LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE SCOTTISH ViC

LAST CHANCE FOR THE 

SCOTTISH ViC!! 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

This is your LAST chance to register for the Scottish ViC. Registration closes at midnight (eastern) on Friday, January 25th.

For those out celebrating Burn's Night, registration allows you access to the presentations, handouts and vendor discounts until midnight (eastern) on Thursday, January 31st.

No access to the recordings, either individual presentations or the full slate of offerings, will be granted to anyone not registered for the ViC. 

To Register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Three Weeks Until the Scottish ViC

Timed to coincide with Rabbie Burn's Birthday, the Scottish ViC is the only virtual conference dedicated to Scottish genealogy. This year, we look at emigration, high court and sheriff court records, Glasgow poor law records, DNA, National Library family history resources and online resources for Scottish research.

There will be discounts for Moorshead Magazines (Internet Genealogy, Your Genealogy Today and History Magazines), Global Genealogy and LivingDNA. Scottish Indexes will have a special sale for attendees of the ViC who are looking for asylum, court or paternity cases.

There will also be draws for a one year Findmypast Subscription (we will cover the Scottish resources available on FMP in the Online Resources Presentation), a one year subscription to Internet Genealogy and a $25 gift certificate for Forever.

Access to the presentations, handouts and virtual marketplace will remain open until midnight on January 31st.

To register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Get the Full Conference Experience - From HOME

The Scottish ViC allows you to get the full conference experience from home. There are presentations on a scheduled basis, live Q&A and the opportunity to engage with the speakers, a virtual marketplace, a syllabus and door prizes. You can join the Scottish ViC Facebook group to connect with others who are attending. As a bonus, you don't need to leave your home. You don't need to travel. That means  you don't have to pay for travel or hotel. You don't have to pay for meals. You aren't wasting time at the airport or train station. There is the opportunity to break between presentations and a longer break for lunch. Unlike a conference where you attend in person, the presentations are available for several days afterwards, so you don't have to get up early, don't have to stay up late and won't miss out on the presentations! It's a win-win-win!  REGISTER HERE

Scottish ViC Schedule is Now Confirmed

SATURDAY JANUARY 26th 2019

The schedule of the presentations for the Scottish ViC is now confirmed.

The day will begin at 8:30 am and end at 5:30 pm. Times are eastern time.

8:30 am - Opening Keynote

                 Kevin James

The Highlander and the Lad O' Pairts: Patterns of Scottish Migration to Canada

9:40 am - Irene O'Brien, Sr Archivist, Glasgow City Archives will share the incredibly detailed information available within the Poor Law records. These records really help you to build the social story of the lives of your ancestors.

10:50 am - Margaret Fox, retired archivist, NRS, will show us the various records available within the High Court of Justiciary. The High Court records are also incredibly detailed in the information that they provide not only about your ancestor and their circumstances but also from witnesses.

Following the live Q&A with Margaret, there will be a break for you to get lunch and refresh for the afternoon sessions.

1:15 pm - Genealogist Emma Maxwell will share the amazing finds within the Sheriff Court Records, focusing on three specific subsets of these records. This presentation will make you feel as though you are privy to a personal WDYTYA episode when you see what is contained within these records.

2:10 pm - LivingDNA CoFounder David Nicholson will give a comprehensive overview of LivingDNA and how the test can not only show your ethnicity to Scotland but to specific regions of Scotland, helping you narrow down which McDonalds might actually be yours.

3:00 pm - NLS Enquiries Assistant Elaine Brown will show us how to make the skeleton of your ancestors' lives dance by supplementing the civil records with the vast Family History Resources within the NLS holdings. Again, the details contained within the records can be astounding.

4:15 pm - Genealogy Educator Christine Woodcock will share some Online Resources for Scottish Research including some of the less well known websites where you can learn more about your Scottish ancestors. We will look at websites for specific locations, occupations, social history and more.

