Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "Learning MyHeritage" with Kerry Knodle
MyHeritage—one of the "big four" genealogy online platforms--offers a number of unique features and research tools. Mr. Knodle will provide an overview of the platform, highlighting key features, uses, and strengths and will offer a comparison to the "other three". For in-person attendees, feel free to bring your laptop to explore the website and get your questions answered. Members are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time.
Kerry Knodle is a retired nonprofit CEO with over 40 years’ experience in community and youth development, nonprofit administration, criminal justice, workforce development and affordable housing. He founded and ran both a nonprofit community development agency as well as a for-profit construction company before retiring in 2018. His experience includes serving as a Senior Juvenile Probation Officer, founder and President of the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition, and a criminal justice faculty member at Southern Illinois University.
His volunteer work has included the National Director’s Council of the YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network, the Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition, and the National Youth Employment Coalition. He is also a founder and board member of Youth Bridges International, a transatlantic organization focused on socially excluded youth. He holds a Master of Science in Administration of Justice from SIU and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Luther College.
In addition to his professional career, Mr. Knodle is in his 44th year with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, where he holds the position of Principal Percussionist and is the founder of the Rockford Regional Percussion Ensemble. He performs with the Pegasus Wind Symphony and was Assistant Director and percussion instructor for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (1984-1997). He volunteers at Midway Village Museum and has been an avid amateur genealogist for the past 12 years.
Kerry comes from a family rooted in the printing and publishing business in his hometown of Mt. Morris, IL. One ancestor published the first newspaper there in 1841, and his father and grandparents worked in the printing industry. His father was a journalism major in college and wrote a sports column for the local paper for many years. Kerry has put his inherited skills to work as a grant-writer and consultant, and most recently as a new self-published author/editor/compiler.
As a result of his genealogical research, Kerry has published a series of family histories and his work in that arena can be seen at his website – www.knodle.org/genealogy or online at www.amazon.com/author/kerryknodle . He currently serves on the board of the Pennsylvania chapter of Palatines to America, and is the editor of their newsletter-PennPal. He has taught introductory genealogy courses and his other current project is assisting one of his former probationers in publishing a series of over 20 books written while serving a life sentence in prison.
MyHeritage—one of the "big four" genealogy online platforms--offers a number of unique features and research tools. Mr. Knodle will provide an overview of the platform, highlighting key features, uses, and strengths and will offer a comparison to the "other three". For in-person attendees, feel free to bring your laptop to explore the website and get your questions answered. Members are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time.
Kerry Knodle is a retired nonprofit CEO with over 40 years’ experience in community and youth development, nonprofit administration, criminal justice, workforce development and affordable housing. He founded and ran both a nonprofit community development agency as well as a for-profit construction company before retiring in 2018. His experience includes serving as a Senior Juvenile Probation Officer, founder and President of the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition, and a criminal justice faculty member at Southern Illinois University.
His volunteer work has included the National Director’s Council of the YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network, the Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition, and the National Youth Employment Coalition. He is also a founder and board member of Youth Bridges International, a transatlantic organization focused on socially excluded youth. He holds a Master of Science in Administration of Justice from SIU and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Luther College.
In addition to his professional career, Mr. Knodle is in his 44th year with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, where he holds the position of Principal Percussionist and is the founder of the Rockford Regional Percussion Ensemble. He performs with the Pegasus Wind Symphony and was Assistant Director and percussion instructor for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (1984-1997). He volunteers at Midway Village Museum and has been an avid amateur genealogist for the past 12 years.
Kerry comes from a family rooted in the printing and publishing business in his hometown of Mt. Morris, IL. One ancestor published the first newspaper there in 1841, and his father and grandparents worked in the printing industry. His father was a journalism major in college and wrote a sports column for the local paper for many years. Kerry has put his inherited skills to work as a grant-writer and consultant, and most recently as a new self-published author/editor/compiler.
As a result of his genealogical research, Kerry has published a series of family histories and his work in that arena can be seen at his website – www.knodle.org/genealogy or online at www.amazon.com/author/kerryknodle . He currently serves on the board of the Pennsylvania chapter of Palatines to America, and is the editor of their newsletter-PennPal. He has taught introductory genealogy courses and his other current project is assisting one of his former probationers in publishing a series of over 20 books written while serving a life sentence in prison.
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 1:30p.m. CDT "FamilySearch101" with Jerry Moors
This presentation will cover the basics of FamilySearch and provide valuable tips and tricks for experienced users. FamilySearch is a powerful tool for finding out more about your ancestors, and it’s free to use! They have records you cannot find anywhere else. Our seminar will give you an overview of FamilySearch, show you how you can use it to find out more about your ancestors, and share valuable tips and tricks! And find out about fun activities like finding famous people you are related to! This is a live demonstration.
Jerry Moors is the Treasurer of the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society. He is a retired executive who is an expert genealogist and FamilySearch contributor. In 2024 he made over 5,600 contributions to FamilySearch, including adding over 1,000 photos and documents.
This presentation will cover the basics of FamilySearch and provide valuable tips and tricks for experienced users. FamilySearch is a powerful tool for finding out more about your ancestors, and it’s free to use! They have records you cannot find anywhere else. Our seminar will give you an overview of FamilySearch, show you how you can use it to find out more about your ancestors, and share valuable tips and tricks! And find out about fun activities like finding famous people you are related to! This is a live demonstration.
Jerry Moors is the Treasurer of the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society. He is a retired executive who is an expert genealogist and FamilySearch contributor. In 2024 he made over 5,600 contributions to FamilySearch, including adding over 1,000 photos and documents.
Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "Squeezing All the Information Out of Your DNA Matches" with Kate Penney Howard
Near the top of your match list, you have a mystery match that just might be the key to your research. The only problem is that they don’t have a visible tree and didn’t respond to the message you sent two years ago. But that doesn’t mean that you should give up! Learn strategies, tips, and tricks to help you squeeze all the information out of your matches!
Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist, specializing in brick wall work, HighRoH, and endogamy.
She has presented at Rootstech, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, Illinois Genealogical Society, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, NAAP/RTK's Untangling Our Roots, and the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Future speaking engagements include Rootstech 2025 and Ohio Genealogical Society 2025, as well as local library & genealogical society presentations.
Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011, and has been pastor of North Christian Church since her ordination in 2012.
Near the top of your match list, you have a mystery match that just might be the key to your research. The only problem is that they don’t have a visible tree and didn’t respond to the message you sent two years ago. But that doesn’t mean that you should give up! Learn strategies, tips, and tricks to help you squeeze all the information out of your matches!
Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist, specializing in brick wall work, HighRoH, and endogamy.
She has presented at Rootstech, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, Illinois Genealogical Society, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, NAAP/RTK's Untangling Our Roots, and the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Future speaking engagements include Rootstech 2025 and Ohio Genealogical Society 2025, as well as local library & genealogical society presentations.
Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011, and has been pastor of North Christian Church since her ordination in 2012.
Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. CDT "One Touch Genealogy Research" with Thomas MacEntee
You will learn the best way to extract as much information as possible from a genealogy record on the first pass! We’ll cover how to save and name record images, how to transcribe and extract information, how to create a quick source citation, and how to make sure you can find the record in the future.
Having taught over 1,000 in-person and virtual genealogy lectures since 2010, serving on the boards of many genealogical societies, organizing a group of over 1,000 genealogy bloggers, and helping researchers save money on genealogy products and services, Thomas is ready for the next chapter in his professional journey: changing the way genealogists acquire new research skills, motivating researchers to take a chance on new technologies, and improving how family stories and heirlooms are preserved and passed on to the next generations.
Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller, entrepreneur and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals.
You will learn the best way to extract as much information as possible from a genealogy record on the first pass! We’ll cover how to save and name record images, how to transcribe and extract information, how to create a quick source citation, and how to make sure you can find the record in the future.
Having taught over 1,000 in-person and virtual genealogy lectures since 2010, serving on the boards of many genealogical societies, organizing a group of over 1,000 genealogy bloggers, and helping researchers save money on genealogy products and services, Thomas is ready for the next chapter in his professional journey: changing the way genealogists acquire new research skills, motivating researchers to take a chance on new technologies, and improving how family stories and heirlooms are preserved and passed on to the next generations.
Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller, entrepreneur and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals.
Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. CDT "Discovering Famous People Buried in Rockford Cemeteries" with Jerry Moors
Local history and genealogy enthusiasts will learn tips about Find a Grave®, a free online database of cemetery records. Find a Grave® contains the world's largest collection of burial records via their website or free app. Jerry Moors, treasurer of Winnebago/Boone Counties Genealogical Society, is the featured presenter.
