Speaker Profile-Evva Benson

Evva C. Benson, AG grew up (mostly) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned bachelors degrees in family history and economics. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and Florida. Evva began working at the Family History Library as a British research consultant in 2000. She has earned her Accredited Genealogist credentials in England and Ireland and hopes to soon do the same for Scotland.

In her free time Evva enjoys hiking and the outdoors, spending time with her family, reading, making things, and eating cheese (all donations accepted).

Evva’s own ancestors come from England, Denmark, Scotland, one Irish line, and many American lines that she hasn’t yet had the courage to attempt tracing back “over the pond.” She is very grateful to all of her ancestors for their dedication and sacrifices so that she could have the blessings she has.

Evva will be teaching the following two courses at the upcoming NGS Conference:

“Lesser Known Irish Sources at the Family History Library”
“England and Wales: Solving research problems using probate records”

If your ancestors are from any of these locations make sure you don't miss these great presentations!

Family History Library Tips

Tips for Visiting the Library...

Each year thousands of people visit the Family History Library...Check this site out to learn some quick tips to make the most of your visit. It covers floor plans, parking, hours, patron classes, and so much more! The site is located here:

http://fsbeta.familysearch.org/c/library_tips

Marie Varrelman Melchiori, CG, CGL

Marie Varrelman Melchiori, CG, CGL specializes in Union and Confederate records at the National Archives, Washington, D.C. She was Certified in 1980 and served as BCG Trustee, 2000-2006. Marie was the Assistant Director of the National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR) from 1987 to 2002 and continues to lecture on military records. She has lectured at NGS and FGS National Conferences since 1988 and has also lectured at Samford University's IGHR and the Salt Lake Institute. In 2009 and 2010 she was a co-director for the NGS Research Trip to Salt Lake City.

Marie joined APG in 1983, serving as Executive Vice President from 1991 to 1993 and as a Trustee from 1994 through 1999. She received APG's Smallwood Award of Merit in 1999. Marie is a charter member of the Genealogical Speakers' Guild and served as Vice President 1995-97.

She received a BS in Nursing from Rutgers University.

Marie will be presenting three lectures:

• "Who Gets the Money? Records of the United States and Mexican Claims Commission 1839-1942"
• "Using Records in the National Archives: A Researcher's View"
• "Filmed National Archives Records NOT at the Family History Library"