NGS 2009 -- The Building of a Nation, From Roanoke to the West -- Blog

THANK YOU!

2009-05-18T11:24:00.002-04:00

Thank you for coming to Raleigh for NGS 2009! We hope that you had a great time at the conference and in the Raleigh area!

We were so happy to have you visit and hope that you will come back and visit us soon!

We enjoyed so much re-acquainting with old friends and making lots of new ones!

Maybe we'll see you in Salt Lake City UT in 2010 ("Follow Your Ancestral Trails" ) or Charleston SC in 2011!

Orienting Yourself at the Convention Center -- a Quick Guide

2009-05-11T11:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a quick floor-by-floor guide to the Raleigh Convention Center!

Floor 1 -- Exhibit level

Exhibit Hall A is the one closest to the front of the building -- access it from the Mezzanine level via a dedicated escalator or elevator

Floor 2 -- Mezzanine level

The level you are on if you enter off Cabarrus St.
Access to the exhibit hall (use escalator or elevator to go down one level as designated)
Any classrooms with a number in the 200s
Connector hallway to the Marriott
Society Night on Wednesday

Floor 3 -- Meeting level

The level you are on when you come in the "main entrance" off Salisbury Street
Registration Area
Any classrooms with a number in the 300s (301-304 are on the S side and 305 -307 are on the N side)

Floor 4 -- Ballroom level

The Ballroom
Classroom 402 (SE corner)

Google Map of the Raleigh and North Carolina

2009-05-09T17:09:00.014-04:00

We have created a map of some of the important locations in Raleigh and North Carolina on Google Maps.

Please follow this link view the map.

The map identifies locations according to the following key:

A blue circular pin with a black dot in the center -- The Raleigh Convention and Conference Center. The location of the conference.
A yellow house -- The three conference hotels
A knife and fork -- Dining areas or specific restaurants
A coffee cup -- (New!) Local coffee bars and cafés
A purple push pin -- The Raleigh City Museum & Visitor's Center
A green push pin -- Libraries and archives
A yellow push pin -- Historical sites
A red push pin -- Historic cemeteries
A light blue push pin -- Other sites of interest
A blue letter P -- Parking (New! The map now includes the locations of the Convention Center, Cabarrus and Archives parking lots.)

We will continue to update the map with additional locations, including parking locations.

Visiting the NC Archives -- Part V -- Guides to Help You With Your Visit!

2009-05-08T12:30:00.002-04:00

Visiting the NC Archives -- Part V -- Guides to Help You With Your Visit!

You've arranged your travel, lodgings and have some idea of what sessions you plan to visit! And, if you are planning a visit to the NC State Archives and the State Library of NC (remember that they are in the same building!), you might have decided what day you'll try for!

To assist you with your archives visit -- here are a few documents that you might find useful, both for understanding NC record availability and getting a sense of the "lay of the land" in the archives.

NC Map showing "burned" counties and those with other sources of "record losses"
A map showing the physical layout of the Archives search room (note that it is not to scale and gives you a sense of how it is organized)
A map showing the physical layout of the Archives Microfilm room -- this self-service room might be an important part of your visit. Many records have been microfilmed and sometimes it's easier to access them via microfilm than requesting the originals -- almost half the microfilm machines permit you to print copies (8 1/2 x 11 or 11 x 17) for $.25 each!
Instructions on how to request "copies" of original documents -- you found something, now you want a copy! These instructions will help expedite your request for those copies. Recognize that "bound volumes", maps and other type documents CANNOT be photocopied. Staff will be happy to talk with you about digitizing options and you might want to bring a camera with you just in case (note that you cannot use any flash!)

Important note: If you can't get into the NC archives when you want, don't despair -- in the same building you have two other resources available to you!

(on the mezzanine) the Genealogy room of the State Library of NC can hold more people than the archives! It has an excellent collection of books for all NC counties, nearby states, etc and includes family histories, NC genealogy/history society journals, as well as an extensive microfilm collection.
(on the first floor) you can access an extensive microfilm collection of North Carolina newspapers, check out this link for more info about this wonderful collection, http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/reference/newspapers.html

UNC-CH -- A Great Archive to Visit While You Are in Town!

2009-05-07T09:22:00.003-04:00

One of the many repositories available for research near the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina May 13-16, 2009 is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A number of significant collections of interest to genealogists and historians alike include The Southern Historical Collection, Documenting the American South, The Maps Collection, the North Carolina Collection and the Microforms Collection.

