About the Event
Wisconsin Genealogy Day celebrates Midwestern history and Wisconsin family stories through a free, all-day virtual program. Expert speakers guide attendees on how to research their regional ancestors. There will be time for questions at the end of each presentation. This event is sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society.
Don’t wait … register today to save your seat!
Schedule (Central Time)
- 8:45 - 9AM — Virtual doors open
9 - 10:15AM — “Researching Wisconsin Ancestors” by Rebecca Hopman
10:15 - 10:30AM — Break
10:30 - 11:45AM — “Tracing Early African American Legacies in the Midwest” by Mica L. Anders
11:45AM - 12:15PM — Meal break
12:15 - 1:30PM — “Beyond Vital Records: Useful Government Resources for Genealogists” by Eileen Snyder
1:30 - 1:45PM — Break
1:45 - 3PM — “Norwegians in the Midwest” by Dana Kelly
Presentations
Researching Wisconsin Ancestors by Rebecca Hopman
Explore your family’s Wisconsin story and learn about the unique genealogical resources of the Badger State. Beginning with an overview of Wisconsin’s rich state history, migration patterns, and agriculture and industry, we’ll then look at key records and resources as well as effective search strategies for family historians with Wisconsin roots.
Tracing Early African American Legacies in the Midwest by Mica L. Anders
Journey through the Midwest's rich African American history. We'll explore the lives of early black residents who shaped the region from the 1850s to the 1880s. Discover the stories of homesteaders, entrepreneurs, and veterans who contributed to the Midwest's development despite numerous challenges.
Beyond Vital Records: Useful Government Resources for Genealogists by Eileen Snyder
Government publications can provide genealogists contextual information about the lives of their ancestors beyond birth, marriage, and death records. We’ll explore some of the government collections at the Wisconsin Historical Society and learn how they can help us paint a fuller picture of our ancestors’ lives.
Norwegians in the Midwest by Dana Kelly
Norwegian immigrants began trickling into Illinois and Wisconsin during the 1830s and 1840s. They brought with them many traditions, including excellent Lutheran Church congregational record-keeping. We will explore Norwegian-American church records and how they can help point us to records in Norway. We will also touch on Norwegian naming traditions and their importance to genealogy.
Know Before you Go
A link to the webinar will be emailed after you register and again the day before the program.
If you do not see the email, please check your spam folder. A computer with internet access is required to participate.
If you do not have internet access, you may be able to call in for audio-only access.
Can’t attend live? That’s OK! This webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be made available to all registrants for 30 days.
Advance registration required.
