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.