The Southern Historical Collection is perhaps the world’s largest collection of manuscript material documenting the American South. Individual archival collections are comprised of many unique primary documents such as diaries, correspondence, oral histories and photographs. Helpful to researchers is an online finding aid to this collection at www.lib.unc.edu/mss/inv.html. The Southern Historical Collection is housed on campus in the Louis Round Wilson Library on the 4th floor.

Documenting the American South (DocSouth) is a digital publishing initiative that allows the access of primary resources on Southern history, literature, and culture from the colonial period through the first decades of the 20th century. Currently DocSouth includes twelve thematic collections of books, diaries, posters, artifacts, letters, oral history interviews, and songs.

Other digital collections at UNC include the Gilmore Civil War Maps Collection, the North Carolina County Collection, and the North Carolina Maps collection which when complete, will contain over 1,500 maps ranging in date from the late 1500s to the 1970s, and will include detailed maps for each of North Carolina’s one hundred counties. Additional information on these digital collections, as well as DocSouth, can be found at www.lib.unc.edu/digitalprojects.html.

The Maps Collection at UNC houses about 250,000 maps and charts covering the world. It also contains atlases, gazetteers, cartographic reference volumes, and government depository publications. The volumes in the Maps Collection including government document gazetteers have been cataloged and are listed in the UNC-Chapel Hill online catalog at www.lib.unc.edu/maps/indexes.html.

More than 170,000 books and 110,000 pamphlets form the heart of the North Carolina Collection, and these are supplemented by newspapers, journals, maps and photographs, among other items. Located in the Louis Round Wilson Library, this collection preserves
literary, visual, and artifactual materials illustrating four centuries of the colony and state of North Carolina.

The Microforms Collection contains an extremely large and diverse group of materials. Copies of many major United States and foreign newspapers are available, as well as US and foreign government documents. There is also a large collection of medieval manuscripts and microfilmed editions of papers of prominent individuals and organizations. The Microforms Collections is located on the 2nd floor of Davis Library and includes over one million items on microfilm, microfiche, microcard and microprint.

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Getting from the Raleigh Convention Center to the campus of UNC at Chapel-Hill is an easy drive of less than 30 miles. As each collection has its own hours of operation and special guidelines for use, it is important to consult the collection web page for information before travelling. The diversity of these collections cannot compare to anything else in North Carolina and an opportunity to visit should not be missed.

FYI -- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar -- Offer for Conference Attendees

2009-05-07T09:10:00.002-04:00

FYI ...

We look forward to your group’s arrival to Raleigh, May 13-16, for your annual conference.

Please share with your attendees that anyone interested in dining at our restaurant will receive a complimentary appetizer (excluding seafood tower), with the purchase of an entrée. We are located at Crabtree Valley Mall. Please let them know to just show a name badge, program, or something showing they are attending the conference so we know to give them their complimentary appetizer.

Also, if your board members are looking for a place to hold a last minute meeting, dinner, or lunch, please let me know and we will be happy to accommodate your group in our private dining room. Any group that currently books a dinner for 10 or more people in May, receives a $150 scrip to use at their next visit to Fleming’s (accepted at any Fleming’s).

Thank you and again, welcome to Raleigh!

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
4325 Glenwood Ave.
Suite 5004
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 571-6200
(866) 931-6602 fax
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

Thursday Night UPDATE! Dessert Night & Archives

2009-05-07T08:41:00.004-04:00

If you are planning to attend Dessert Night at the History Museum or take in the Archives -- here is some important information on how to get there and the revised program schedule!

Getting to the History Museum and NC Archives

Since these two buildings are kitty-corner to one another, the suggestions provided here will apply for both!

1. If you have a car, note that the lot east of the History Museum and South of the Archives is free starting at 5pm (N on map is on the left side, the convention center would be off on the right side) 2. R-line -- this new service provides free transportation. Stop R1 is the one closest to the history museum/archives. Our understanding is that you must "pull the cord" for the bus to stop! It does NOT automatically stop at every stop on the route. So, as soon as you see the Capitol Building on your left -- indicate to the driver that you want to get off at the next stop.
3. Rickshaws -- these will be available outside the convention center
4. Walk up Fayetteville street (weather permitting) … meet @ 5:30 at the Hospitality table and take a leisurely stroll up Fayetteville street, past the Capitol to the History Museum and Archives building, with one of your local hosts

