Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Cold Cases: Genealogists, Coroners & the FBI by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak

March 28, 2011 - Stromsburg, NE (delivered live via Skype) - Stromsburg Library - "Cold Cases: Genealogists, Coroners & the FBI" - 7:00-8:30 p.m. (please contact the library for more information)

With over a decade's experience working forensics cases for the U.S. Army, Megan realized that "reverse genealogy" techniques could be used to help others seeking to find living people associated with past events or deceased individuals. This provoked her to cold-call several coroners' offices to volunteer her services. Come hear how her individual efforts eventually snowballed into the creation of Unclaimed Persons, a virtual, worldwide group of genealogists who have cracked over 230 cases to date. Peek behind the scenes at a couple of her most challenging cases — and into her latest initiative, helping the FBI with Civil Rights cold cases.

5 comments:

GenieBeth said...

I can also take any questions about this event.

Anonymous said...

So can I attend this class from my home computer. It looks like the other webinars in GeneaWebinars offer this option, but I cannot figure out how to do this with your class Megan.

GenieBeth said...

No you cannot attend this from your home computer. It is live via Skype to the library in Stromsburg. You must physically be at the library in Stromsburg to see this. It is not a webinar.

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak said...

Hi Anonymous, this is essentially an on-site Webinar, so you'd have to be in NE to attend. We'll have to make that distinction going forward. Sorry for the confusion!

DearMYRTLE said...

There are SEVERAL types of webinars or online seminars:

1. ONE COMPUTER TO ONE COMPUTER MODEL
The speaker appears long distance through some sort of online software interface, and the second computer is in a meeting room where many can view the presentation and interact with the speaker live.

2. ONE COMPUTER TO MANY COMPUTERS MODEL
The speaker appears long distance, through some sort of online software interface, where many hundreds of computer viewers can connect to view the presentation and interact with the speaker live

3. ARCHIVED WEBINARS
Where the recorded version of a previously live webinar is viewable by individuals with internet access.

IN ALL CASES, the cost of travel is eliminated.

We should make sure that the webinars in category #1 above are clearly labeled, so that folks hoping for access through option #2 are not disappointed.

It is marvelous how technology has made it possible for more people to learn how to improve their research techniques.

Hang in there, while we learn how best to describe the application of #1, #2 and #3 here at GeneaWebinars.

Thanks, Megan for posting info about your webinar here. Since the folks will be viewing your presentation by assembling at the local library, your webinar clearly fits into category #2.

Happy family tree climbing!