The day will wrap up by 5:30 pm

Registration allows access to the presentations as they become available on Saturday January 26th. This access will continue until midnight (eastern) on Thursday January 31st, 2019.

Handouts are downloadable. They will be made available a week before the conference.

The Marketplace will open on the 26th and remain open until midnight on the 31st. Look for some amazing specials.

Click here to register

Why Is the Fee So High?

The Scottish ViC is the only virtual conference dedicated to Scottish genealogy. It can be attended from anywhere in the world. Access to the presentations remains open for 5 days to allow for time zone challenges so that people can watch during normal waking  hours. 

I started the ViC after attending several talks and conferences with my tour groups in Scotland. What I learned most from these presentations was that the information shared by the speakers was far different than the information shared, perhaps by those very same presenters, when they are in North America. Clearly the needs of the researchers are different. Thus the focus is different. 

However, most of the people who have been on a tour with me, especially those who have been repeat participants, need a different focus in their learning as well. And they are not alone. Loads of people researching their Scottish ancestors can benefit from the different focus. The most practical way to make that happen was to bring the presentations to them. Thus the birth of the ViC. 

I value my relationships with my colleagues in Scotland. Many have become friends. I am grateful that they are willing to help me to help others learn about researching their Scottish ancestors. I know what goes into a presentation. Hours of work. Writing, creating a powerpoint, finding just the right graphic, knowing how much information each slide should warrant, editing, practicing and promoting. It was a no-brainer for me that I would pay my colleagues for their willingness to share their knowledge, for their time and for their talents. 

We have become so used to everything being free in the genealogy world that we forget the work involved behind the scenes.  So many want to advance their research and their learning without having to pay for doing so. It's the only profession and one of the few hobbies where free is the expected norm. 

I am not a millionaire. And so, to be able to provide a high quality program, to recoup some of the payments made (for the presentations, for the handouts and for taking the time to be available for a live Q&A) and for a fraction of the cost of the webinar platform, I need to charge a fee. I see no shame in that. None. 

What I do find puzzling is why some people find it offensive to be asked to pay for a conference. They wouldn't balk for an in-person conference, so why do they balk at paying for a virtual conference? The presenters still have to work to put the presentations together. The benefit is that virtual conferences are an absolute bargain for anyone attending. No travel, no accommodation, no meals, no time away from family, work, or other obligations. Even on the day. If you need to leave for a couple of hours, you can pick the presentations up again when you get back. It's a win-win. I'd love to have you join us at the Scottish ViC!

Just a Fortnight to Go!

The Scottish ViC is just a fortnight away. There are only a handful of spaces left for this first ever virtual conference dedicated to Scottish genealogy research. 

We have a great line up of speakers and topics, handouts, prizes, giveaways, free credits for ScotlandsPeople and discounts from our vendors. 

The ViC is scheduled to start at 8 am eastern time on January 27th. but once you are registered, you have access to the presentations, handouts, discounts and giveaways until midnight on January 30th (est). This allows for people across the pond, and across the world to take part when they are awake and ready to learn. So, whether you are in North America, the UK, Europe, Aus, NZ or parts not mentioned,  you can still take part during normal waking hours. 

All prizes will be drawn by the vendors at the end of the first day but EVERYONE will be entered. You do not need to be online at the time to win. The vendor will contact you directly. 

If you are struggling to find your Scottish ancestor, register while there are still spaces available and learn about what records you can consult to break through those stubborn brick walls. 

https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Giveaways, Prizes and Discounts!

We have giveaways! 

Everyone who registers will receive a unique code to that will add 24 credits to their ScotlandsPeople account

Everyone who registers will be placed into a draw for:

A premium subscription to Findmypast

One Artisan scrapbooking software to help preserve your family photos and stories

One Vivid-Pix RESTORE software to help restore your scanned photos, slides and digital photos


DISCOUNTS

Global Genealogy is offering a 20% discount on Chris Paton's books

Moorshead Magazine is offering a 25% discount on annual subscriptions to any of their magazines

Strathclyde University's Genealogy Program is offering a 10% discount on their 8 week mini courses

Shop the Hound is offering a $10 discount on any order over $90 

To find out more about the Scottish ViC (virtual conference) or to register: 
https://www.genealogyvic.com/home-1.html

More Discounts for Scottish ViC Attendees!