Revised Dessert Reception Program

North Carolina Museum of History & North Carolina Genealogical Society Reception

When: Thursday, May 14
Where: Museum of History
Time: 6:00pm ‘til 9:00pm

6:00 Open
6:15-6:45 Earl Ijames – Question & Answer in Atrium: Colored Confederates & US Colored Troops
6:15-7:00 Catherine Elias – Writing Your Ancestor’s Story: A Civil War Case Study
7:00-7:30 Welcome and Introduction of Special Guests, Performance by the North Carolina Black Storytellers Association
7:30-8:30 Question & Answer in Atrium:
+ William Alex Haley – son of Alex Haley, author of “Roots”
+ Ms. Mattie Clyburn Rice – daughter of Weary Clyburn, 12th SC Volunteers
+ Mr. Luke Martin – son of Pvt. Luke Martin, 1st NC Colored Volunteers (35th USCT)
7:45-8:45 Jeffrey Haines, CG – North Carolina People Finders
9:00 Museum Closes

All evening: Gift Shop will be open offering unique gifts from North Carolina

Artist show: Michelle Nicole Taylor, artist, will exhibit some of her paintings “in hopes of freedom.” Her series “Colored Patriots” are historical descriptions from their Revolutionary War service.

Some of the Open Exhibits: Knights of the Black Flag; Workboats of Core Sound; On Earth’s Furrowed Brow: The Appalachian Farm in Photographs; Pleasing to the Eye: The Decorative Arts of North Carolina; 1920’s Drugstore; From Horses to Horsepower; North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

Construction Alert!!!!

2009-05-04T18:22:00.005-04:00

Be aware that there is construction going on in the area around the Marriott hotel. This means that you may be inconvenienced slightly as you enter or exit the Marriott. Part of the construction is for another exciting Raleigh addition -- the City Plaza (more below) and other construction is for yet incomplete buildings!

Here is a map showing the plan for the City Plaza that is being constructed in the area. Note that the plan shows the location of the Marriott and Sheraton hotels with respect to the construction project.

If you would like to learn more about this exciting project, click here.

Portions of Video to be Filmed at NGS 2009!

2009-05-04T18:11:00.002-04:00

The National Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that nationally renowned filmmaker Allen Moore is producing a video for NGS that will motivate viewers to become interested in their family history and direct them to NGS. Portions of the video will be filmed at the upcoming NGS 2009 Family History Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, 13-16 May. The video will capture the excitement of attending an NGS Family History Conference and present the value of NGS as told by its members.

Allen Moore was the cinematographer for several well-known Ken Burns films including The Civil War and Baseball. He is the recipient of a number of Emmy awards and is an Academy Award nominee. Moore’s production manager is Kate Geis, also the recipient of Emmys and other awards as a documentarian. A current example of Moore’s camera work can be seen in Geronimo, episode 4 of We Shall Remain on The American Experience, premiering 4 May 2009 on PBS.

The Syllabus is Online

2009-05-04T16:11:00.002-04:00

The 2009 NGS Family History Conference online version of the syllabus can be accessed on the NGS website. To download the syllabus, go the www.ngsgenealogy.org and click on Conferences & Events -> Annual Conference -> Syllabus Online. [Please note that it takes approximately 2 minutes to download and open the syllabus. If you have any trouble accessing the file, please e-mail Gayathri Kher at it@ngsgenealogy.org.]

The availability of the syllabus prior to the conference can help you to narrow down the many lecture choices.

Be sure to print out the syllabus pages for those lectures you plan to attend.

Raleigh's Historic Cemeteries

2009-05-02T09:20:00.004-04:00

Wake County (NC) is blessed with many wonderful old cemeteries, both large and small, several of which are located in downtown Raleigh -- Old City Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Hope, O'Rorke and several others. Notable among them are two historic cemeteries located near downtown Raleigh -- Old City Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery.

Old City Cemetery

A stroll through Raleigh’s Old City Cemetery, with its cobblestone roadways, is a trip through local history. Established in 1798 with sections for “residents, visitors & slaves”, those buried here include senators, generals and many of the founders of both the city and the state including Joel Lane, known as “the father of Raleigh”. While it is a treasure trove for genealogists with local ancestors, it also offers visitors and those without local connections a vivid and touchingly personal glimpse of history. One finds the grave of Jacob Johnson, father of our 17th President Andrew Johnson, who “died from disease caused by an over-effort in saving the life of his friend”; of Wm. Gray Kilkelly, Express Agent, “who perished the 10th March 1856, in the burning of the cars on the Seaboard Road”; and poignant eulogies such as “she died without an enemy” on stones that no longer bear a name.

