Sixteenth Annual German Genealogical Conference Announced

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14th, 2008 for the Sixteenth Annual German Genealogical Conference with Baerbel K. Johnson, A. G. ®. Watch this site for further information on the conference.

Baerbel K. Johnson, A.G.®  is a professional genealogist and works at the Family History Library as International Reference Consultant. She holds degrees in Family and Local History Studies and Sociology from BYU, and has more than twenty years of extensive experience in European family history research with emphasis on Germany. She has published a number of journal articles, contributed material for several books, and lectured at various conferences. Her personal interest is in “putting flesh on the genealogical skeleton” by placing each individual within a proper social and historical context.

Conference flyer & registration

IGS 2008 Annual Genealogical Conference Announced

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 2 - 4, 2008 for the IGS Annual Conference, They're Comin' to America! In Search of Our Immigrant Ancestors, with Meldon J. Wolfgang III, owner of Jonathan Sheppard Books.

Watch this site for further information on the conference.

Join us for our first-ever Ethnic Extravaganza, featuring nationally-renown researcher, Meldon J. Wolfgang III and his wonderful German forte. Don't miss the added opportunity to chat one-on-one with the local Special- Interest Group Professional of your choice. (Formal sign up will be Friday at the Registration table for this Saturday afternoon networking event). Perhaps, a brick wall - or - two will soon be broken through with the help of our seasoned Ethnic Instructors!

Three workshops geared to more localized genealogical records/topics will also be offered. For you shoppers-at-heart, MJW's Jonathan Sheppard Books will join us, with his extensive collection of books and maps, including Ethnic/International (and often times rare) titles. An At-Your-Leisure Library and a Silent Auction are also being planned. Don't miss out!

 

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The site is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get the same quality search results that you're used to. What's unique is that they have developed a way to direct money to IGS (when selected in the second dropdown box) with every click.

The more people who use this site and select Iowa Genealogical Society, the more money will go to IGS. So please spread the word to your friends and family.

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Favorite Recipes Through the Generations

"For My Family...With Love" is the Iowa Genealogical Society 40th Anniversary compilation of 400+ delicious recipes that have been passed from one great family cook to the next.

With photos and stories, you have the opportunity to learn more about the cook and what makes the recipe special.

Order the Cookbook Online or
Download the Cookbook Order Form (PDF)

Let's Burn the Mortgage


The Iowa Genealogical Society pays $5,017.58 a month on an $850,000.00 mortgage whose balance with the bank is $540,968.37 as of 12 February 2008. Since the payments began in 2003, IGS has paid $181,922.43 in interest. We would be in a much better financial situation if we didn't have that interest to pay. We are proposing to let the members and friends step in and replace the bank as the lender. Many of you may have participated in a similar plan to raise funds for your church. A successful campaign will mean IGS will own its building free and clear much sooner than the 20 years or so left on the current mortgage.

How does it work? Members and others lend money, in increments of $1,000, to IGS to reduce the outstanding balance of the mortgage on the IGS building. In return, they receive a promissory note. 

Do I earn interest? No. The purpose of these notes is to relieve IGS of the burden of paying interest. We looked at what the $1,000 might be earning in someone's savings account and decided that forbearing interest on it wouldn't be a material hardship.

When will I be repaid? The term is indefinite. IGS will not begin to repay these notes until the bank mortgage is retired. If we only receive enough money to pay off half the mortgage, the note holders would have to wait until the other half is retired before repayment of the promissory notes begins. Once the bank mortgage is paid off, IGS will hold a lottery at least annually to determine which notes will be repaid. The number of notes to be repaid will depend on available funds. The goal is to utilize the money which had been used to pay the bank mortgage and would now be available to pay the promissory notes.

What if the building is sold or otherwise disposed of? The Board has passed a resolution that if at time the building is disposed of, the note holders will stand in first position, behind the current mortgage holder only, for repayment of the notes.

Can the funds be used for something other than the mortgage? No. The board passed a resolution that any funds received as part of this Building Fund drive will be deposited in a separate bank account and will be restricted to the reduction of the mortgage.

What if can't afford $1,000? If you would like to participate but cannot lend the full $1,000, we will try to put you in touch with someone in a similar position. You may pool your money to reach the $1,000 amount.

When does this start? Now.

How do I participate or get more information? 

Download and print the IGS Promissory Note Form (PDF) and return it to IGS Building Fund Campaign, 628 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309-1924. Or e-mail us at igs@iowagenealogy.org.