been involved with, including
finding out what happened to Philip Reed, the one-time slave
who placed the Freedom statue on the top of the U.S. Capitol,
using DNA testing to help the Haley family of Roots fame find
their European cousins, following the path of a Scottish toddler
to find the family of a U.S. Civil War hero, and figuring
out who would be king of America today if George Washington
had been king instead of president.
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"Cold Cases:
Genealogists, Coroners and the FBI" by Megan Smolenyak
Smolenyak. With over a decade's experience working forensics
cases for the U.S. Army, Megan realized that "reverse
genealogy" techniques could be used to help others seeking
to find living people associated with past events or deceased
individuals. This provoked her to cold-call several coroners'
offices to volunteer her services. Come hear how her individual
efforts eventually snowballed into the creation of Unclaimed
Persons, a virtual, worldwide group of genealogists who cracked
84 cases in their first year. Peek behind the scenes at a
couple of her most challenging cases — and into her latest
initiative, helping the FBI with Civil Rights cold cases.
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"The Pension
File of your Revolutionary War Veteran" by Lloyd
Bockstruck. After searching digitized versions of the Revolutionary
War and pension and bounty land files that are available online,
genealogists may have operated under the mistaken presumption
that they had gleaned all of the data possible or demonstrated
there were no relevant records for their ancestors. Fires
in 1800 and 1814 caused the loss of the first thirty-eight
years of Revolutionary War pension files but copies of files,
governmental reports, legislative records, financial records,
state pension files, private acts of Congress, and local town
and county court minutes can be used to identify more than
16,000 of those Revolutionary War pensioners and bounty land
recepients.
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"The Wonderful
World of Names" by Lloyd Bockstruck. Andrew Jackson
once noted that a man who could not spell his name five different
ways was not worth knowing. No matter what record one is seeking--whether
it be on-line or in original manuscripts--the greatest disservice
is a published version with an index, an alphabetical arrangement
of an original record group, or the ability to do an on-line
search of a data base. In the end, one must read all of the
records for your ancestral community being alert for spelling
permuations. If any of your ancestors seem to be removed from
any other individuals of the same surname in the same locality
or cannot be located earlier in their states of geographical
origin, spelling may be the cause of your ancestral dilemma.
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"The Huguenots"
by Lloyd Bockstruck. Americans share the same family traditions,
and it remains for the genealogist to dispel the myths and
reclaim the truth. The myths of Three Brothers, the Indian
Princess, the Disinherited Younger Son of a Nobleman who married
against the family's wishes, and Huguenot Descent are the
most common. The earliest infusion of Continental blood into
the British Empire in North America occurred with the arrival
of the Huguenots in the 17th century. The Huguenots follow
complex migration patterns and may be mistaken for various
other ethnic groups. Knowing where they settled and when they
arrived can be the keys to their identification and extending
their pedigrees.
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"One-Step
Webpages: A Potpourri of Genealogical Search Tools"
by Dr. Stephen P. Morse. The free One-Step website started
out as an aid for finding passengers in the Ellis Island database.
Shortly afterwards it was expanded to help with searching
in the 1930 census. Over the years it has continued to evolve
and today includes about 200 web-based tools divided into
16 separate categories ranging from genealogical searches
to astronomical calculations to last-minute bidding on e-bay.
This presentation will describe the range of tools available
and give the highlights of each one.
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"One-Step
Webpages: A Hodgepodge of Lesser-Known Gems" by Dr.
Stephen P. Morse. This is a sequel to the "Potpourri"
talk. There are too many utilities on the One-Step website
to be covered in a single talk. This talk describes additional
gems that you might not otherwise be aware of. They range
from problems with genealogical searches to problems with
identity theft to problems with DNA.
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"From DNA
to Genetic Genealogy: Everything you wanted to know but were
afraid to ask" by Dr. Stephen P. Morse. This talk
introduces genes, chromosomes, and DNA, and goes on to show
how DNA is inherited. That knowledge of inheritance can be
used for finding relatives you didn't know you had, learning
about your very distant ancestors and the route they traveled,
and determining if you are a Jewish high priest (Kohan). Examples
presented include Genghis Khan's legacy, the Thomas Jefferson
affair, and the Anastasia mystery.
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"Internet
Sources for Military Genealogy" by Craig Scott, MA,
CG. This lecture will acquaint you with what is currently
available on Internet web sites that might help you with your
ancestors in the military and how to use it to your best advantage.
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"Researching
Your Civil War Ancestor" by Craig Scott, MA, CG.
Many people are familiar with the basic souirces for Civil
War research like Compiled Milatary Service Records and pension
files. This lecture will be dedicated to giving you some other
sources for Civil War records.
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"Reasons
For Not Serving" by Craig Scott, MA, CG. Can't Find
Your Civil War ancestor? Maybe you're looking in the wrong
places. It could be that he served other than where you looked.