Learn more about this cemetery.

Oakwood Cemetery

A few blocks north one can visit Historic Oakwood Cemetery, which began in 1867 when Henry Mordecai donated two and one-half acres to reinter the Confederate dead. An agent for the U.S. government, having claimed the existing cemetery on Rock Quarry road as a national cemetery for Union soldiers, threatened to throw the disinterred Confederate dead out onto the public street unless they were removed within 3 days. A local group, spearheaded by Sophia Partridge and largely comprised of women and children, moved more than 400 dead to their new resting place at Oakwood. The Confederate section of Oakwood now contains nearly 1500 graves including four Confederate generals. The cemetery was founded in 1869 and now includes 102 acres. Oakwood Cemetery, like City Cemetery, is the final resting place of many prominent people and many, though less well known, whose monuments and epitaphs speak of their own fascinating stories.

Learn more about this cemetery.

Whether you are seeking specific genealogical information, or simply wish to experience history in a very personal way, a visit to Raleigh’s cemeteries is sure to prove memorable.

Directions to the Clarion

2009-05-02T09:00:00.004-04:00

I-40 Exit 298B - S-Saunders North. Follow signs to downtown, 2 miles. Note that South Saunders will split into South Saunders (to the left) and McDowell St (to the right). You want to veer to right and take McDowell St and continue North. Turn left onto Hillsborough St. The Round hotel on the right.

Directions to the Sheraton

2009-05-02T08:50:00.002-04:00

Directions to Sheraton Raleigh Hotel From Major Highways

From I-40 (east or west) and from Raleigh-Durham Airport
Take Exit 298-B (South Saunders Street). South Saunders Street becomes McDowell Street. Stay on McDowell and take a right onto Davie Street. Take right onto Salisbury Street. The Sheraton is ½ a block on the left. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From Route 64 East (Headed west into Raleigh)
Come into town on New Bern Avenue, which becomes Edenton Street. Just past the Capital Building take a left onto Salisbury Street. The Sheraton is 6 blocks down on the left. Parking deck is on the right. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From Route 70 West
Route 70 will turn into Glenwood Avenue coming into Raleigh. Take Glenwood Avenue until it meets Hillsborough Street (about 5 miles). Take a left onto Hillsborough Street. Stay on Hillsborough Street until it dead-ends into Salisbury Street. Take a right onto Salisbury St. The Sheraton is 6 blocks down on the left. Parking Deck is on the right. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From Route 1 North (Headed into Raleigh)
Take Capital Boulevard into Downtown Raleigh. Capital Boulevard becomes Dawson Street. From Dawson Street turn left onto Davie Street. From Davie, take the second right onto Salisbury Street. Hotel is ½ block down on the left. Parking deck is on the right. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From I-95 South (Headed north into Raleigh)
I-95 Junctions with I-40 in Benson, NC. Take I-40 west into Raleigh and follow directions from I-40. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From I-95 (Headed south into Raleigh)
I-95 Junctions with both Route 1 and Route 64. Route 1 junction north of Rocky Mount. Take Route 1 south and follow directions above. Route 64 junctions in Rocky Mount. Follow 64 west and follow directions above. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

Parking Update -- 3 Conference Hotels

2009-05-02T08:32:00.003-04:00

Raleigh Marriott Hotel

The Raleigh Marriott provides one parking space per guest room complimentary. Above is a map showing the location of the Marriott – the star represents the hotel, which is on Fayetteville Street (the map does not however say Fayettville Street).

Guests using the complimentary parking MUST use valet parking.

The self parking deck is managed by another company and will not accept the complimentary parking pass. If guests choose to self-park instead the fees are $12 overnight per car, and the self parking deck is on Lenoir Street right around the corner from the main entrance. Guests will be coming from Lenoir onto Fayetteville Street to get to the main entrance – which is where valet parking is. When guests check-in at the Marriott they should valet park on arrival, and they will be given their complimentary parking coupons, enough coupons will be given to guests to cover however many nights they are staying. Guests should give the valet attendant the coupon when they retrieve their cars.

If choosing self-parking guests may park their cars for a short time in front of the hotel, check-in, and then self park their car around the corner.

Raleigh Sheraton Hotel

The Sheraton hotel gives one complimentary parking space per guest room. Parking is self-parking only, no valet parking is available. The attachment shows directions to the self-parking lots.