Local history and genealogy enthusiasts will learn tips about Find a Grave®, a free online database of cemetery records. Find a Grave® contains the world's largest collection of burial records via their website or free app. Jerry Moors, treasurer of Winnebago/Boone Counties Genealogical Society, is the featured presenter.
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. CDT "Winnebago County Poorhouse and Cemetery" with Kathi Kresol
Kathi Kresol will share her research into Winnebago’s county's challenges it faced while striving to serve the poor and insane of the region. This will include personal stories of some of the residents who lived and died at the almshouse. It will also include some of the strangest cases of unsolved murders, suicides and strange deaths.
Kathi has been researching the area's history for almost 20 years for her column in The Rock River Times, “Voices from the Grave.” She has two solo books published including, "Murder and Mayhem in Rockford, Illinois" and "Haunted Rockford, Illinois".
Kathi Kresol will share her research into Winnebago’s county's challenges it faced while striving to serve the poor and insane of the region. This will include personal stories of some of the residents who lived and died at the almshouse. It will also include some of the strangest cases of unsolved murders, suicides and strange deaths.
Kathi has been researching the area's history for almost 20 years for her column in The Rock River Times, “Voices from the Grave.” She has two solo books published including, "Murder and Mayhem in Rockford, Illinois" and "Haunted Rockford, Illinois".
Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "Researching Your Union Civil War Ancestors" with Scott Norrick
The presentation will highlight websites and strategies for accessing additional records like headstones, state-level documents, and regimental histories.
Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.
His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from European countries.
He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey.
The presentation will highlight websites and strategies for accessing additional records like headstones, state-level documents, and regimental histories.
Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.
His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from European countries.
He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "AI in Genealogy" with Bob Bertolasi
Bob Bertolasi will present a view of various AI platforms and how they are integrating with genealogy research. Bob will discuss the power of using AI assistance for research and recovery of artifactual data, and he will discuss the fictional/artificial influences (called Hallucinations) that are easily created when using generative AI without a significant amount of oversight. He will review what is being done by leaders in the integration efforts to combat ingestion of non-factual details that can de-rail the efforts of others going forward . Bob will present current ratings for various AI platforms as well as future expectations for user friendly AI tools for genealogists.
After graduating from East High School, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force until 1962, later earning a degree in General Science from Rockford College with majors in Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology. His career has spanned roles at Ingersoll Milling, Kelsey Hayes Gunite Foundry and Twin Disc, and has worked in 31 countries and logged over 1.8 million air miles. Now retired, Bob joined Rock Valley College’s Center for Learning in Retirement in 2012 and is currently an instructor, committee member and media specialist. In addition, he enjoys a lifelong interest in photography and showcasing his customized 1950 Ford at car shows.
Bob Bertolasi will present a view of various AI platforms and how they are integrating with genealogy research. Bob will discuss the power of using AI assistance for research and recovery of artifactual data, and he will discuss the fictional/artificial influences (called Hallucinations) that are easily created when using generative AI without a significant amount of oversight. He will review what is being done by leaders in the integration efforts to combat ingestion of non-factual details that can de-rail the efforts of others going forward . Bob will present current ratings for various AI platforms as well as future expectations for user friendly AI tools for genealogists.
After graduating from East High School, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force until 1962, later earning a degree in General Science from Rockford College with majors in Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology. His career has spanned roles at Ingersoll Milling, Kelsey Hayes Gunite Foundry and Twin Disc, and has worked in 31 countries and logged over 1.8 million air miles. Now retired, Bob joined Rock Valley College’s Center for Learning in Retirement in 2012 and is currently an instructor, committee member and media specialist. In addition, he enjoys a lifelong interest in photography and showcasing his customized 1950 Ford at car shows.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CST "Using Photography History In Genealogy" with Vicki Hahn
Photographs give a direct insight into the past and the lives of individuals portrayed in them. They are a perfect way for genealogists to identify ancestors (from the 1850s on) by analyzing physical resemblance, the history of fashions worn, backgrounds, and special occasions depicted. Learn how to help narrow the dates by identifying what photography studios and camera/developing/mounting technologies were used through the history of photography. Explore how to combine photography with other genealogical techniques, and organization. Bring a vintage photograph along, and we can try to identify the range of years that it was taken.
Vicki Ruthe Hahn, owner of Stateline Genealogy Club, LLC, is a Retired Librarian with a BA and MLIS from University of Illinois. An experienced, regional Genealogy Presenter and Consultant, she founded the “Stateline Genealogy Club” at Beloit Public Library in 2012, & created the “StatelineGenealogyClub.Wordpress.com" BLOG in 2014.
She has a background in history, anthropology, research, writing, teaching, and clothing history. Vicki sorts out mysteries, rediscovers histories, weaves stories, & helps people with local history and their family genealogy; specializing from Central Illinois to Central Wisconsin.
Photographs give a direct insight into the past and the lives of individuals portrayed in them. They are a perfect way for genealogists to identify ancestors (from the 1850s on) by analyzing physical resemblance, the history of fashions worn, backgrounds, and special occasions depicted. Learn how to help narrow the dates by identifying what photography studios and camera/developing/mounting technologies were used through the history of photography. Explore how to combine photography with other genealogical techniques, and organization. Bring a vintage photograph along, and we can try to identify the range of years that it was taken.
Vicki Ruthe Hahn, owner of Stateline Genealogy Club, LLC, is a Retired Librarian with a BA and MLIS from University of Illinois. An experienced, regional Genealogy Presenter and Consultant, she founded the “Stateline Genealogy Club” at Beloit Public Library in 2012, & created the “StatelineGenealogyClub.Wordpress.com" BLOG in 2014.
She has a background in history, anthropology, research, writing, teaching, and clothing history. Vicki sorts out mysteries, rediscovers histories, weaves stories, & helps people with local history and their family genealogy; specializing from Central Illinois to Central Wisconsin.
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CST "Using Ancestry for Genealogy Research" with Jenny Warner
Hands on. Attendees will learn how to use Ancestry.com to find their ancestors. You will learn how to create a tree, upload pictures, attach pictures.
Jenny has been doing genealogy for 43 years. Her mother started she and her sister early, learning about where their family came from and how to research their family history. She is a member of many Lineage Societies and many Genealogical Societies, holding offices in many of those groups.
Jenny has given many presentations at public libraries and genealogical societies. She loves sharing her knowledge of family history and helping people learn about their heritage.
Hands on. Attendees will learn how to use Ancestry.com to find their ancestors. You will learn how to create a tree, upload pictures, attach pictures.
Jenny has been doing genealogy for 43 years. Her mother started she and her sister early, learning about where their family came from and how to research their family history. She is a member of many Lineage Societies and many Genealogical Societies, holding offices in many of those groups.
Jenny has given many presentations at public libraries and genealogical societies. She loves sharing her knowledge of family history and helping people learn about their heritage.
Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CST "11 Tips to Help You Transcribe German Church Records" with Theresa Berns
Some of the tips you will learn are: - Take advantage of the same formatting of church records. - Be aware that spelling was not standardized until the late 19th century. - Know what the word “des” means. - Know how to figure out the names of towns and villages.
Theresa has been interested in languages and cultures from an early age. However, growing up with German and Low German was not enough for her. So, over time, she acquired additional language skills in English, Spanish, and French. After finishing her university degree in translation studies, Theresa mainly translates documents from German into English and vice versa. Most of these are genealogical documents written in Kurrent, Sütterlin, and Fraktur. Being a native German speaker really facilitates deciphering the Old German Script and understanding the essence of the original text, which is crucial when translating.
Some of the tips you will learn are: - Take advantage of the same formatting of church records. - Be aware that spelling was not standardized until the late 19th century. - Know what the word “des” means. - Know how to figure out the names of towns and villages.
Theresa has been interested in languages and cultures from an early age. However, growing up with German and Low German was not enough for her. So, over time, she acquired additional language skills in English, Spanish, and French. After finishing her university degree in translation studies, Theresa mainly translates documents from German into English and vice versa. Most of these are genealogical documents written in Kurrent, Sütterlin, and Fraktur. Being a native German speaker really facilitates deciphering the Old German Script and understanding the essence of the original text, which is crucial when translating.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "Newspapers Research" with Jean Lythgoe
Discover how to effectively research using Newsbank and GenealogyBank. With a Rockford Public Library card, you can access these tools and explore from the comfort of your home!
Jean Lythgoe graduated from Rock Valley College, and then Northern Illinois University, with a BGS. She has worked at the Rockford Public Library since 1965, and in the Local History Room since 2006. Jean considers herself a generalist in genealogy and local history, because one never knows what the next question will be in the Local History Room. She has a lifelong interest in history, especially family history. She enjoys knowing that some ancestors came in colonial times, others during the Irish potato famine and others as recently as 1920. Jean enjoys helping people in the Local History & Genealogy Room, because she gets to learn something new every day!
Discover how to effectively research using Newsbank and GenealogyBank. With a Rockford Public Library card, you can access these tools and explore from the comfort of your home!
Jean Lythgoe graduated from Rock Valley College, and then Northern Illinois University, with a BGS. She has worked at the Rockford Public Library since 1965, and in the Local History Room since 2006. Jean considers herself a generalist in genealogy and local history, because one never knows what the next question will be in the Local History Room. She has a lifelong interest in history, especially family history. She enjoys knowing that some ancestors came in colonial times, others during the Irish potato famine and others as recently as 1920. Jean enjoys helping people in the Local History & Genealogy Room, because she gets to learn something new every day!
Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "Italian-American Immigrants and Chicago Mafia Connections in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin"
with Vicki Hahn
Learn more about Italian-Americans immigration to the United States, the organization of the Mafia, overcoming the difficult search for genealogy of its members, the influences it had on local history, and its connections to people in area communities.
Vicki Ruthe Hahn, owner of Stateline Genealogy Club, LLC, is a Retired Librarian with a BA and MLIS from University of Illinois. An experienced, regional Genealogy Presenter and Consultant, she founded the “Stateline Genealogy Club” at Beloit Public Library in 2012, & created the “StatelineGenealogyClub.Wordpress.com" BLOG in 2014.
She has a background in history, anthropology, research, writing, teaching, and clothing history. Vicki sorts out mysteries, rediscovers histories, weaves stories, & helps people with local history and their family genealogy; specializing from Central Illinois to Central Wisconsin.
with Vicki Hahn
Learn more about Italian-Americans immigration to the United States, the organization of the Mafia, overcoming the difficult search for genealogy of its members, the influences it had on local history, and its connections to people in area communities.
Vicki Ruthe Hahn, owner of Stateline Genealogy Club, LLC, is a Retired Librarian with a BA and MLIS from University of Illinois. An experienced, regional Genealogy Presenter and Consultant, she founded the “Stateline Genealogy Club” at Beloit Public Library in 2012, & created the “StatelineGenealogyClub.Wordpress.com" BLOG in 2014.
She has a background in history, anthropology, research, writing, teaching, and clothing history. Vicki sorts out mysteries, rediscovers histories, weaves stories, & helps people with local history and their family genealogy; specializing from Central Illinois to Central Wisconsin.
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "DNA, Behind the Scenes" with Dan Hubbard
DNA testing has become part of genealogy but what does it really mean? What are the different tests? Why do they tell us different things? Where did we get the different components of our genetic heritage? Who should be tested? How can DNA testing be used to attack genealogical problems? In short, what do you need to know to start to think about DNA?
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
DNA testing has become part of genealogy but what does it really mean? What are the different tests? Why do they tell us different things? Where did we get the different components of our genetic heritage? Who should be tested? How can DNA testing be used to attack genealogical problems? In short, what do you need to know to start to think about DNA?
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CDT "FamilySearch, Hands On" with Maureen Brady
You are welcome to bring your laptop or tablet for a hands-on experience. Outlets are limited, so come fully charged. If you haven't already done so, be sure to create a free account at familysearch.org prior to the meeting.
FamilySearch®, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides family history researchers with access to original digitized historical records from around the world and indexes linked directly to many of those records. Even experienced researchers often do not know how to locate FamilySearch’s full digitized records collections. This presentation will provide an overview of the digital records collection and suggest search strategies for locating the historical records.
You are welcome to bring your laptop or tablet for a hands-on experience. Outlets are limited, so come fully charged. If you haven't already done so, be sure to create a free account at familysearch.org prior to the meeting.
FamilySearch®, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides family history researchers with access to original digitized historical records from around the world and indexes linked directly to many of those records. Even experienced researchers often do not know how to locate FamilySearch’s full digitized records collections. This presentation will provide an overview of the digital records collection and suggest search strategies for locating the historical records.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CDT "Swedish Family History Research" with Maureen Brady
Swedish records provide a rich resource for identifying your Swedish ancestors. This presentation will include a brief historical overview, naming patterns and customs, finding the Swedish parish, parish records, online resources and research libraries.
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian and computer educator, has forty years experience with family history research. She has traced her Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued Chicago and the Midwest, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebecois, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to genealogical societies, libraries, conferences and workshops throughout the U. S., as well as presenting for the Brigham Young University Library family history webinar series.
She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and a life member of the Aberdeen and Northeast Scotland Family History Society and the Ohio, Chicago and McHenry County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies. Maureen is also active in the Kentucky, Middle Tennessee and Lake County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies, the British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois, and the Chicago Scots Scottish Genealogical Society.
Swedish records provide a rich resource for identifying your Swedish ancestors. This presentation will include a brief historical overview, naming patterns and customs, finding the Swedish parish, parish records, online resources and research libraries.
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian and computer educator, has forty years experience with family history research. She has traced her Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued Chicago and the Midwest, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebecois, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to genealogical societies, libraries, conferences and workshops throughout the U. S., as well as presenting for the Brigham Young University Library family history webinar series.
She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and a life member of the Aberdeen and Northeast Scotland Family History Society and the Ohio, Chicago and McHenry County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies. Maureen is also active in the Kentucky, Middle Tennessee and Lake County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies, the British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois, and the Chicago Scots Scottish Genealogical Society.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CDT "Italian Heritage: We Are All Related" with Steven Salvato
Learn how the history of Italians impacted Rockford.
Our speaker, Steven Salvato, has been in the Winnebago County area his entire life. A graduate of Iowa State University, he is currently an Adult Probation Officer with Winnebago County Probation. Steve was born into a full-blooded Sicily family--one grandfather born in Sicily and all great grandparents all born in Sicily. He comes from a strong Roman Catholic family with strong Italian traditions that have been passed down through the years. He considers himself a Second Generation Italian. This setting and a strong interest in history sparked his interest in Family Research. Steve started family research in 1999 when he bought his first computer. He began researching his family and learned very quickly the saying that "Italians are related or connected." As a result, his family extended beyond his immediate family. Steve's current database has 170,000 names and continues to grow. Steve has conducted workshops and supplied many specific family histories to numerous families at Festa Italiana and the Ethnic Heritage Museum. In 2016, he was inducted into the GRIAA Italian Hall of Fame for his work within the community and currently sits on the board of the Greater Italian American Association (GRIAA).
Learn how the history of Italians impacted Rockford.
Our speaker, Steven Salvato, has been in the Winnebago County area his entire life. A graduate of Iowa State University, he is currently an Adult Probation Officer with Winnebago County Probation. Steve was born into a full-blooded Sicily family--one grandfather born in Sicily and all great grandparents all born in Sicily. He comes from a strong Roman Catholic family with strong Italian traditions that have been passed down through the years. He considers himself a Second Generation Italian. This setting and a strong interest in history sparked his interest in Family Research. Steve started family research in 1999 when he bought his first computer. He began researching his family and learned very quickly the saying that "Italians are related or connected." As a result, his family extended beyond his immediate family. Steve's current database has 170,000 names and continues to grow. Steve has conducted workshops and supplied many specific family histories to numerous families at Festa Italiana and the Ethnic Heritage Museum. In 2016, he was inducted into the GRIAA Italian Hall of Fame for his work within the community and currently sits on the board of the Greater Italian American Association (GRIAA).
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CDT
"Find a Grave® Tips & Tricks: Using Find a Grave® for Genealogical Research" with Jerry Moors
This presentation will discuss what Find a Grave® is and how it can be used to further your family research. It will teach you the basics of how to find your ancestors’ memorials and how to become a Find a Grave® contributor so that you can suggest edits, add photos and documents, and link ancestors to their other family members. You will learn how to create memorials for ancestors that do not yet have one, along with some tips and tricks that will make contributing easier and more enjoyable. The seminar will touch on the Find a Grave® mobile app and how to add GPS locations to new and existing memorials.
Jerry Moors is the current treasurer of the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society. He is a former sales executive who retired in 2018. He has been working on his family tree for over 30 years, and since retiring has been doing genealogical research daily. Jerry has completed over 30 trees for friends and family, and he has been a dedicated Find a Grave® contributor for over 5 years. He spends many hours each week locating forgotten graves and photographing them, adding and updating memorials, and locating and adding obituaries and other records to Find a Grave®.
"Find a Grave® Tips & Tricks: Using Find a Grave® for Genealogical Research" with Jerry Moors
This presentation will discuss what Find a Grave® is and how it can be used to further your family research. It will teach you the basics of how to find your ancestors’ memorials and how to become a Find a Grave® contributor so that you can suggest edits, add photos and documents, and link ancestors to their other family members. You will learn how to create memorials for ancestors that do not yet have one, along with some tips and tricks that will make contributing easier and more enjoyable. The seminar will touch on the Find a Grave® mobile app and how to add GPS locations to new and existing memorials.
Jerry Moors is the current treasurer of the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society. He is a former sales executive who retired in 2018. He has been working on his family tree for over 30 years, and since retiring has been doing genealogical research daily. Jerry has completed over 30 trees for friends and family, and he has been a dedicated Find a Grave® contributor for over 5 years. He spends many hours each week locating forgotten graves and photographing them, adding and updating memorials, and locating and adding obituaries and other records to Find a Grave®.
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CST
"Organize Your Genealogy Using Old and New Technology" with Steve Szabados
Make your genealogy efforts more efficient and meaningful. Get organized. Learn what tools and methods will help you become more effective and efficient in your research efforts. The program will review traditional methods and technologies and also introduce new techniques, tools, and technologies. With the explosion in the use of computers and online databases, this is a must-see program to add to your genealogy skills.
Stephen Szabados is a lecturer and author who has given numerous programs to genealogy groups and libraries. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He has authored over twenty genealogy books and twenty family histories. He is also a contributing editor for the Polish American Journal, a Polish Genealogical Society of America member, and a genealogy volunteer at his local library. He has a passion for sharing his love of family history, and his courses cover the methods he has found successful in his twenty years of research experience.
"Organize Your Genealogy Using Old and New Technology" with Steve Szabados
Make your genealogy efforts more efficient and meaningful. Get organized. Learn what tools and methods will help you become more effective and efficient in your research efforts. The program will review traditional methods and technologies and also introduce new techniques, tools, and technologies. With the explosion in the use of computers and online databases, this is a must-see program to add to your genealogy skills.
Stephen Szabados is a lecturer and author who has given numerous programs to genealogy groups and libraries. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He has authored over twenty genealogy books and twenty family histories. He is also a contributing editor for the Polish American Journal, a Polish Genealogical Society of America member, and a genealogy volunteer at his local library. He has a passion for sharing his love of family history, and his courses cover the methods he has found successful in his twenty years of research experience.
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CST
"Contemporary Fashion through the Decades - How to Identify Our Ancestors' Timelines by What They Wore, When" with Vicki Hahn
A visual review of clothing styles and historical influences unique to each period - late 1700s through mid-1900s. Learn how to identify the year that your ancestor wore the clothing and determine their dates. Bring photographs, pictures, or historic clothing for me to analyze afterwards, if you wish.
Vicki Ruthe Hahn, President of Stateline Genealogy Club, LLC, is a Retired Librarian with a BA and MLIS from University of Illinois. A Genealogy Presenter and Consultant, she founded the Beloit Public Library “Stateline Genealogy Club” in 2012, and created the “StatelineGenealogyClub.Wordpress.com" BLOG in 2014.
She has a background in history, anthropology, clothing history, research, writing, and teaching. Vicki sorts out mysteries, rediscovers histories, weaves stories, & helps people with local history and their family genealogy; specializing from Central Illinois to Central Wisconsin.
"Contemporary Fashion through the Decades - How to Identify Our Ancestors' Timelines by What They Wore, When" with Vicki Hahn
A visual review of clothing styles and historical influences unique to each period - late 1700s through mid-1900s. Learn how to identify the year that your ancestor wore the clothing and determine their dates. Bring photographs, pictures, or historic clothing for me to analyze afterwards, if you wish.
Vicki Ruthe Hahn, President of Stateline Genealogy Club, LLC, is a Retired Librarian with a BA and MLIS from University of Illinois. A Genealogy Presenter and Consultant, she founded the Beloit Public Library “Stateline Genealogy Club” in 2012, and created the “StatelineGenealogyClub.Wordpress.com" BLOG in 2014.
She has a background in history, anthropology, clothing history, research, writing, and teaching. Vicki sorts out mysteries, rediscovers histories, weaves stories, & helps people with local history and their family genealogy; specializing from Central Illinois to Central Wisconsin.
Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. "Germans Coming to America's Midwest" with Scott Norrick
Over 46 million Americans have some German ancestry. The largest German immigration wave to America was 1848-1900, and the majority of those that came then settled in America’s Midwest. This presentation will examine the reasons why so many Germans were leaving their homeland during this period as well as why so many settled in America’s Midwest. In addition, the presentation will cover:
• German immigration trends
• Ports of departure and arrival
• Midwest German hotspots
• Cultural influences brought to the Midwest
• Top sites for researching your German ancestors
Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.
His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from European countries.
He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey.
Over 46 million Americans have some German ancestry. The largest German immigration wave to America was 1848-1900, and the majority of those that came then settled in America’s Midwest. This presentation will examine the reasons why so many Germans were leaving their homeland during this period as well as why so many settled in America’s Midwest. In addition, the presentation will cover:
• German immigration trends
• Ports of departure and arrival
• Midwest German hotspots
• Cultural influences brought to the Midwest
• Top sites for researching your German ancestors
Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.
His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from European countries.
He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey.
Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. "Ellis Island: A Brief History, Including the Immigration Process" with Jean Lythgoe
Jean has found interesting information about the island and the name changes over the years. Her presentation will include a brief history of the island as a point for immigration entry, the history of immigration into the US., and places where people can search for more information.
Jean Lythgoe graduated from Rock Valley College, and then Northern Illinois University, with a BGS. She has worked at the Rockford Public Library since 1965, and in the Local History Room since 2006. Jean considers herself a generalist in genealogy and local history, because one never knows what the next question will be in the Local History Room. She has a lifelong interest in history, especially family history. She enjoys knowing that some ancestors came in colonial times, others during the Irish potato famine and others as recently as 1920. Jean enjoys helping people in the Local History & Genealogy Room, because she gets to learn something new every day!
Jean has found interesting information about the island and the name changes over the years. Her presentation will include a brief history of the island as a point for immigration entry, the history of immigration into the US., and places where people can search for more information.
Jean Lythgoe graduated from Rock Valley College, and then Northern Illinois University, with a BGS. She has worked at the Rockford Public Library since 1965, and in the Local History Room since 2006. Jean considers herself a generalist in genealogy and local history, because one never knows what the next question will be in the Local History Room. She has a lifelong interest in history, especially family history. She enjoys knowing that some ancestors came in colonial times, others during the Irish potato famine and others as recently as 1920. Jean enjoys helping people in the Local History & Genealogy Room, because she gets to learn something new every day!
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:30 pm "Introduction to the Family History Guide" with Bob Taylor
In 2014, Bob Taylor volunteered as a family history consultant at the new Sandy Granite Family History Center. He noticed that many guests to the center asked the same questions, so he created a website to answer those questions. Using his background in instructional design, he built a learning framework into the website: Projects, Goals, Choices, and Steps.
He and Bob Ives, the Technology Coordinator for the Sandy Granite Family History Center, soon formed an LLC company to promote the website. This later became a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, The Family History Guide Association, which opened the door to tax-deductible contributions. The Family History Guide website remains free to use and free of advertisements.
Since then, the website has grown and improved dramatically. Some notable milestones include
Bob earned his BA degree from Brigham Young University and MA degree from California State University, Los Angeles, both in Music Education. A career change led him to instructional design and technical writing, where he has worked for large technology corporations such as Intel and Western Digital. At Intel University, he redesigned key training courses for employees and managers worldwide, as well as teaching management courses in Washington, Arizona, Oregon, California, and Utah. He has authored many online and written learning systems, helping others accelerate learning in technology, music, and family history.
