Genealogical Problem Solving: Professional Tips for Everyday Success
by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS
Faced with a brick wall? Finding a new database or more books to buy is usually not the answer. Those walls crumble when you learn more effective ways to use common records and advanced techniques for tracking elusive ancestors. This lecture covers twelve important techniques to apply every day you do research.

The Identity Crisis: Right Name, Wrong Man? Wrong Name, Right Man?
by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS
What do we do with ancestors whose names don't 'match' from one record to the next? Or those who pose the opposite problem: too many men or women of the same name? This session examines social customs and naming patterns that cause ancestors to be known by different names, then offers techniques by which we can establish that any two records do or do not apply to the same person.

Tracing Land Ownership
by Barbara Vines Little, CG
Provides a detailed description of how to trace land ownership including of the laws of inheritance and tax law and records.

Femme Covert or Femme Sole: Women and the Law
by Barbara Vines Little, CG
This lecture covers English common law and its effect on women from the colonial period through the Civil War. A woman, whether servant, slave or free, frequently lost and gained property and other rights based upon her age and marital status. In order to successfully research women, it is necessary to understand these rights and how and under what conditions they changed.

The Naming of the Green: Irish placenames and surnames
by John Grenham
The deeply tribal and territorial nature of early Gaelic society resulted in strong connections between particular Irish surnames and localities, connections that can facilitate and illuminate Irish genealogical research. The talk details the adoption and development of surnames and place-names in Ireland, with a view to providing a context for research and with particular attention paid to the implications for research in the major Irish sources.

Irish Genealogy Online
by John Grenham
For a variety of reasons, Irish records have long been much more difficult to research online than the records of many other parts of the world. This is now changing. The talk gives some background and details the slow process of Ireland coming on line.

Genealogical sources for migrants on the move within the UK
by John Titford, LHG FSG
An examination of a range of resource material, some of it mainstream, some delightfully different, including Parish registers, maps, Quarter Sessions records, poor law records of settlement and migration, personal diaries, and
non-conformist chapel minute books. Examples will focus on "bounce-backers," migrants within the UK who left home and then returned.

How to write your family history
by John Titford, LHG FSG
A look at reasons why you should write your family history, complete with comprehensive guidance on how to do it, based upon the speaker's best-selling book on the subject.

Finding Your Ancestors in City Directories
by Tony Burroughs, FUGA
Whether they lived in large cities or small towns, ancestors can be tracked from year to year. While following this trail, genealogists can pinpoint deaths, marriages, migrations, and also discover occupations and employers. Methods, records, sources and case studies will be presented.

Did Your Ancestor Serve in the Civil War?
by Tony Burroughs, FUGA
How can you determine if one of your ancestor's served in the Civil War? How can you verify oral history which says one of your ancestor's served in the Civil War? If you know their ancestor served in the Civil War, how can you investigate you ancestor's war experiences? This lecture demonstrates strategies for identifying Civil War ancestors, provides methods of proving genealogical relationships, illustrates Civil War records and resources, and discusses navigating through records at the National Archives.

Beyond Y-DNA: Your Genetic Genealogy Options
by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak
Surname studies using Y-DNA tests are a popular and obvious application of genetic testing for genealogical purposes, but are you aware of your other options? Come learn about mtDNA, SNP, BioGeographical and ethnic tests, as well as the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation and the Genographic Project, and determine if one or more of them is right for you.

Right Annie, Wrong Annie
by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak
An Irish lass, Annie Moore, tripped down a gangplank and into the pages of history in 1892 when she became the first immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island. But less than a century later, an Illinois-born Annie Moore had somehow taken her place and was celebrated in song, statue and literature. That all ended when some stubborn genealogists decided to use their sleuthing skills to seek out the right Annie. Come learn how she and her true descendants reclaimed their rightful place in history when their reunion was featured on the front page of the New York Times.

Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestor
by Craig Scott, MA, CG
Want to joint the DAR or SAR? Having difficulty locating and proving the
service of the elusive ancestor. This lecture will get you started in the
right direction to locate and prove the service of your Revolutionary War
ancestor. It will take you further into the records than you have gone
before.

Beyond Pension Research: You stopped too soon!!
by Craig Scott, MA, CG
Pension application files provide a rich source of genealogical information
and they lead to other information about our ancestors. Understanding
pension law, pension ledgers, payment vouchers and claims will add to your
understanding of your ancestor and his immediate family.

Plotting, Scheming, and Mapping Online
by Cyndi Howells
The Internet is a source for a variety of maps and geographical tools that will help you in your research. From new maps and atlases with online driving directions to old gazetteers with county lines and ancient place names, the Internet has them all. We'll explore those resources, ideas for using them, and integrating them into your research routine.