New Clarion Hotel

Each guest will receive a parking pass to park in their attached garage upon arrival. The address is 320 Hillsborough – the entrance of the hotel goes right into the parking garage. Self-parking only, no valet parking available. Guest must NOT park in the gravel lot to the right of the building – this does not belong to the Clarion. Anyone with vehicles too large to park in the garage can park in their overflow lot (not covered), which is adjacent to the back of the hotel.

Conference Tips

2009-05-01T10:28:00.005-04:00

Some tips to help you enjoy the conference:

Wear comfortable shoes.

Dress in layers. While the convention center aims to keep the temperature at a comfortable setting, you may find it warm or cool.

Bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation. When you check in at the registration booth, you will be asked for a photo ID.

Bring a supply of business cards and/or return address labels. These are helpful when you are networking with other genealogists or entering one of the many drawings offered in the vendor hall.

Cell phone service should be available throughout the convention center. There are no public phones, so bring your cell phone, and be sure to silence it during the lectures.

A notebook and a supply of pens, pencils, and highlighters will help you to take notes during lectures.

Spend some time reviewing this blog. There are many research repositories in and near Raleigh you might want to include on your itinerary.

Make a plan. Review your lecture choices prior to arriving at the conference. The conference syllabus should be available online to registered attendees prior to the conference. Print out the syllabus pages for lectures you plan to attend. In your plan, be sure to leave time for the vendor hall and for networking.

Add a water bottle and some snacks to your tote bag. (There are vending machines available with a selection of beverages.) Lunch will be available for purchase in the vendor hall, and there are many restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the convention center.

You won’t need a recording device for the lectures. Taping is strictly prohibited. Many lectures are being professionally recorded and will be available for purchase during the conference.

Do you have tips or hints to share with other conference attendees? Add a comment to this blog entry and share your secrets!

Parking at the Raleigh Marriott!! VERY IMPORTANT

2009-04-29T11:07:00.003-04:00

Raleigh Marriott City Center
Parking for Genealogical Society

Guests of the Genealogical Society have (1) complimentary parking space per guest room.

PLEASE USE VALET PARKING.

A Valet Parking Coupon will be provided to you when
you arrive. Please give coupon to attendant when you retrieve your car. You can come and go throughout the day without incurring additional charges.

Please note that self parking fees are the guests’ responsibility at $12 overnight. In and out privileges do not apply! A new ticket and additional fees will be generated every time you leave the parking deck.

If you have any questions about this, please contact the Marriott.

Directions to the Raleigh Marriott City Center

From North
Take State Highway 1 to Capital Boulevard. Proceed on Capital Boulevard which will become Dawson Street. Turn left onto West Lenoir and then left onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From South
Take State Highway 1 to Interstate 40 East. Proceed on I-40E and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From East
Take Interstate 40 to Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From the West
Take Interstate 40 West towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Take Interstate 40 East towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet parking is on the left.

Where Am I -- an Overview of Raleigh and its Environs!

2009-04-29T10:10:00.005-04:00

Someone mentioned that we should explain about the two beltlines that Raleigh has and that many still use terms like "inner" and "outer" in regards to directions around one of them! If this sounds confusing, it can be and after a quick look at an overview map, we hope that all will be at least clearer!

This map shows us:

the location of the RDU airport with regard to downtown Raleigh (just west of the large green park -- Umstead) -- just off Interstate 40
it shows the locations of Durham and Chapel Hill for anyone either participating in a planned tour to one of those locales or who has planned a visit while in the area
it shows the major highways into and around the Raleigh area

Now let's explore the Raleigh area a little more closely!

Interstate 40, essentially runs east-west along the south side of Raleigh (then SE to Wilmington or NW towards Asheville) -- this is the road typically used to get out to Durham and/or Chapel Hill
Interstate 40, along the south side of Raleigh overlaps with Interstate 440 or the so-called "inner loop".
The 440 circumnavigates Raleigh and is the circular road shown closest to city center.
Before Interstate 540 was constructed a few years ago, directions on the 440 were always done in terms of "inner" and "outer" beltline ... inner meant that you wanted to head clock-wise and outer meant that you wanted to head counter clock-wise. When the 540 was built, did that get confusing! Signage is being removed using those terms and if you ask directions while downtown, you might hear someone mention inner and outer -- more than likely they are referring to a direction for driving and not one or the other highway.
Raleigh now has the northern portion of an "outer loop" constructed, Interstate 540. For most of you, this will not be a road that you are traveling on and just in case you end up on it from the airport, know that it probably won't take you where you want to go.

