FGS 2011 Fact Sheet
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FGS 2011 Fact Sheet

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), along with local host, the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS), will be holding its annual conference – Pathways to the Heartland - in historic Springfield, Illinois during the week of September 4-10, 2011. Here are some facts and figures about the conference and its impact on the genealogical community as well as the economy of Springfield and the state of Illinois.
  • FGS has 500+ member societies representing more than 500,000 genealogists.
  • We’ve got Illinois roots too! FGS was formed in 1976 when it was chartered by the State of Illinois. The first national FGS conference was held in conjunction with ISGS in Decatur, Illinois in Fall, 1981.
  • The upcoming Pathways to the Heartland conference will attract close to 1,800 attendees from all over the United States and the world. Attendees will travel from as far away as Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Israel.
  • Since its inception, many of the FGS board members, editors, and writers have hailed from the Prairie State.
  • For the upcoming conference in Springfield, there will be more than 150 educational presentations with well-known speakers from all over the U.S.
  • The conference keynote address will be given by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States (NARA) and the 35th Anniversary Celebration speaker will be Harold Holzer, noted Lincoln scholar.
  • At the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, over 75 exhibitors from all over the United States will pack the 40,000 square foot exhibit hall.
  • The Springfield Hilton, the host hotel, is completely sold out and surrounding hotels expect to be solidly booked with conference attendees.
  • FGS conference attendees and their families will flock to restaurants, shops and historic sites.

To learn more about Pathways to the Heartland: