Tuesday, April 8, 2008

SDGS Meeting on 4/12 - "GenSmarts"

The next San Diego Genealogical Society meeting will be on Saturday, April 12th at 12 noon at the St. Andrews Lutheran Church (8350 Lake Murray Blvd at Jackson Drive, San Diego).

The speaker for both program segments will be Pam Journey on "GenSmarts: Your Research Assistant."

The synopsis of the talk reads:

"Ever wish you could have a genealogy research expert looking over your shoulder advising you on where to research next and what sources are available to uncover your ancestors past? Well, now there is - a software program called GenSmarts.

"GenSmarts doesn't replace your existing software program (e.g., PAF, RootsMagic, Legacy, FTM) but works with it to uncover research options you may have overlooked. It uses 'artificial intelligence' to look at your genealogy program files and make predictions about the record trail your ancestors may have left behind. It develops a profile of your ancestors based on where and when they lived which it checks against its inventory of known records to suggest prioritized research options. It will even go online (if you have an Internet connection, but not required) to survey free and fee based web sites research options.

"If you feel your research could use a little help or you just want to double-check your work, Gensmarts is the answer in an easy-to-use software package. Come and learn how this great program works and what it can do for you. If you haven't used it, you will definitely want to attend this meeting. If you are a GenSmart user, come and learn new techniques. Not to be missed!"

Pam Journey's curriculum vitae:

"Pam Journey, a society member since 1992, currently serves as our Library Director and heads our Education Committee. She earned a BA from San Diego State University with an English major and Library Science minor as well as getting her Teaching Credential. She served as librarian at Hale Jr. High School and Library Assistant with the Union-Tribune. She has taught genealogy classes to many county groups over the years. She and her husband, Gene, have been active in the Society for many years."

I encourage San Diego genealogy buffs to attend this meeting and learn about GenSmarts. I have it and have used it a bit, but would love to learn more. Unfortunately, I can't attend this meeting due to family commitments.

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