Evenings at the 22ND Annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy

Evenings at the 22ND Annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy were packed with exciting events.

Plenary session: The 22nd anniversary plenary speaker was CeCe Moore. She presented "Making History with Genetic Genealogy" to a full house and mesmerized the audience with some behind-the-scenes insights on LL Cool J's story from the PBS Series Finding Your Roots.

CeCe Moore at the Plenary.

Finding Your Roots featuring LL Cool J

On Wednesday, the 2nd annual SLIG Night at the FHL was held. It was a fun evening for students, who were able to participate in labs, classes, and research, of course! The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) sponsored the event and provided the participants with light refreshments and a wonderful line-up of interesting topics.

SLIG Night at the FHL

One of the many classes offered at the FHL.

Expert instruction sponsored by ICAPGen.

History Lines created a historical setting for Friday's networking social and banquet. Clues were provided during the social and at the beginning of the banquet that provided insight into an important character related to Barbara Vines Little's presentation. Students were able to relax, celebrate the week and visit with friends, both old and new. A cash bar offered a variety of drink choices and a good time was had by all!

Thank you, to History Lines who sponsored our social event and banquet.

The completion banquet followed the social with the keynote being delivered by Barbara Vines Little. Barbara's presentation was entitled "Rewriting History: Who Our Ancestors Really Were." During the banquet, the Utah Genealogical Association presented the coveted Silver Tray award, the UGA Fellow award as well as a recognition award. Additionally, there were several door prizes that were awarded. The Silver Tray Award was presented to the American Society of Genealogists (ASG) for promoting the highest standards of genealogical scholarship and for its publication of The Genealogist, which is one of the leading American journals of scholarly genealogy. The award was accepted on behalf of ASG by Dr. Thomas W. Jones, who has been a fellow of ASG since 2007. This year, the UGA Fellow Award was given to Barbara Vines Little in recognition of her distinguished contributions and on-going commitment to the field of genealogy. The UGA Award of Merit was presented to Valerie L. Hansen for her service to the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). For the past eight years, Valerie has served as the SLIG Registrar. Her dedication and hard work has ensured that hundreds of students have been able to experience the SLIG institute with minimal registration issues.

450 people in one room!

Dr. Thomas W. Jones accepting the Silver Tray Award on behalf of ASG.

The UGA Fellow Award was presented by UGA President Dan Hull to Barbara Vines Little.

The UGA Award of Merit was presented to Valerie L. Hansen.

Barbara Vines Little during her extraordinary keynote.

 The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is a serious study program... BUT, that doesn't mean we don't know how to have a little fun too! See ya next year!

Written by Debra A. Hoffman.

Photos by J. Paul Hawthorne and Shelley Lewis.