SLIG 2023 Course Sponsor: FamilySearch

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy wishes to thank FamilySearch for its generosity in sponsoring the Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features, coordinated by David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, during SLIG 2023.

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history.

To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 5,200 FamilySearch centers in 129 countries, including the main FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Click here to learn more about the Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch course.

Thank you, FamilySearch!

SLIG 2023: Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features

You already likely know about FamilySearch as the go-to website for anyone wanting to research their ancestors. Did you know that FamilySearch is also an organization with a proud 128-year history and that constantly grows and keeps current with new opportunities? This new course will provide you with unique insights and resources to enhance your genealogical efforts.

Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features, coordinated by David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, will guide you in exploring the many features and products FamilySearch has to offer. At FamilySearch, it is all about the individual and the experience you will have either in person or online.

Faculty includes:

• John Alexander, MA, MLIS
• Daniel Atwell, MLIS
• Brandon Baird AG
• Daniele Batson AG
• Rebekah Grow
• Debbie Gurtler, AG
• Sandy Joseph
• Robert Kehrer, MBA
• Savannah Larson
• Rachel Crump Matheus
• Whitney Peterson
• Robert Raymond, MS
• Lynn Turner, AG
• Janell Vasquez
• Lauren Vasylyev

FamilySearch: Technology and Features is scheduled to meeet online January 23–27, 2023. All SLIG 2023 courses will be offered virtually this year. (See you in person in Salt Lake City in 2024!)

See the SLIG 2023 Courses web page for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2023 registration opens Saturday, July 16, at 10:00 am MDT.

Behind the Scenes at SLIG: Valerie Hansen

Valerie Byrd Hansen is another dynamic member of the Salt Lake institute of Genealogy (SLIG) 2018 committee. 


Eight years ago Valerie joined the SLIG committee and today still serves as the registrar for all the events that SLIG handles: SLIG itself; the fall Virtual Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum taught and coordinated by the impressive Angela Packer McGhie, CG; and the newest event, Tech Day, on January 20, 2018.

Valerie Byrd Hansen

Living in St. Helens, Oregon--which, by the way, is NOT the St. Helena of volcano renown--does not keep her from doing what she does best: helping other people, fixing issues, and making friendships. Valerie  is quick to praise SLIG, "I've met so many people through SLIG. It is totally amazing and rewarding!'

Her favorite memory of SLIG is attending with her both her mother and her mother-in-law. Atta girl, Valerie, for making genea memories with your family!

Valerie was asked what she would do with six more hours in her day. As supervisor of a medical records department by day, and as wife, mother and grandmother 24 hours a day, Valerie's first thought was that she would get more sleep. Her final thought, however, is that she would spend more time with her family and working on her genealogy...at SLIG, of course!

Until next time, the next committee member, and the next Behind the Scenes SLIG 2018! 

Behind the SLIG Scenes: J. Paul Hawthorne

SLIG is amazing, isn't it? The instructors and the students are the magic--but who sets up the magic?  The magical SLIG committee, that's who!  Before SLIG 2018 happens, this blog will feature each dynamic member of the committee.

J. Paul Hawthorne is a familiar face to to those who follow him on Facebook, Instagam, and Twitter. His gentle humor often features hats, masks, and digital appendages. Paul jumped at the chance when asked to join the committee as the Social Media Marketing Coordinator for SLIG in 2016.

Named for his paternal grandfather, James Boardman Hawthorne and his father, Paul Hawthorne, he started adding the “J” before his middle name when he joined the family tractor business in Southern California.

Paul says he enjoys the comradery between the committee members, the leadership of the Director, Peg Ivanyo, and the freedom within a framework that fits his personality.

His favorite SLIG memory is as a "first-timer." Paul shares that at his first Welcome Reception, he was overwhelmed. He not only saw all his genealogy heroes, but about half of the students there were actually teachers that he had learned from at conferences! He was intimidated, but he “stepped up to the plate and did his best”.

Paul likes a deep blue color because it is like his thoughts. These same thoughts were responsible for the unique and imaginative #mycolorfulancestry color coded Excel family tree charts that went viral last year. Keep on thinking, Paul! 

Until next time, the next committee member, and the next Behind the Scenes SLIG 2018 magic!