I’ve meant to write this blog post for over a month. The IAJGS Conference this year was all about socializing and meetings. I spent a lot of time sitting in the hallways talking to people I knew and meeting new ones. I spent a lot of time in the Vendor Room because some of the vendors are my friends. I think the final tally was 1.5 lectures, 6 meetings, and 2 computer labs that I taught.
What did I accomplish on this trip?
1. I went to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum with my roommate, Elise. We were helped by Jo-Ellyn Decker. I remembered her from a previous IAJGS conference. She could tell that we were genealogists and computer literate, so she went over everything very quickly instead of coddling us with simple things that we already knew how to do. Of course, when she walked away, we had multiple databases open and had a hard time remembering everything she told us, so we just started searching in whatever was there. I was able to find a few things and we called her back later to help explain more. I think I need to do a little more research on doing research at the USHMM before the next time I go back.
2. I met new people and talked to a lot of people I already knew. I went to meetings of genealogists with common interests. I learned new things and brought home some new ideas. And I took notes and suggestions for the conference that will be in Salt Lake City in 2014.
3. I got to see Washington, D.C. again. The first time I was there was in 1994. It was one of my excursions during a break in my college schedule. I’m sure I drove everywhere. This time, I walked and rode the Metro. I have pictures from every side of the White House. I walked to the Lincoln Memorial (oy, my poor, aching feet; I was in pain for days). I took the architectural tour at the Library of Congress. I went to the Air and Space Museum, again, albeit quickly. I walked through the Sculpture Gardens. I saw the new World War II Memorial. And I walked past random interesting looking buildings and memorials between The Mall and my hotel.
4. I took more pictures at this conference than any previous, and yet I still wish I’d gotten a lot more. Also, many didn’t come out very good. Why is it that I can’t find a digital camera for a reasonable price that can take decent indoor shots? I did get some good ones. And lots of pictures of before and after the conference.