WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2015
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. SLT (Pacific Daylight Time)
WHERE: Second Life , Just Genealogy (Wollah (76,43, 72)
What is the Global Family Reunion?
Genealogy and family history have received a big boost in the last decade from inexpensive DNA testing, and the growth of online source databases and user-built family trees. A. J. Jacobs, a writer and editor, plugged himself into several websites and got excited, as many of us do, at the history and connections that opened up.
In honor of his new-found cousins, Jacobs is sponsoring the Global Family Reunion, a day-long event in New York City, with "branch parties" in other locations, including Second Life. The NYC events include education, famous speakers, and many, many cousins, near and far removed.
Additionally, the Global Family Reunion is a fundraiser for two organizations devoted to finding a cure for Alzheimer's Disease: the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and the Alzheimer's Association New York Chapter. Goals of the event are threefold: 1) to find cousins through the new online, crowdsourced family trees, 2) to raise money for Alzheimer's Disease research, and 3) to have fun!
More information about the Global Family Reunion event
A. J. Jacobs' 10-minute TED talk about the Reunion
A. J. Jacobs' article from the New York Times, "Are You My Cousin?"
Second Life Branch Party
Can't make it to New York City? Then join the Second Life Branch Party at Just Genealogy, a day of "virtual" fun, music, dancing, educational presentations and discussions, prizes and games... all in a carnival atmosphere. The New York City event will be live-streamed on the big screen, and people will be available to help with your family history research.
And PRIZES! Just a few of the prizes to be given away are a 6-month subscription to Ancestry.com, as well as copies of the popular family tree software FamilyTree Maker and RootsMagic. EVERY attendee will be eligible for prizes! Join the Global Family Reunion in Second Life group and you will be automatically entered.
What is Just Genealogy?
Just Genealogy is the enduring home for genealogy in Second Life . Originally founded by Krag Mariner, Just Genealogy is now owned by Clarise Beaumont and Genie Weezles. Barbara Collazo joined Second Life to "do" genealogy, and has been at Just Genealogy since her first days in Second Life.
Just Genealogy hosts the Second Life Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), whose members strive for the highest scholarly and ethical standards in genealogy research. The group offers monthly continuing education programs, and all genealogists - not just APG members - are welcome to attend their meetings. The Second Life NGSQ Study Group also holds monthly meetings at Just Genealogy. Additionally, there are educational displays and other scheduled discussions about genealogical topics.
Just Genealogy is a friendly community that understands when you talk about your second cousins five-times-removed. Genealogists of all skill levels, and from all walks of life, frequent Just Genealogy. It is a great place for people who may be physically disabled or otherwise isolated; for many, Second Life can be a lifeline where one can meet like-minded individuals who share your interests.
Join the Just Genealogy in-world group to be part of the largest Second Life group devoted entirely to genealogy.
For more information, or to volunteer to help out, please contact Genie Weezles.
