Anne Arundel Genealogical Society

We are happy to announce that the Anne Arundel Genealogical Society is starting a DNA Special Interest Group (SIG). Kathy Korin and Tom McCarriar will moderate the group. The DNA SIG is currently an AAGS member benefit.

The DNA SIG is open to all levels of DNA knowledge and experience. The purpose of the group will be to explore the use of DNA as a genealogical tool, and to inform and educate members about the use of DNA in their personal genealogical research.

Our first meeting will be at 7:00pm, EST, Thursday, January 20, on Zoom. In-person meetings are a possibility in the future. We will email the Zoom link to all AAGS members on January 19, the day before the meeting.

If you have questions, or suggestions for the SIG, please email us at dna@aagensoc.org.

We hope to see you at our meeting on January 20,

Tom McCarriar and Kathy Korin

Saturday, March 12

Fairfax Genealogical Association 2022 Spring Fair (Events - Other Organizations)

9:00 am to 4:15 pm

Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus

The Fairfax Genealogical Society (FxGS) announces its 2022 Spring Fair to be held March 12, 2022, at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center at the Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, virtual and on-site. (Northern Virginia Community College does not sponsor or endorse this event.) If you need accommodations for a disability, please call (703) 644-8185, the Fairfax Genealogical Society. Masks will be required.

The Ulster Historical Foundation with speakers Fintan Mullan (in person) and Gillian Hunt (via Zoom) will present on the following topics:

9:00-9:50 a.m.	*Introduction to Irish and Scots-Irish Family History Records*
10:00-10:50 a.m.	*Census substitutes and other important sources for the 18^th* and 19^th centuries**
11:00-11:50 a.m.	*Using land records: Griffith’s Valuation, Title and Estate records*
11:50-12:45.	*Lunch*
12:45-1:35 pm	*Records Related to the Different Churches in Ireland*
1:45-2:35 pm	*The Ulster Plantation and sources for finding seventeenth century families in Ireland (not just Ulster)*
2:45-3:35 pm	*Emigration from the north of Ireland to North America – sources for researching emigrant ancestors*
3:45-4:15 pm	*Q&A and solving brick walls*

Box lunches ($10) will be available to order with conference registration. Lunch time will include live Irish music to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a vendor room, and door prize drawings. Registration fees: FxGS members $60 ( by Feb.19); $70; non-members $70 (by Feb.19); $80. To register go to https://fxgs2022mar.eventbrite.com. For more information and a downloadable registration form to complete and mail in, see www.fxgs.org.

Saturday, April 23

Southern Maryland Celtic Festival (Events - Other Organizations)

10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Jefferson Patterson Park, 10515 Mackall Rd, Saint Leonard, MD 20685

The Southern Maryland Celtic Festival is held on the fourth Saturday of April at the Jefferson-Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland. One of the largest Celtic events on the east coast honors the heritage of the Irish, Breton, Cornish, Manx, Scottish, and Welsh people. About 50 clans and societies make storytelling presentations, dance performances, musical demonstrations, and compete in various athletic contests. AAGS members staff a booth and give genealogy talks. The atmosphere reflects that of the Highland Games and Gatherings.

The festival features a few stages playing Welsh, Irish, and Scottish music. One of the main attractions of the festival, Celtic market, offers food as well as old-world arts and crafts. The night ends with a free ceilidh party at Dance pavilion with country dancing.Live music acts on three stages showcase some internationally known bands. Musicians compete playing Celtic harp, in Scottish fiddling, pipes, drums and highland dance. The admission price is $25. Children under 12 can come for free.

The Southern Maryland Celtic Festival is organized by the Celtic Society of Southern Maryland since 1976. The society also holds The Winter Celtic Music Concert Series, Annual Robert Burns Memorial Dinner, Scotch Tastings, and other events.

View Celtic Festival photos here.

Sunday, August 21 through Thursday, August 25

International Association of Jewish Genealogy Societies (International Conferences)

Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, 201 N. 17th St., Philadelphia PA

The 42nd IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, will be held from Sunday, August 21 through Thursday, August 25, 2022, in historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS), the Conference provides participation opportunities with Jewish Genealogy Special Interest Groups (SIGs), JewishGen Research Divisions, Birds of a Feather (BOFs), Research Groups (RGs) and others who may offer services or resources to Jewish genealogists such as libraries, archives, historical societies, and other non-profit entities. The Conference offers groups the opportunity to have meetings during Conference week and to staff a table at our traditional “SHARE Fair” which will be held on Sunday afternoon, August 21, 2022. The IAJGS2022 website is in progress at https://www.iajgs2022.org.