- National Genealogical Society (2024)

Tales & Trails

Main Conference
24-25 May 2025

Pre-Conference Workshops
23 May 2025

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

11:59 p.m. ET, 11 August 2024

As genealogists, we seek to understand those who came before us. We learn about the lives our ancestors led, the opportunities they had, and the sacrifices they made. We travel, both literally and figuratively, the trails they left behind. Tales and Trails connects us with stories of the people and places we come from.

With its storytelling tradition and significant role in American migration, Kentucky is the perfect place to share your knowledge with genealogists and family historians at every learning level. The history of Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley is the story of America. It’s a tale of people moving through the Cumberland Gap, down the Ohio River, upon the Underground Railroad, or along the Trail of Tears. It is a chronicle of freedom and opportunity and an account of oppression and loss. Your lecture will help family historians along the path of lifelong genealogical learning.

NGS encourages proposals of interest to family historians from beginning to advanced levels. The 2025 NGS Conference will offer attendees the latest information to build their skills, learn about new records, and discover techniques to be successful. Conference topics under consideration include the following and more:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology. We invite proposals on leveraging AI, machine learning, data analytics, digitization, online platforms, and other established and emerging technologies to advance genealogical research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Cultural, Community, and Identity-Based Research. Proposals that explore unique methodologies, specialized records, or storytelling for groups such as African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, European, Hispanic and Latin American, Jewish, LGBTQIA+, Middle Eastern, Native American, and women. Submissions highlighting the histories and experiences of other communities are also welcome and encouraged.
• DNA. DNA methodology, results interpretation, case studies correlating genetic and documentary evidence, and DNA analysis tools
• Family Stories and Oral History. Methods for discovering and preserving the life stories of living and previous generations, including tools and logistics for recording, transcribing, and archiving, tips for handling sensitive topics, and strategies for bringing out previously untold stories.
• Methodology. All aspects of family history methodology, from basic organizing tips to source documentation, planning, research techniques, and interpreting findings.
• Migration. Migrations and the trails into, within, and out of the Ohio River Valley, especially Kentucky.
• Records and Repositories. The use of record types such as religious, military, immigration, tribal, land, court, and vital records; the use and content of local, regional, and national record repositories.
• Regional Research. The history, records, repositories, and ethnic and religious groups of the Ohio River valley, origins of early settlers, and history of native people.
• Writing and Publication. Techniques and tools for writing and sharing family history, from family sketches, books, and trees to multi-media presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles. Topics may include structuring stories, using digital tools, publishing options, writing for an audience, and practical advice for preserving and sharing family histories.

Use the submission portal to submit proposals for regular sessions for the main conference (24-25 May), pre-conference workshops (23 May), or sponsored sessions for the main conference.

• NGS members receive first consideration as speakers.
• Speakers may submit up to four proposals electronically. Each submitted proposal requires the following information:
  • Speaker’s full name, mailing address, telephone, and email address
  • Presentation title, not to exceed fourteen words
  • Lecture summary for program brochure, not to exceed twenty-five words
  • Lecture outline, not to exceed 1500 words
  • Speaker’s biography, not to exceed twenty-five words
  • Speaker’s recent lecture experience, including a listing of national or regional conferences where the speaker has presented in the last three years
  • The appropriate audience level: beginner, intermediate, advanced, or all.

We seek new, innovative presentations. Please do not submit a proposal for a lecture that has been presented previously at a regional, state, or national level event, is scheduled to be presented before May 2025, or is available for free online. Presentations to small local groups are okay.

Speakers receive a $250 honorarium and up to $500 in reimbursable travel expenses (receipts required) for a total compensation of up to $750 for a one-hour session.

Speakers for a double session receive a $500 honorarium and up to $1000 in reimbursable expenses for a total compensation of up to $1500.

Workshop presenters negotiate revenue sharing with NGS based on total capacity, registration fee, and other factors, including NGS expenses and a management fee.

Optional sales after 15 August 2025 receive $1.00/sale royalties. Royalties are paid annually on 15 August for as long as the speaker chooses to make the lecture available. Option included in speaker contracts.

We have a free webinar, Becoming a Better Conference Speaker: Proposals and Preparations, on our YouTube channel. We encourage you to view the video before beginning the proposal process. Topics covered include lecture proposals, presentations, syllabus materials, communications, and delivery.