Virtual Cousin Research Project
by Cyndi Howells
Ideas to coordinate research efforts with fellow genealogists and cousins online. Work with Internet-specific tools (calendars, blogs, wikis, Google, etc.) to make communicating, organization, and research efforts a success.

Special: Ask the Genealogist
A series of informal evening discussions will be moderated by David Allen Lambert, Online Genealogist for the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Bring your questions to David who will provide you with research guidance and directions to online resources.

A series of lectures will present the features of The Master Genealogist (TMG) project manager for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users. Additional lectures will focus on TMG companion products, including Second Site and TMG Utilities.

All genealogical and software speakers will conduct a limited number of one-on-ones (private 15-minute consultations) and hosted breakfasts (casual meals at a table of eight).

A special shore excursion in St. Thomas is being planned for those who may be interested in the genealogical resources of the Caribbean.

Plans for two cocktail parties and other special events are also underway...

The Caribbean Princess is a new "Grand Class" ship (built in 2004) which is 113,000 tons and holds 3622 people plus a crew of 1200. It has a large theater for our main events and a "high-tech lounge" for our software presentations. Onboard activities include a casino, chapel, modern fitness equipment, gymnasium, jogging track, pools, saunas, and a variety of restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, and live entertainment. It even has a virtual golf simulator, a 9-hole putting green, and an outdoor movie theater. The Caribbean Princess offers "Personal Choice" dining (i.e., flexible seatings), and an Internet Cafe.

Deck Plans

State Rooms

Public Rooms

- "The quality of speakers was excellent. It was an amazing opportunity to hear and meet with experts in many areas of genealogy. And the food and accommodations were also excellent." (Lynn from Minnesota)

- "More than great! Outstanding!! This was our first Wholly Genes cruise, but certainly won't be our last!!" (Jim and Kathy Decker, Cayuga, NY)

- "Wonderful experience! Absolutely top-notch presenters. And, on top of that, everyone were so congenial and helpful. Couldn't ask for much more." (Jackie)

- "As first-time cruisers we were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the event, facilities and speakers. We will encourage our friends to attend next year." (Ron from Utah)

- "A group of friendly people focused on genealogy and learning (and some play time as well)!" (Francie)

- "Once again, you've outdone yourselves. This cruise was the best ever. I really didn't think they could improve the previous ones, but you did it!" (Doris from Georgia)

- "Very good mix of material for all proficiencies of genealogical research. I think it will be hard to do any better." (Michael Dietz)

- "I can't wait to see what is developed for the 2008 Conference! This is such a great combination - carefree relaxing while learning from some of the world's best genealogy experts." (Eileen)

- "A great first time cruise experience. Best conference format for a die-hard genealogist and TMG user." (Celia from Seattle)

- "It was wonderful! Again! The speakers were plentiful and excellent -- very knowledgeable and very approachable as people. Entertaining, too! The WhollyGenes staff went way above and beyond the call to put together a conference that even exceeded our already high expectations. We met new friends and old friends, mingled with leaders in genealogy research and knowledge and filled our brains with "stuff" we can use immediately. Thank you to all." (Liz from Santa Barbara)

- "Great is far below what is needed for a rating! Enjoyed meeting so many wonderful TMGer's, especially those we have "known" thru the internet and of course the marvelous speakers. To say nothing of all the new avenues and resources that we have been introduced to." (Kathy & Larry from East Lansing)

- "Excellent help all around from beginning to end. Genealogical lectures were what I came for and I was not disappointed. Great speakers and topics. I learned a great deal and look forward to using the information gleaned." (Pauline from Florida)

- "On a scale of 1 to 10, I would have to give it a 12. This was my first cruise and I don't know how it could have been any better. Everyone was friendly and it was fun being with so many people with like interests.. It seemed there were no strangers among us." (Jayne from Newark, DE)

- "This was an outstanding Conference. It is really nice not having to worry about Hotels, Parking,Food, and all the things that need to be coordinated for a land based Conference." (Richard from Marietta)

- "This was my first cruise ever. I don't think I would go on a cruise just to be a tourist, but I would certainly go on another genealogy cruise. I can't say enough about how impressed I was with Princess, the travel agent, the quality of the speakers and most importantly with Bob Velke and his staff on board." (Dorothy O. from Santa Barbara)

- "This was my first cruise with Wholly Genes and it was outstanding. Having the opportunity to hear from such wonderful speakers was a definite bonus in addition to all the fun of cruising with Princess." (Ann from Texas)

- "This was my third cruise with Wholly Genes and I'm looking forward to the fourth. It is a very informative week spent doing three things. First I learned more about the TMG program. Secondly, the week is filled with lectures and information about genealogy in general. If that wasn't enough there was the cruise to places you only dream about. Any one of the three would justify the price of the cruise." (Steve Himes)