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As someone explained to me when I first moved here and did many trips around Interstate 440 ....

"Think of the beltline as a wheel, even though it is convoluted. The inside of the wheel travels in clockwise direction, the outside of the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction. Determine the point at which you will enter the beltline and your exit point. The direction you need to go will determine whether you take the inner or outer loop. It is not as confusing as it sounds."

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CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTIONS ...

*** To reach the convention center from the south (US40) and the east (US264/64) drivers take the inner beltline (you are essentially following 40 west) to exit 298B South Saunders Street toward Downtown Raleigh. Turn right onto South Saunders Street. Stay in the right hand lane. South Saunders splits and the right lanes become McDowell Street. Turn right onto Lenoir Street. Raleigh Convention Center will be on the left. Entrance to parking is on right immediately after the turn onto Lenoir (Performing Arts Center Deck) OR one block ahead on Lenoir on left (Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage).

***Visitors from the west (US40, US64) may take the outer loop of the beltline (again you are essentially following 40 east) to exit 298B South Saunders Street toward Downtown Raleigh. Follow directions given above.

***Visitors from the north, you probably want to just take Capital Blvd (US1) south. Stay on Capital Blvd., crossing over I-440 beltine. Capital Blvd. becomes Dawson Street as you approach downtown. Go 9 blocks south on Dawson Street. Turn left onto Lenoir. Cross over McDowell Street and Raleigh Convention Center will be on the left. Entrance to parking is on right immediately after the turn onto Lenoir (Performing Arts Center Deck) OR one block ahead on Lenoir on left (Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage).

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We hope this helps you as you arrive and explore Raleigh. If not, ask any designated "Ask Me" person at the conference, check out the Raleigh booth when you first arrive (we are hoping that print maps will be available there), or stop by the Hospitality booth! We're more than happy to help you get where you want to go!

Hanging Around Raleigh -- Restaurants!

2009-04-29T09:52:00.008-04:00

I find meals an important part of my day and I bet you do also!

While you are in Raleigh, you have a great number of restaurants to now choose from and new ones are being added almost weekly. You have everything from the very casual to fancy and much in between!

This handy map covers eating establishment from the Raleigh Convention Center north to the state capital building! I suggest you print this map out and bring it with you! Notice that the second page provides an overview of each listed restaurant giving information on price, food type, etc.

Additionally, the Visit Raleigh web-site maintains a list of over 500 restaurants, located in Raleigh and nearby communities. You can search on locale, price, food types, etc.

And, the newspaper last week announced two new downtown restaurants ...

Busy Bee Cafe on S. Wilmington (part coffeehouse, part lunch spot, part nighttime bar),
Rosie's Plate at 701 N. Person St. This one specializes in food for people with gluten, nut and other dietary restrictions-open Saturdays.

And, our trusty on-site Hospitality Crew will be happy to make suggestions for your dining needs!

Shopping!

2009-04-28T18:10:00.002-04:00

SHOPPING

If I’m a spouse and/or family of an attendee of the conference, what do I do with myself during the day? Shopping is one of the activities you can do. There are some unique shops and shopping areas in Raleigh and the surrounding area along with your usual malls.

Raleigh

Cameron Village is a unique shopping area, in that it is an open-air shopping mall and was not only Raleigh's first shopping center away from downtown, but is considered the first shopping center constructed between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. The Village opened in 1949 with three stores and one restaurant. By 1950, Cameron Village, a “town within a town,” comprised 65 stores, 112 business or professional offices, 566 apartment units, and 100 private homes. Today, Cameron Village is a mix of eclectic boutiques, upscale chain stores, restaurants, antique stores, a regional public library, service-oriented shops, grocers and residential. Cameron Village is located at 1900 Cameron Street. Their website is www.shopsofcameronvillage.com/

Glenwood South is another unique area, which has a historic designation, that has shopping (including boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and more), restaurants, nightlife and residential. Glenwood South's Northern boundary is West Peace Street. From there, the neighborhood runs East to Dawson Street, West to St. Mary's Street and South to Morgan Street. If you are staying in a downtown hotel you can hop on an R-Line bus to get here instead of driving.