The publishers of Internet Genealogy Magazine, Your Genealogy Today Magazine and History Magazine are offering a 25% discount for any orders placed during the Scottish ViC. They have created a unique discount code specifically for ViC attendees.

To learn more about the Scottish ViC or to register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/

24 Credits for ScotlandsPeople

ScotlandsPeople are providing 24 free credits for everyone registered for the Scottish ViC! Each person who is registered for the virtual conference will receive a unique, one use code, which will give them 24 free credits added to their ScotlandsPeople account. 

Join us January 27th to the first virtual conference specifically for Scottish genealogy research. 

To learn more about the ViC and to register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Meet Scottish ViC Vendor, Marianna Curran of Forever.com

Marianna Curran knows photos! As a Executive Ambassador for Forever.com, Marianna knows the importance of preserving your photos, preserving and sharing your memories.

For those registered for the ViC, Marianna is offering a special bundle discount. Anyone who buys a conversion box (to have your precious photos scanned, digitized and preserved, or to convert your old home movies and vhs tapes to dvd) will get 20% off of any sized storage account to preserve those precious photos for the rest of your lifetime plus 100 years. 

AND as a way to share your precious photos with others, Marianna is giving away a FREE Artisan digital software program (an $80 value) 

To register for the ViC: https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Treat YOURSELF This Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. It's likely that the tree is up and decorated, gifts have been purchased and perhaps wrapped, baking has started and preparations for the big day are underway. Why not take a few minutes and treat YOURSELF this holiday season? Reward yourself for making it this far. Register for the Scottish ViC virtual conference and learn about researching your Scottish ancestors. 

You will learn about resources for finding those elusive ancestors and about the wealth of information you can get from the Scottish documents. 

Connect with others researching their Scottish ancestors in our exclusive Facebook Group, a way to allow for the all important networking that takes place at all genealogy conferences.

Visit the virtual marketplace and see how our vendors are committed to helping you with your family history research. 

In addition to a great day immersed in genealogy, you might even win one of the great prizes that are being given away! 

Here's the link to register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Meet Scottish ViC Vendor Scottishindexes

If you are not using Scottishindexes, you should be! This site has a wealth of information about records that are not available online. Indexes for paternity cases, prison registers, mental health records. And best of all, if your ancestor isn't listed, the Maxwells will do the search for you, in person, to get you what you need to help you over your brick wall.

Scottishindexes is offering a special discount specifically for people attending the Scottish ViC! 

To register for the virtual conference (being held January 27th, 2018) simply click:
https://www.genealogyvic.com/

Meet Scottish ViC Vendor Shop the Hound

Meet Scottish ViC Vendor Shop the Hound

Shop the Hound is offering a discount code for orders placed during the ViC. As well, they are giving away a Vivid-Pix RESTORE to one lucky person attending the virtual conference. 

Do you have a product or offer a service that will support genealogy researchers? Are you interested in being a vendor or exhibitor in the virtual marketplace? Register HERE

Meet Scottish ViC Vendor Global Genealogy

Global Genealogy is offering a 20% discount on any or all of their books authored by Chris Paton which are purchased during the Virtual Conference. Chris is one of the presenters at the ViC and will be helping us to find ancestors in various records prior to civil registration, which began in 1855. 

If  you are looking for Scottish ancestors who left Scotland prior to 1855, this presentation will be helpful to you. Register for the conference HERE

Do you have a product or offer a service that will assist the family history researcher? Consider registering to be a vendor or exhibitor in our Virtual Marketplace. Register HERE

Scottish ViC a Full Day of Learning

Chris Paton will be sharing the resources available for people looking for their ancestors who may have left Scotland prior to civil registration in 1855. Even ancestors who may have still been in Scotland but where you are seeking more information prior to what is available from 1855. Church records, court records, poor records, land records and so much more.