Bob has been a featured presenter at RootsTech 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, as well as the WikiTree International Symposium for 2022. Bob has presented at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Riverton FamilySearch Library, and the BYU Family History Conference. He has also presented to genealogical societies in California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In 2014, Bob Taylor volunteered as a family history consultant at the new Sandy Granite Family History Center. He noticed that many guests to the center asked the same questions, so he created a website to answer those questions. Using his background in instructional design, he built a learning framework into the website: Projects, Goals, Choices, and Steps.
He and Bob Ives, the Technology Coordinator for the Sandy Granite Family History Center, soon formed an LLC company to promote the website. This later became a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, The Family History Guide Association, which opened the door to tax-deductible contributions. The Family History Guide website remains free to use and free of advertisements.
Since then, the website has grown and improved dramatically. Some notable milestones include
- Launch of the website in 2015
- Creation of a Board of Directors and Management Team
- Approval by FamilySearch as an official training partner
- Inclusion of Learning Paths on the website for Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast
- Welcoming visitors to the website from over 150 countries
Bob earned his BA degree from Brigham Young University and MA degree from California State University, Los Angeles, both in Music Education. A career change led him to instructional design and technical writing, where he has worked for large technology corporations such as Intel and Western Digital. At Intel University, he redesigned key training courses for employees and managers worldwide, as well as teaching management courses in Washington, Arizona, Oregon, California, and Utah. He has authored many online and written learning systems, helping others accelerate learning in technology, music, and family history.
Bob has been a featured presenter at RootsTech 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, as well as the WikiTree International Symposium for 2022. Bob has presented at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Riverton FamilySearch Library, and the BYU Family History Conference. He has also presented to genealogical societies in California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 1:30 pm "Learning to Use the Genealogy Center Catalog" with Allison DePrey Singleton
The Genealogy Center's Catalog at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne IN is always updating and changing. Join us for a live demo on how to best use the catalog for your genealogy research.
The Genealogy Center is the second largest family research center in the United States, second only to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It is an international collection that includes free access to numerous searchable databases.
Allison, MA, MLS, is the Genealogy Services Manager at ACPL, providing professional research consultations, and leading its family history digital programs initiative. She has presented at the last three RootsTech Connect Conferences and numerous other speaking engagements around the country.
The Genealogy Center's Catalog at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne IN is always updating and changing. Join us for a live demo on how to best use the catalog for your genealogy research.
The Genealogy Center is the second largest family research center in the United States, second only to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It is an international collection that includes free access to numerous searchable databases.
Allison, MA, MLS, is the Genealogy Services Manager at ACPL, providing professional research consultations, and leading its family history digital programs initiative. She has presented at the last three RootsTech Connect Conferences and numerous other speaking engagements around the country.
Thursday, August 3, 2023 6:00 pm “Adoption Searches" with Matthew Rutherford
Having an adopted ancestor can often be one of the most frustrating and challenging aspects of genealogy research. In times past, records of adoptions weren’t as well kept as they are today, making searching for the link between birth families and adoptees difficult. And, in modern times, adoption searches are often hindered by legal barriers.
Join Matt Rutherford, Curator of Genealogy at the Newberry Library as he discusses techniques and sources for researching records of American adoptions in all time periods.
Having an adopted ancestor can often be one of the most frustrating and challenging aspects of genealogy research. In times past, records of adoptions weren’t as well kept as they are today, making searching for the link between birth families and adoptees difficult. And, in modern times, adoption searches are often hindered by legal barriers.
Join Matt Rutherford, Curator of Genealogy at the Newberry Library as he discusses techniques and sources for researching records of American adoptions in all time periods.
Thursday, 6/1/2023 6:00pm “Grave Stone Preservation” with Janie Jenkin
Travel back in time and get a glimpse of early American grave stones and what they were made of. Learn what those symbols on them mean and see how the Victorian era truly made grave stones works of art. We will talk about how graves stones have changed since the Victorian era and learn how there is an ongoing movement to preserve and care for the legacy of our ancestors’ graves all around the world!
Janie Jenkin like most teens in high school never appreciated history. It wasn’t until her late 20’s when her boss taught her all about Genealogy which sparked the interest about history of her own family and learning all about her ancestors. It took another 25yrs and a 1903 American Foursquare in Rockford, IL (in which she is trying to get on the Historic Registry) that started her journey into a lot of Rockford history, house genealogy and the care of the grave stones for the souls that laid to rest of those who once occupied her home. From there it led to many opportunities of learning about grave stones and taking classes on the preservation of them and joining in on the movement of gravestone preservation.
Travel back in time and get a glimpse of early American grave stones and what they were made of. Learn what those symbols on them mean and see how the Victorian era truly made grave stones works of art. We will talk about how graves stones have changed since the Victorian era and learn how there is an ongoing movement to preserve and care for the legacy of our ancestors’ graves all around the world!
Janie Jenkin like most teens in high school never appreciated history. It wasn’t until her late 20’s when her boss taught her all about Genealogy which sparked the interest about history of her own family and learning all about her ancestors. It took another 25yrs and a 1903 American Foursquare in Rockford, IL (in which she is trying to get on the Historic Registry) that started her journey into a lot of Rockford history, house genealogy and the care of the grave stones for the souls that laid to rest of those who once occupied her home. From there it led to many opportunities of learning about grave stones and taking classes on the preservation of them and joining in on the movement of gravestone preservation.
Saturday, 5/6/2023 1:30pm “From the Source’s Mouth” with Dan Hubbard
From the Source’s Mouth, Once we’ve understood that identities can be tricky to reconstruct, how do we piece together the tidbits of information that we find into an actual ancestor? How do we avoid putting together a great-great frankenfather from the spare parts we find in the documents we dig up? Do we trust what seems to be true, or do we look long and hard into the “source’s mouth.”
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
From the Source’s Mouth, Once we’ve understood that identities can be tricky to reconstruct, how do we piece together the tidbits of information that we find into an actual ancestor? How do we avoid putting together a great-great frankenfather from the spare parts we find in the documents we dig up? Do we trust what seems to be true, or do we look long and hard into the “source’s mouth.”
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
Saturday, 4/1/2023 1:30pm “‘I’ is for Identity Crisis” with Dan Hubbard
“I” is for Identity Crisis, We think of identity as something fixed and simple, but as we try to reconstruct the identities of long gone people we need to realize that identity is a much slipperier concept. The things we use to define a person’s identity can change during that person’s lifetime. There are also questions of how a person self-identifies, the motivations they can have for changing how they self-identify, and how those changes affect the records they leave behind.
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
“I” is for Identity Crisis, We think of identity as something fixed and simple, but as we try to reconstruct the identities of long gone people we need to realize that identity is a much slipperier concept. The things we use to define a person’s identity can change during that person’s lifetime. There are also questions of how a person self-identifies, the motivations they can have for changing how they self-identify, and how those changes affect the records they leave behind.
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
Saturday, 3/4/2023 1:30pm “Farming, Factories, and The Frontier: Midwest Genealogy Basics”
Midwesterners make up the heart of America; we live and work among the farmlands, the Great North Woods, and factories and industries. It’s time to take a look at the people who have called this place home by looking at the history of the region and its people and where to find the documents to fill out our ancestors’ stories.
Eleanor Brinsko, Lead Genealogist and Owner, has been collecting tools for genealogy her entire life. Raised by two historians, her passion for discovering and telling the story of her ancestors grew strong in her. Eleanor gained her training while working at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Area Research Center, answering questions by phone, letter, email, and in-person by patrons around the country. She holds a Bachelors of Music Education from UW-River Falls as well as a Masters in Music History (specializing in radio history) and a Masters in Library and Information Science from UW-Milwaukee.
In 2020, Eleanor was made adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s iSchool where she teaches a 1-credit graduate-level course on genealogy! Her perspective when teaching this course is from both sides of the reference desk: what would a genealogist need from a librarian and what resources does the librarian need in order to help promote genealogical resources in the library.
Midwesterners make up the heart of America; we live and work among the farmlands, the Great North Woods, and factories and industries. It’s time to take a look at the people who have called this place home by looking at the history of the region and its people and where to find the documents to fill out our ancestors’ stories.
Eleanor Brinsko, Lead Genealogist and Owner, has been collecting tools for genealogy her entire life. Raised by two historians, her passion for discovering and telling the story of her ancestors grew strong in her. Eleanor gained her training while working at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Area Research Center, answering questions by phone, letter, email, and in-person by patrons around the country. She holds a Bachelors of Music Education from UW-River Falls as well as a Masters in Music History (specializing in radio history) and a Masters in Library and Information Science from UW-Milwaukee.