North Hills was originally opened in 1965 as one of the first indoor malls in the Southeast. Eventually, the mall was demolished in 2003 with the exception of JC Penney to turn it into an outdoor village concept. This shopping center is anchored by Penney’s, REI and Target and also has a mix of fashion boutiques, an art gallery, an upscale hotel, offices, a multi-screen movie theatre and restaurants.

Across the street from North Hills is a shopping area called The Lassiter. The Lassiter is anchored by a Harris Teeter and Kerr Drug along with a mix of upscale boutiques, restaurants and residential. Both North Hills and The Lassiter are at the intersection of Six Forks and Lassiter Mill Roads. The website for the two centers is http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/

Crabtree Valley Mall was built 35 years ago and is one of the largest malls in the Southeast United States. Crabtree is anchored by Hudson Belk, Sears and Macy’s. Along with the anchor stores there are over 200 chain stores, hair salons, food court vendors, service-oriented shops and restaurants. Their website is: http://www.crabtree-valley-mall.com/ and is located at 4325 Glenwood Avenue.

Brier Creek Commons is a shopping area which is anchored by BJ’s, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with over 70 stores, restaurants and a multi-screen movie theatre. Their website is: http://www.shopbriercreekcommons.com/. Across the street from Brier Creek Commons is another shopping area known as Brier Creek Shopping Center which is anchored by a Super Wal-Mart and Kohl’s along with chain restaurants and service-oriented shops. Both of these are located at the intersection of Highway 70 and Brier Creek Parkway.

Triangle Towne Center & Commons is a recent addition to our shopping. It is anchored by Hudson Belk, Sears, Macy’s, Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Along with the anchor stores there is your usual mix of chain stores, hair salons, food court vendors and restaurants. The mall is located at 5959 Triangle Town Boulevard and the website is: http://www.triangletowncenter.com/

Cary

Cary Towne Center is the mall in the western part of Wake County and is anchored by Macy’s, Hudson Belk, Sears, Dillard’s and JC Penney. In addition to the anchor stores, the mall has approximately 140 other chain stores, food court vendors, restaurants and service-oriented shops. The mall is located at 1105 Walnut Street and the website is http://www.shopcarytownecentermall.com/.

Crossroads Plaza has over 70 stores (such as: REI, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Stein Mart, Old Navy, Toys R Us) and approximately 15 food court vendors and restaurants. The Plaza is located on Walnut Street and the website is: http://www.shopcrossroadsplaza.com/.

Durham

The Streets at Southpoint is anchored by Hudson Belk, JC Penney, Macy’s, Sears and the first Nordstrom’s in North Carolina. In addition to the anchor stores, there are 140 chain stores, food court vendors, restaurants, service-oriented shops and a multi-screen theatre. The mall is located at 6910 Fayetteville Road and the website is http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/.

Outlet Shopping

North Carolina is lucky to have a great outlet shopping experience. Carolina Premium Outlet is located in Smithfield, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from Raleigh. The center has a great collection of stores, such as, Liz Claiborne, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren, just to name a few. The center is located at 1025 Industrial Park Drive and the website is http://www.premiumoutlets.com/.

.... and, if mall shopping isn't your "bag" ... check out this link to Visit Raleigh with suggestions for other types of shopping!

Of course there are more shopping opportunities than are listed here, but this is just to get you started.

If You Are Using Your RV For The Conference -- Read This!

2009-04-27T13:29:00.003-04:00

NGS Conference Alternate Lodging
RV Parking at the NC State Fairgrounds info

Conveniently located 5.6 miles from the Convention Center, the charge is $25 a night for full hook up. 30 & 50 amp available. (No club discounts available)

I have blocked out the dates from May 10th to May 17th for anyone wanting to come in early to work at the NC State Archives. If anyone wants to stay after the conference you can do that....There is a two week parking limit.

Once you are there, you bypass the "first come first serve" rule of individual reservations. There s public transportation (bus) from the fairgrounds to the Convention for $4.00 round trip.

The cutoff date for reservations is May 1st 2009 as I have to give the fairgrounds a head count.

For further information or to reserve a space please contact me.
Carolyn Putterman
ancestor1776@optonline.net

For further information on the NC State Fairgrounds, check out: http://www.ncstatefair.org/facilities/rvaccess.htm

A Guide to Tipping

2009-04-25T15:06:00.002-04:00

Any conference or vacation requires financial planning. Here is some information about tipping to help make your trip to Raleigh more enjoyable.