Margaret Fox will be sharing her vast knowledge of the Kirk's archives. Not just Kirk Session records but all of the various records held by the Kirk. Communion rolls, pew rents and everything in between.

Craig Statham will be showing us the incredible resources available from the National Library's vast maps collection. These date back to the 1500s

Chris Halliday and I will be helping you to learn more about the mass exodus from the Highlands of Scotland over several decades. Chris will be sharing his knowledge of the records that are available for researching your highland ancestors. He discusses the areas in Scotland where various surnames originated, clans and clan resources, local archives and online collections.

I will be helping you to see where your Highland ancestors may have come from prior to arriving in Canada. We look at various resources including ships, ports of departure, ports of entry, land grants and more.

Apart from listening to me, you get to be immersed in Scottish accents all day while learning!

Both Chris', Margaret and I will be available to answer questions. I can assist with questions on the maps and if I am stumped can get your questions to Craig for an answer.

Handouts will be emailed to registrants ahead of the conference so you can formulate your questions.  

Meet Scottish ViC Vendor Strathclyde University

Strathclyde University is offering a code to allow Virtual Conference attendees to get a 10% discount on the genealogy short courses. These are 8 week courses offered online. The courses start in April, 2018. 

Do you have a product or offer a service that will support genealogy researchers? Are you interested in being a vendor or exhibitor in the virtual marketplace? Register HERE

Meet the Scottish ViC Presenters!

Chris Paton

Ayrshire based genealogist Chris Paton is the author of several Scottish based research guide books, including Discover Scottish Land Records and Discover Scottish Church Records, available in North America from Global Genealogy www.globalgenealogy.com/authors/paton-chris/chris-paton.htm Global is offering a 20% discount on Chris' books during the Scottish ViC!

Chris currently carries out research in Scotland (www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk) and writes the daily British GENES blog

Margaret Fox

Margaret Fox graduated with an M.A. (Hons.) degree in History from Edinburgh University in 1975. From 1999 - 2011 she was an archivist in the National Archives of Scotland, working on wills and testaments, and the records of the Church of Scotland and High Court of Justiciary. In her 'retirement' Margaret's mission is to promote the value of these records to the family historian.

Craig Statham

Craig Statham is the Maps Reading Room manager at the National Library of Scotland. Educated at the universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews he has spent the past 16 years working in museums, archives, and libraries. He took up his current role four years ago, and has recently overseen the move of the Reading Room to a new venue.

Chris Halliday

Chris Halliday of www.scotlandsgenealogy.com is a family historian based in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. A former Family History Leader with the Highland Archive in Inverness, he has also spoken at Who Do You Think You Are? Live events. With Highland and Lowland ancestry, Chris is familiar with many of the resources that can aid your search for your Scottish roots.

Christine Woodcock

When not organizing genealogy research tours to Scotland, Christine lectures on Scottish genealogy, hosts webinars, authors blogs and articles. She also writes and instructs courses on Scottish genealogy. Christine is the editor for British Connections, a quarterly newsletter for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History. She authored Moorshead Magazine's Special, "Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry" Issue which was published in May 2017.

If you are ready to find your Scottish ancestors, join us for the Scottish ViC (virtual conference). Click HERE to register

Fifth Talk Added to Scottish ViC (virtual conference)

Great news! A fifth talk has been added to an already robust day of learning. National Library of Scotland Maps Manager, Craig Statham will be sharing his vast knowledge not only about the phenomenal collection of maps and plans within the NLS holdings but also about how to get the most out of the NLS Maps website. This really is a wonderful resource for anyone researching their Scottish ancestry. 

Craig's talk will take place mid way through the day, January 27th, 2018. Craig will be providing handouts of his talk as part of the ViC as well. 

For more information or to register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/home-1.html