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Conference on Early American Genealogical Research
DAR Headquarters
Washington, DC
October 15-16, 2005
“The Conference on Early American Genealogical Research,” an extensive two-day program concentrating on American genea-
logical research topics spanning the Colonial period through the pre-Civil War era, was a great success October 15-16, 2005 at DAR Headquarters.
Specialists from the DAR and the National Archives along with independent genealogical lecturers and researchers spoke on topics such as research methods and best practices; using technology to maximize search results; and historical events and military records.
The conference consisted of 30 diverse hour-long sessions lead by 17 speakers who are experts in their respective fields. Speakers included Eric G. Grundset, DAR Library Director; Terry Davis Ward, DAR Genealogy Director; Constance Potter, National Archives Genealogical Archivist; and independent researchers John Humphrey, Christine Rose and Henry B. Hoff
DAR Library Director and conference
organizer Eric Grundset greets attendees.
The sessions were broken down into three tracks: “The Wars That Shaped the Nation,” “Sources and Methods for Early American Research,” and “Write, Analyze, Organize, Edit, Publish.”
Close to 300 people packed DAR Headquarters to attend the conference. More than half of the registered attendees were from outside of the local area. In addition to a large number of attendees from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., a number of participants came from Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan and Florida, California, Washington, and Alaska.
Conference attendees listen to DAR Genealogy Director Terry Ward’s presentation of “Revolutionary War Pensions: An Essential Source for Early American Research.
Read Lecture Synopsis
This was first genealogical conference the DAR has held at its headquarters since 1984. With the success of this conference, DAR is now exploring the idea of hosting more genealogical conferences in the future. Stay tuned to this page for announcements on future genealogical events.
Throughout the day and into the night, conference attendees filled the DAR Library as they conducted genealogical research. The DAR Library was open after hours during conference days.
The DAR Library, which is well-known for its rich genealogical resources and collections, is open to the public Monday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Groups are welcome. For more information on the Library and its resources, call 202-879-3229.