In 2020, Eleanor was made adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s iSchool where she teaches a 1-credit graduate-level course on genealogy! Her perspective when teaching this course is from both sides of the reference desk: what would a genealogist need from a librarian and what resources does the librarian need in order to help promote genealogical resources in the library.
Saturday, February 4, 2023 “Records at the Winnebago County Courthouse” with Bill Edmundson
What records are available at the Winnebago County Courthouse, and how do I access them? This presentation will cover the offices of the Winnebago County Clerk, the County Circuit Clerk, and some additional records at the Rockford Public Library. Types of records covered will include vital records (birth, marriage, and death), land records (grantor/grantee indexes and deeds), probates, and naturalizations.
Bill Edmundson has served as a board member of the Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society since 2009, specializing in handling local research requests. Bill has worked on his personal family research for more than 40 years, has published a family history book in 1995, and has helped with over 200 research requests our society has received.
What records are available at the Winnebago County Courthouse, and how do I access them? This presentation will cover the offices of the Winnebago County Clerk, the County Circuit Clerk, and some additional records at the Rockford Public Library. Types of records covered will include vital records (birth, marriage, and death), land records (grantor/grantee indexes and deeds), probates, and naturalizations.
Bill Edmundson has served as a board member of the Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society since 2009, specializing in handling local research requests. Bill has worked on his personal family research for more than 40 years, has published a family history book in 1995, and has helped with over 200 research requests our society has received.
Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
“Personal Research Stories” with board members Lynell Cannell and Diane Schoppe McCue
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL
Board members Lynell Cannell and Diane Schoppe McCue will be sharing interesting stories and revelations from research on their ancestors.
Since retiring from her technical career, Lynell’s avocation has been researching local and family history. She has shared the local history as a speaker and docent at Rockford’s Ethnic Heritage Museum. She has shared family history discoveries at reunions and with interested family members. At the November meeting Lynell will share with us how visiting the Ogle County Courthouse led to surprising revelations about the branch of her family she thought she knew best.
Diane always had an interest in her family history. She got more serious about it when she inherited five boxes of her great-grandfather's work. The boxes contained pictures, correspondence with other family members and carbon copies of responses. Her fulltime job since retiring in 2018 is working on her family tree. At the November meeting, Diane will be sharing stories about her great-grandfather, Byron Woodring, and his oldest daughter, Mary.
“Personal Research Stories” with board members Lynell Cannell and Diane Schoppe McCue
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL
Board members Lynell Cannell and Diane Schoppe McCue will be sharing interesting stories and revelations from research on their ancestors.
Since retiring from her technical career, Lynell’s avocation has been researching local and family history. She has shared the local history as a speaker and docent at Rockford’s Ethnic Heritage Museum. She has shared family history discoveries at reunions and with interested family members. At the November meeting Lynell will share with us how visiting the Ogle County Courthouse led to surprising revelations about the branch of her family she thought she knew best.
Diane always had an interest in her family history. She got more serious about it when she inherited five boxes of her great-grandfather's work. The boxes contained pictures, correspondence with other family members and carbon copies of responses. Her fulltime job since retiring in 2018 is working on her family tree. At the November meeting, Diane will be sharing stories about her great-grandfather, Byron Woodring, and his oldest daughter, Mary.
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
“Researching Genealogy at the Newberry Library” with Matthew Rutherford
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL (Hybrid Zoom meeting)
The Newberry Library is one of Chicago's genealogy research treasures. This one-hour session surveys the Newberry's genealogy collections, including city directories, military records, historical newspapers, databases, digital resources, passenger lists, maps, and special collections.
Matt Rutherford, Curator of Genealogy and Local History at the Newberry, demonstrates how to use the catalog and online finding aids in order to prepare for a visit to the library.
“Researching Genealogy at the Newberry Library” with Matthew Rutherford
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL (Hybrid Zoom meeting)
The Newberry Library is one of Chicago's genealogy research treasures. This one-hour session surveys the Newberry's genealogy collections, including city directories, military records, historical newspapers, databases, digital resources, passenger lists, maps, and special collections.
Matt Rutherford, Curator of Genealogy and Local History at the Newberry, demonstrates how to use the catalog and online finding aids in order to prepare for a visit to the library.
Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
“After You’re Gone – Future-Proofing Your Genealogy Research” with Thomas MacEntee (pre-recorded)
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL
Note that this iwasa pre-recorded webinar that Thomas has provided his approval for us to present to our society. The recording is normally only available to members of familytreewebinars.com.
Have you ever considered what will happen to your years of genealogy research once you're gone? Learn how to ensure that your hard work carries on. Through a combination of planning, common sense, and new technologies, we'll review how to create an action plan for preserving your genealogy research.
What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional based in the United States who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more. Thomas has over 42 years of experience researching family history.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. Currently Thomas shares many of his articles and videos for free at the popular Genealogy Bargains website!
Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.
“After You’re Gone – Future-Proofing Your Genealogy Research” with Thomas MacEntee (pre-recorded)
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL
Note that this iwasa pre-recorded webinar that Thomas has provided his approval for us to present to our society. The recording is normally only available to members of familytreewebinars.com.
Have you ever considered what will happen to your years of genealogy research once you're gone? Learn how to ensure that your hard work carries on. Through a combination of planning, common sense, and new technologies, we'll review how to create an action plan for preserving your genealogy research.
What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional based in the United States who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more. Thomas has over 42 years of experience researching family history.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. Currently Thomas shares many of his articles and videos for free at the popular Genealogy Bargains website!
Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.
Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
“Rockford's Industrial History, 1850-1930"
Speaker: Gary W. Anderson
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL
Gary Anderson is Founder and Principal Architect of Studio GWA. They were recently selected by the City of Rockford to perform a Multiple Property Survey on 90 industrial buildings located throughout Rockford. “The purpose of the survey was to take inventory of our remaining industrial buildings that have contributed to our growth and prosperity as a community.” You can read more about the survey on the company’s blog here.
“Rockford's Industrial History, 1850-1930"
Speaker: Gary W. Anderson
Meeting Location: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL
Gary Anderson is Founder and Principal Architect of Studio GWA. They were recently selected by the City of Rockford to perform a Multiple Property Survey on 90 industrial buildings located throughout Rockford. “The purpose of the survey was to take inventory of our remaining industrial buildings that have contributed to our growth and prosperity as a community.” You can read more about the survey on the company’s blog here.
Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
“Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Overturning Every Stone to Break Through Your Brick Wall”
Speaker: Tina Beaird
Whether due to a courthouse fire, natural disaster or late records collection date; each of us has that one ancestor, place or era where the records remain steadfastly elusive. Tina will share success stories and offer tips and strategies to break through that brick wall and find that evasive ancestor.
Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is a genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Tina has won multiple research and digitization grants over the years to preserve and digitize historic documents and photographs.
She lectures nationally on topics including genealogical methodology, military records, Scottish research and photo and archival preservation. Tina has assisted researchers for over 15 years, and occasionally still finds time to conduct her own family research, which she has been pursuing for over twenty-five years.
Tina is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, a board director for the Northern Illinois Historic League, the Illinois State Historic Records Advisory Board and the Oswegoland Heritage Association, as well as the Museum Operations Chair of the Plainfield Historical Society. She is also an active member of the American Library Association and the Society of American Archivists. She volunteers her time, when available, with several Chicago area historical and genealogical societies.
“Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Overturning Every Stone to Break Through Your Brick Wall”
Speaker: Tina Beaird
Whether due to a courthouse fire, natural disaster or late records collection date; each of us has that one ancestor, place or era where the records remain steadfastly elusive. Tina will share success stories and offer tips and strategies to break through that brick wall and find that evasive ancestor.
Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is a genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Tina has won multiple research and digitization grants over the years to preserve and digitize historic documents and photographs.
She lectures nationally on topics including genealogical methodology, military records, Scottish research and photo and archival preservation. Tina has assisted researchers for over 15 years, and occasionally still finds time to conduct her own family research, which she has been pursuing for over twenty-five years.
Tina is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, a board director for the Northern Illinois Historic League, the Illinois State Historic Records Advisory Board and the Oswegoland Heritage Association, as well as the Museum Operations Chair of the Plainfield Historical Society. She is also an active member of the American Library Association and the Society of American Archivists. She volunteers her time, when available, with several Chicago area historical and genealogical societies.
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
"The Home Archivist: Preserving Family Records Like A Pro!”
