The 2007 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, one of the largest annual events of its kind, is lining up to be yet another exciting gathering for genealogists and local historians to learn, share and network with their fellow enthusiasts. Co-hosted by the Allen County Public Library, the conference events will be held August 15-18, 2007 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. Among the many incentives to attend this year’s conference will be the opportunity for conference-goers to visit and research in the newly-renovated and expanded Main Library, home to the Genealogy Center. The Genealogy Center’s collection of materials is the largest in a public library in the United States, and some say second in size overall only to the Latter Day Saints’ Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

This year’s Librarians’ Day activities, to be held at the Allen County Public Library on Wednesday, August 15th, will include presentations by area librarians on some of the more popular electronic resources such as Ancestry, Newsbank and Heritage Quest Online. Lunch will be provided, courtesy of ProQuest CSA. Afternoon sessions include a presentation on conservation tips and an in-depth tour of the Allen County Public Library. Although the Librarians’ Day events are free, registration is required by August 1st. You can register online at http://www.fgsconference.org/librarians.php .

One exciting feature of this year’s conference will be the Youth Fair, to be held on Saturday, August 18th. There will be opportunities for young people interested in genealogy and local history to learn about the basics of researching their family trees. Scrapbooking demonstrations, historical displays, musical performances, and historical reenactors will also be on hand.

A Roommate Service is also available for this year’s conference. Conference attendees looking to share a room and expenses can sign up for the service and if another attendee’s requirements are compatible, the service will put the two in touch by email. Roberta “Bobbi” King, FGS board member, is coordinating the Roommate Service for the conference. Registration for the Roommate Service can be found at http://www.fgsconference.org/roommate.php .

For additional information about the conference, to register online, or to request conference brochures, go to the conference website at http://www.fgsconference.org . Keep in mind that you can save thirty dollars on registration fees if you sign up before June 1st.