Visitors to Raleigh can expect the anticipated tips for service to be similar to any other city in the United States. Tips are figured on the amount of the service before adding the tax. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about tipping.

Below are some generally accepted guidelines to answer the question, "How much do I tip?"

Wait staff: 15% for average service; 20% for good service
Bartenders: $1-$2 per round, or 15-20%
Taxi drivers: 15% plus $1-$2 for help with bags
Skycap at airport: $1 per bag curbside check-in; $2 per bag inside check-in
Valet attendant: $2-$5 average for each trip to the car
Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for luggage assist; $1 per person to hail cab
Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag to bring luggage to room; $2 minimum if you have only one bag
Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night

Other tipping amounts can be found on the Tip 20 website.

Society Night -- Has Your Society Signed up Yet?

2009-04-23T08:22:00.002-04:00

We have a great event planned for the evening of Wednesday, May 13th -- Society Night!

This is an opportunity for genealogy, family history, historical societies and related to set up a table for one evening to either meet "distant" members who are visiting Raleigh, talk to potential members, sell publications, or just chit-chat with one another!

Remember that this event is FREE not only to conference attendees and it is open to the general public! So, if you are looking for a fun evening and a low-cost way to "share" about your society, please do join us!

Read more about all that is happening on Society Night !!

Sign up for Society Night now!

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives and State Library of NC! Part V -- IMPORTANT VISITOR INFORMATION!!!!

2009-04-20T08:43:00.003-04:00

We know that many of you coming to Raleigh will want to visit the North Carolina Archives and the State Library of North Carolina. Besides being conveniently located in the same building, they have partnered to set up a system to facilitate registration and control access to their areas (there are limits to how many individuals can be accomodated at one time in each facility).

If you are planning to visit either or both -- the North Carolina Archives and the State Library of North Carolina -- READ "RECOMMENDATION FOR RESEARCHERS"!

They have created the above "Recommendation for Researchers" sheet to help ensure that your visit goes smoothly. The key topics covered are: Special Conference Hours, Plan your Research, Take With You, and When You Get Here. Please carefully read "Recommendation for Researchers" and then plan your visit accordingly.

NGS 2009 Conference Business Card

2009-04-17T22:15:00.013-04:00

Make a great first impression! The National Genealogical Society and the North Carolina Genealogical Society have teamed up with VistaPrint to offer business cards for your use at the NGS 2009 Conference in the States in Raleigh.

Take advantage of the ability to order personalized business cards to bring with you to the conference. These cards will include the conference logo alongside your contact information. This will allow you to quickly and easily network with researchers who are also working on your family lines.

Create your card in minutes, receive in as few as 3 days. VistaPrint provides full-color printing on your choice of stock.

For pricing and additional details, visit http://ngs2009.biz.vistaprint.com/

Note: This product is provided for the exclusive use of conference attendees of the 2009 NGS Family History Conference in Raleigh, NC. Use of these products by any other party for any other reason is strictly prohibited.

Taxis -- Airport and Raleigh

2009-04-14T07:58:00.004-04:00

With many of you flying in and/or wanting to get about town -- a taxi may be needed while you are attending the conference.

1. Remember that Elite Coach (responsible for transportation for the various pre-conference tours) is offering a special on its services
2. Transportation from RDU Airport to the Sheridan, Marriott Hotels and the Raleigh Convention Center can be pre-booked online with several providers. The Marriott Hotel staff recommended Blue Van Super Shuttle, and the Sheridan staff suggested both Blue Van Super Shuttle and the White Horse Transportation, Inc.

The Blue Van Super Shuttle company quoted a price of $16 per person, one way, to the Convention Center and those two hotels. 1-800-258-3826 (1-800-Blue Van). Note: This company is not RideFly. The folks at Blue Van Supershuttle strongly suggest calling them instead of online booking to avoid confusion in website information.

White Horse Transportation quoted $35 for one person and $5 per additional person. 919-782-5893.

Ride Fly is another provider. Their prices are $29 per person, one way or they have group rates. Example: a party of four would be transported for $59.

Other taxi companies that were called quoted prices in the $30-$40 range or declined to provide a specific amount. RDU suggests "typical" one-way fares to assist you.

Visit Raleigh also provides some information on local taxi services -- note that this list is incomplete though will be helpful if you use taxis once in Raleigh.

Depending on your group size you might find White Horse Transportation less expensive. There may also be a difference in the vehicles they use. Take a look online and judge for yourself.

(by: Maryann Tuck & Diane Richard)