Speaker: Melissa Barker
Learn from a professional archivist how to preserve, protect and archive family records, photographs and artifacts. Best practices for organization, purchasing archival materials and practical records preservation that any home archivist can achieve! Learn how to process your collection of genealogical records from start to finish. Learn the steps archivists use to process small and large records collections at the archives and how you can use these steps to get a handle on your family records collections!
Melissa Barker is a Certified Archives Manager and Public Historian currently working at the Houston County, Tennessee Archives. She is affectionally known as The Archive Lady to the genealogy community. She lectures, teaches, and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives and records preservation. She conducts virtual presentations across the United States and other countries for various genealogy groups and societies. She writes a popular blog entitled A Genealogist in the Archives and is a well-known published book reviewer. She has been a Professional Genealogist for the past 17 years with expertise in Tennessee records. She has been researching her own family history for the past 32 years.
"The Home Archivist: Preserving Family Records Like A Pro!”
Speaker: Melissa Barker
Learn from a professional archivist how to preserve, protect and archive family records, photographs and artifacts. Best practices for organization, purchasing archival materials and practical records preservation that any home archivist can achieve! Learn how to process your collection of genealogical records from start to finish. Learn the steps archivists use to process small and large records collections at the archives and how you can use these steps to get a handle on your family records collections!
Melissa Barker is a Certified Archives Manager and Public Historian currently working at the Houston County, Tennessee Archives. She is affectionally known as The Archive Lady to the genealogy community. She lectures, teaches, and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives and records preservation. She conducts virtual presentations across the United States and other countries for various genealogy groups and societies. She writes a popular blog entitled A Genealogist in the Archives and is a well-known published book reviewer. She has been a Professional Genealogist for the past 17 years with expertise in Tennessee records. She has been researching her own family history for the past 32 years.
Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
"Warrants & Patents & Deeds, Oh My!"
Speaker: Daniel Hubbard
You may think that land records are the “scariest” records in genealogy but it doesn’t take much courage to find much more in them than that your ancestor owned some land. We will look at some of the treasures you can find in land records, the process of acquiring and selling land and the documents produced. We will also look at the ways that your ancestors’ land was specified- metes and bounds system and the rectangular survey system.
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
"Warrants & Patents & Deeds, Oh My!"
Speaker: Daniel Hubbard
You may think that land records are the “scariest” records in genealogy but it doesn’t take much courage to find much more in them than that your ancestor owned some land. We will look at some of the treasures you can find in land records, the process of acquiring and selling land and the documents produced. We will also look at the ways that your ancestors’ land was specified- metes and bounds system and the rectangular survey system.
Dr. Daniel Hubbard has been seriously researching his family history since he was 11 years old. He is a former particle physicist who lived in France, Switzerland and Sweden for 20 years before returning to Illinois with his family. A full-time professional genealogist, book designer and writer, he is the owner of Personal Past (www.thePersonalPast.com ) with research concentrating on North American and Northern European records. He is past president of the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society and a member of the Swedish-American Genealogy Society Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
"It's All Online! Or Is It?"
Speaker: Lori Bessler
It is important to have a plan when going into the Internet to do genealogical research. This presentation will help you go into the searches in a controlled and well organized manner to prevent surfing and losing your way. It highlights genealogical collections that you will not find online as well.
Lori Bessler is the genealogy and local history specialist in the Wisconsin Historical Society's Library, Archives, and Museum Collections division. She presents a wide variety of talks and workshops for the general public, including: Genealogy: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced; Using Ancestry.com; Using FamilySearch.org; Online Research; Where to Find Collections Anywhere and Everywhere; Immigration Research
"It's All Online! Or Is It?"
Speaker: Lori Bessler
It is important to have a plan when going into the Internet to do genealogical research. This presentation will help you go into the searches in a controlled and well organized manner to prevent surfing and losing your way. It highlights genealogical collections that you will not find online as well.
Lori Bessler is the genealogy and local history specialist in the Wisconsin Historical Society's Library, Archives, and Museum Collections division. She presents a wide variety of talks and workshops for the general public, including: Genealogy: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced; Using Ancestry.com; Using FamilySearch.org; Online Research; Where to Find Collections Anywhere and Everywhere; Immigration Research
Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
"Getting Ready for the 1950 US Census"
Speaker: Thomas MacEntee
Summary: Many genealogists remember the amount of excitement in April 2012 around the release of the 1940 US Census. Following the “72 Year Rule” for records at the National Archives, the results of the 1950 US Census will be made public on Friday, April 1, 2022. It is never too early to prepare for this valuable data related to US genealogy research!
Description: Participants will get up to speed on the history of the 1950 US Census, why the 1950 US Census form is radically different than previous forms, and how the images will be accessed on and after April 1, 2022. In addition, we will cover what you can do NOW to prepare for the release of the population schedule images as well as volunteer projects related to indexing and finding aids. Finally, we’ll cover how you can always get the latest information related to the release of the 1950 US Census data!
Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community. He has made over 1000 lecture appearances from 2009 to the present.
"Getting Ready for the 1950 US Census"
Speaker: Thomas MacEntee
Summary: Many genealogists remember the amount of excitement in April 2012 around the release of the 1940 US Census. Following the “72 Year Rule” for records at the National Archives, the results of the 1950 US Census will be made public on Friday, April 1, 2022. It is never too early to prepare for this valuable data related to US genealogy research!
Description: Participants will get up to speed on the history of the 1950 US Census, why the 1950 US Census form is radically different than previous forms, and how the images will be accessed on and after April 1, 2022. In addition, we will cover what you can do NOW to prepare for the release of the population schedule images as well as volunteer projects related to indexing and finding aids. Finally, we’ll cover how you can always get the latest information related to the release of the 1950 US Census data!
Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community. He has made over 1000 lecture appearances from 2009 to the present.
Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
"Elias Cosper Roots"
Speaker: Mary Rose Fillip
Elias Cosper who is considered the “Father” of the Rockford library. He was in the Civil War. He worked for the Robertson & Coleman Bank, was a sales rep for J. P. Manny, invested & was secretary/manager for the Rockford Tack Company from 1875-1900. Elias Cosper’s home, built in 1868, is still standing & in wonderful condition in the Brown’s Hills Historic District.
Mary Rose Fillip moved to Rockford in December 2013. She very much believes in ‘bloom where you’re planted’. Discovered how very exciting researching local history can be. Believes Rockford is a great place to live, so many museums, events & music. Enjoys volunteering. She loves local history & discovered she enjoys historical research.
"Elias Cosper Roots"
Speaker: Mary Rose Fillip
Elias Cosper who is considered the “Father” of the Rockford library. He was in the Civil War. He worked for the Robertson & Coleman Bank, was a sales rep for J. P. Manny, invested & was secretary/manager for the Rockford Tack Company from 1875-1900. Elias Cosper’s home, built in 1868, is still standing & in wonderful condition in the Brown’s Hills Historic District.
Mary Rose Fillip moved to Rockford in December 2013. She very much believes in ‘bloom where you’re planted’. Discovered how very exciting researching local history can be. Believes Rockford is a great place to live, so many museums, events & music. Enjoys volunteering. She loves local history & discovered she enjoys historical research.
Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
"Cemetery Road Trip"
Speaker: Laurel Mellien
Crossing a milestone, visiting 1000 cemeteries located in the Midwest, and this program presents the best finds. We will visit burial sites on U.S. Presidents and Native American chiefs. Special cemeteries are also included in the program for example, Showman’s Rest in Forest Park and the National Hobo Cemetery in Iowa. The stained-glass windows in Chicago’s community mausoleums and the mosaics inside of Bishops’ Mausoleum in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hillside are breath taking. We will also be entertained with an array of the most unique and amusing headstones that Laurel has encountered during her travels.
Laurel Mellien holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. She has presented programs for libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations, DAR Chapters, and Questers groups. Laurel Mellien is dedicated to the research of cemetery art symbolism. With a concentration on the Victorian Era, she will guide your group through the headstones. The programs uncover the hidden symbolism of these open-air art museums and explains the history of the people laid to rest.
"Cemetery Road Trip"
Speaker: Laurel Mellien
Crossing a milestone, visiting 1000 cemeteries located in the Midwest, and this program presents the best finds. We will visit burial sites on U.S. Presidents and Native American chiefs. Special cemeteries are also included in the program for example, Showman’s Rest in Forest Park and the National Hobo Cemetery in Iowa. The stained-glass windows in Chicago’s community mausoleums and the mosaics inside of Bishops’ Mausoleum in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hillside are breath taking. We will also be entertained with an array of the most unique and amusing headstones that Laurel has encountered during her travels.
