Trick photo? Is that a steeple on the Allen County Public Library?
It’s not every genealogy conference that offers nightly fireworks, ballroom dancing and after-hours access to one of the best genealogy libraries in the United States, but FGS 2013 did it all. I’ve just returned home from the annual Federation of Genealogical Societies conference held this year in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and I’m already looking forward to returning to Fort Wayne and to FGS 2014.
The conference committee and host societies rolled out the red-carpet with a stellar program beginning Tuesday with Librarian’s Day and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center and the Internet Archive Scanning Unit. Lucky librarians!
Wednesday’s schedule offered over two dozen sessions on society-building and special programs, and concluded with a special reception at the Botanical Conservatory. I spent the day mostly at the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) getting acquainted with the enormous variety of material available in OPEN STACKS to researchers. 
Meeting new and old friends at the opening social event at the
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
From left, Laura Lorenzana, Diana Ritchie, Shelly Bishop, and Susan Clark.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featured full days of top-notch presentations, hosted luncheons, and special evening events. Friday Night at the Library included music, ballroom dancing, and late-night research topped off by fireworks from the local ballpark. And, we do mean “Local.” The Fort Wayne Tincaps, farm team for the San Diego Padres, plays at Parkview Stadium directly across the street from the Grand Wayne Convention Center and a block away from the ACPL.
Inside the conference center.
Buy tickets early! Sold out this year!
Fortunately, FGS will return to Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library in a few years. Start planning now; it’s a conference you won’t want to miss.
I really enjoyed your pictures and recap of the conference. It was great to see you there!