He could have been medically exempt or exempt for reasons
of his occupation. This talk may help to explain why you haven't
yet found records for your Civil War era ancestor.
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All speakers will also
conduct a limited number of one-on-ones (private 15-minute consultations)
and hosted breakfasts (casual meals at a table of eight). Other
special events are also planned, including two cocktail parties,
late-night roundtable discussions with Craig Scott, and another
surprise event that you are sure to enjoy!
The lecture schedule
has not yet been announced but none of the genealogical presentation
times will overlap and all will be scheduled while the ship is at
sea. You can therefore attend all of those lectures and not
interrupt prime vacationing time! Plans for two cocktail parties
and other special events are also underway.
The speaker list
is not expected to change but we reserve the right to adjust any
details to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
The
Itinerary
Journey with us to these
exotic ports of call. Spend your days exploring the local sites,
wandering the colorful street markets, or just soaking up the sun
on a tropical beach. You can go on a nature
expedition, take an historic tour, take a ride on a glass-bottom
boat, swim with the dolphins, or choose from a long list
of other optional guided shore excursions.
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Date
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Port of Call
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Arrive
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Depart
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Sat, Sep 18
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Miami, Florida
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4:00
pm
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Sun, Sep 19
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At Sea
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Mon, Sep 20
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Costa Maya,
Mexico
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8:00
am
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6:00
pm
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Tue, Sep 21
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Roatan, Honduras
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8:00
am
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5:00
pm
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Wed, Sep 22
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At Sea
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--
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--
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Thu, Sep 23
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Cozumel, Mexico
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8:00
am
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6:00
pm
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| Fri,
Sep 24 |
At Sea
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--
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Sat, Sep 25
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Miami, Floria
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8:00
am
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The
Ship
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The Norwegian Epic is a brand new "F3 class"
ship whose maiden voyage will be 17 July 2010. It is
153,000 tons and holds 4200 passengers and 1690 crew
members. It has a large
theater for our genealogical lectures plus 20 flexible
dining options, including French, Italian, Chinese,
and American cuisines.* There's even a "big top"
dinner venue with acrobatic entertainment. Or you can
get room-service 24-hours a day.
Modern accommodations
include single, double, family cabins, as well
as a variety of deluxe cabins, suites, and penthouses.
Unlike most cruise ships, every oceanview stateroom
has a balcony. The new single studios have private access
to a two-story "Living room" area with big
comfortable seats, wide-screen TVs, and a coffee and
cocktail bar.
The ship
also has a comedy club, jazz club, sports bar, ice bar,
and a variety of other lounges, plus an art gallery,
casino, pools, spa, fitness center, and many other amenities.
For the more active bunch, there is even a bowling alley,
batting cage, rock-climbing wall, aqua park, and a comprehensive
program to keep children engaged, entertained, and occupied.
For those
who can't stand to be out of touch, there's an Internet
Cafe and wireless Internet avaialble throughout every
inch of the ship!
* Specialty dining restaurants and some entertainment
venues may incur a cover charge.
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Pricing
Prices start at $953.86
(inside cabin, double occupancy) subject to availability. That includes
food, port fees and taxes, shipboard entertainment, and attendance
to all conference lectures and group events. The price does NOT
include travel to/from Miami, alcohol, tips, or optional guided
shore excursions.
Pre- and post-cruise
hotels will be made available at group rates for those who want
them. Roommate-matching assistance may also be available. Please
see our Seeking
Roommate forum or tell the travel agent if you need help finding
a roommate.
Cabin
type
(click
here for descriptions) |
Price
per person*
(as of 10 July 2010)
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| Inside
Cabin |
$953.86 |
| Single
Studio |
$1064.46 |
| Balcony
Cabin |
$1254.46 |
| Deluxe
Balcony Cabin |
$1489.46 |
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Other accommodation choices may be available.
Contact our Cruise Web agent for details.
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Travel insurance
is available at a group rate and may cover the cancellation
fee under certain conditions.
To make your reservation, download this registration form:
http://www.WhollyGenes.com/cruiseregister.pdf
Then print it and send the completed form to our group
travel agent by fax (240-487-0153) or scan and email it to
Juliea@cruiseweb.com.
If you do not get a confirmation within 24 hours (or you have
any other questions or concerns), please call The Cruise
Web toll free between 9am and 5pm Eastern (M-F) at 1-800-377-9383
and press "8" for the special Wholly
Genes reservation hotline.
During business hours, a bank of operators is standing by
but the reservation line is expected to be busy at times.
If you are asked to leave a message, your place in line will
be preserved and an operator will return your call.
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 Read
What They've Said ...
Post-cruise
survey:- respondents who rated the overall cruise and value for
the money as "good" or "great":
- 2009: 98.4%
- 2008: 99.5%
- 2007: 99.4%
- 2006: 98.8%
- 2005: 98.2%
Dick Eastman's
reviews of previous cruises that he attended:
Passenger's
blogs:
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