Laurel Mellien holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. She has presented programs for libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations, DAR Chapters, and Questers groups. Laurel Mellien is dedicated to the research of cemetery art symbolism. With a concentration on the Victorian Era, she will guide your group through the headstones. The programs uncover the hidden symbolism of these open-air art museums and explains the history of the people laid to rest.
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
“Using Historical Newspapers”
Speaker: Laura Cubbage-Draper
Laura has been engaged in genealogical research for over 20 years. A native of New Jersey with deep Pennsylvania roots, she is a genealogical researcher, presenter, volunteer and the owner of LCD Genealogy Services.
Laura enjoys collaborating with clients and helping them to understand their unique family history. She has expertise in exhaustive genealogical research and compiling detailed written reports, both of which are essential to expanding your family tree.
Master of Science (Counseling & Higher Education Administration), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Syracuse University
Before Facebook and Twitter, the local paper was the place to get the scoop on your community. Historical newspapers are indispensable to genealogical research and to learning about your ancestors and their community. The growth of newspaper digitization has resulted in an incredible resource to team more about our family and provide clues for additional research.
“Using Historical Newspapers”
Speaker: Laura Cubbage-Draper
Laura has been engaged in genealogical research for over 20 years. A native of New Jersey with deep Pennsylvania roots, she is a genealogical researcher, presenter, volunteer and the owner of LCD Genealogy Services.
Laura enjoys collaborating with clients and helping them to understand their unique family history. She has expertise in exhaustive genealogical research and compiling detailed written reports, both of which are essential to expanding your family tree.
Master of Science (Counseling & Higher Education Administration), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Syracuse University
Before Facebook and Twitter, the local paper was the place to get the scoop on your community. Historical newspapers are indispensable to genealogical research and to learning about your ancestors and their community. The growth of newspaper digitization has resulted in an incredible resource to team more about our family and provide clues for additional research.
Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
“Family History Research in Illinois and Wisconsin”
Speaker: Maureen Brady
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian, and computer educator have more than thirty years’ experience with family history research. She has traced her own Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued the Chicago area, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebec, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to Illinois and Wisconsin genealogical societies, libraries, conferences, and workshops, including presenting at the 2002 National Genealogical Society Conference in the States and the 2016 & 2017 Central Florida Family History Conference. Her topics include Chicago and Cook County research, Scottish research, Internet sources, and using FamilySearch® and Family History Centers. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and a life member of the Aberdeen and North-East Scotland Family History Society, the Chicago Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogy Society, and the McHenry County (Illinois) Genealogical Society. She is also active in the British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois (BIGWILL), the Illinois St. Andrew Society’s Scottish Genealogical Group, the National Genealogical Society, the Lake County (Illinois) Genealogical Society, and the Clan Donnachaidh Society.
The families who came to Illinois and Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments. The records that were created by, and about, they reflect that variety, both in type and availability. This presentation will first examine the similarities between Illinois and Wisconsin family history resources and then look at the unique records of each state, including ethnic, religious, and governmental archives and repositories. The discussion will also include a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest”, and how that history has impacted the records that were created.
“Family History Research in Illinois and Wisconsin”
Speaker: Maureen Brady
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian, and computer educator have more than thirty years’ experience with family history research. She has traced her own Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued the Chicago area, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebec, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to Illinois and Wisconsin genealogical societies, libraries, conferences, and workshops, including presenting at the 2002 National Genealogical Society Conference in the States and the 2016 & 2017 Central Florida Family History Conference. Her topics include Chicago and Cook County research, Scottish research, Internet sources, and using FamilySearch® and Family History Centers. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and a life member of the Aberdeen and North-East Scotland Family History Society, the Chicago Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogy Society, and the McHenry County (Illinois) Genealogical Society. She is also active in the British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois (BIGWILL), the Illinois St. Andrew Society’s Scottish Genealogical Group, the National Genealogical Society, the Lake County (Illinois) Genealogical Society, and the Clan Donnachaidh Society.
The families who came to Illinois and Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments. The records that were created by, and about, they reflect that variety, both in type and availability. This presentation will first examine the similarities between Illinois and Wisconsin family history resources and then look at the unique records of each state, including ethnic, religious, and governmental archives and repositories. The discussion will also include a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest”, and how that history has impacted the records that were created.
Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
“Censuses - Population & Special Schedules”
Speaker: Lori Bessler
Lori Bessler, genealogy and local history specialist in the Wisconsin Historical Society's Library,
Archives, and Museum Collections division
“Censuses - Population & Special Schedules”
Speaker: Lori Bessler
Lori Bessler, genealogy and local history specialist in the Wisconsin Historical Society's Library,
Archives, and Museum Collections division
Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
“Norwegian-American Genealogy”
Speaker: Dana Kelly
Norwegian immigration to the US didn’t gain much momentum until the mid-1800s. Dana Kelly, Executive Director, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library, will give an overview of resources available at NAGC and discuss strategies for researching Norwegian ancestors.
“Norwegian-American Genealogy”
Speaker: Dana Kelly
Norwegian immigration to the US didn’t gain much momentum until the mid-1800s. Dana Kelly, Executive Director, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library, will give an overview of resources available at NAGC and discuss strategies for researching Norwegian ancestors.
Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
“How to Find the Genealogy of a House and Those That Lived in It”
Speaker: Vicki Ruthe Hahn
Using genealogy techniques of house architectural clues, local history, legal documents, and stories, to learn more about a building and all of its occupants
“How to Find the Genealogy of a House and Those That Lived in It”
Speaker: Vicki Ruthe Hahn
Using genealogy techniques of house architectural clues, local history, legal documents, and stories, to learn more about a building and all of its occupants
Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
“50 Google Hints, Tips & Tricks for Genealogists”
Speaker: Dave Bradford
This program provided a handout describing 50 Google search techniques that can supercharge your web research. It went on to describe a dozen of the most powerful search tools in detail, so that your genealogical (and other) Google searches produce fewer and more relevant results. Using genealogical examples, it will demonstrate how to get a few hundred, rather than millions of results with your ancestors well-represented in the first 20.
Dave Bradford is a UW grad with degrees in medicine and business who speaks regionally to history and genealogy groups about technology and medical topics. He has been a member of the Rock County Genealogical Society and the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center for more than 25 years and has served board chairperson and secretary of the RCGS. He is currently the long term webmaster for the Society. He and Janet Bradford have indexed multiple atlases, plat maps and out of print historical books. Along with many others, David assisted with the renovation of the Charles Tallman home in Janesville which serves as the current Library and Archives for the Rock County Genealogical and Historical Societies.
“50 Google Hints, Tips & Tricks for Genealogists”
Speaker: Dave Bradford
This program provided a handout describing 50 Google search techniques that can supercharge your web research. It went on to describe a dozen of the most powerful search tools in detail, so that your genealogical (and other) Google searches produce fewer and more relevant results. Using genealogical examples, it will demonstrate how to get a few hundred, rather than millions of results with your ancestors well-represented in the first 20.
Dave Bradford is a UW grad with degrees in medicine and business who speaks regionally to history and genealogy groups about technology and medical topics. He has been a member of the Rock County Genealogical Society and the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center for more than 25 years and has served board chairperson and secretary of the RCGS. He is currently the long term webmaster for the Society. He and Janet Bradford have indexed multiple atlases, plat maps and out of print historical books. Along with many others, David assisted with the renovation of the Charles Tallman home in Janesville which serves as the current Library and Archives for the Rock County Genealogical and Historical Societies.
Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
“A Recipe for Writing Family History”
Speaker: Devon Lee
This writing 'recipe' will flood your mind with family stories and give you the confidence to put their lives in a readable form.
Devon specializes in practical research, writing, and memory keeping. She has published over 60 books, including a memoir and four family history how-to books, including the popular A Recipe for Writing Family History. She’s a Texas Aggie with degrees in Marketing and Journalism. Currently, Devon is a home educator for five superheroes, having over 20 years of experience in genealogy and 10 years as a journalist.
“A Recipe for Writing Family History”
Speaker: Devon Lee
This writing 'recipe' will flood your mind with family stories and give you the confidence to put their lives in a readable form.
Devon specializes in practical research, writing, and memory keeping. She has published over 60 books, including a memoir and four family history how-to books, including the popular A Recipe for Writing Family History. She’s a Texas Aggie with degrees in Marketing and Journalism. Currently, Devon is a home educator for five superheroes, having over 20 years of experience in genealogy and 10 years as a journalist.