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Tracing Your Irish Ancestry In Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 10 AM to Noon (Central Time, USA & Canada)
WHERE: BIGWILL live meeting at The Community Church, 5714 Broadway, Richmond, IL 60071 and virtually via ZOOM
The British Interest Group of Wisconsin and Illinois (BIGWILL) invites you to our September meeting with guest speaker, Tina Beaird.
“Irish in Chicago” Millions of Chicagoans claim Irish descent. From the Southside to the Northside, the Irish legacy is as ubiquitous as the Chicago city flag. Tina will walk you through some collections (both online and in person) that are available for tracing your Chicago Irish, plus showcase some useful “off-the-beaten-path” collections in archives and repositories around the city.
Tina Beaird is owner of Tamarack Genealogy and is also a Genealogy/Local History Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library in Plainfield, IL. Tina lectures extensively on topics including Scottish research, military records and archival preservation. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild as well as First V.P. of the Illinois State Genealogical Society and Board Director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association. She volunteers her time with several historical and genealogical societies across Illinois. Tina has provided research assistance for over twenty years and has been researching her family’s history, as time permits, for over thirty years.
Visitors are always welcome to attend our BIGWILL presentations.
Instructions to attend the ZOOM meeting: time Sep 20, 2025 after 9:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89935707059?pwd=KZ5Gxrms6y1DYFXHgmI5raT4P6dfng.1 Meeting ID: 899 3570 7059
Passcode: 533470
The British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois (BIGWILL) is a special interest group for those who wish to research family history and ancestry in the British Isles. We meet at 10:00 am (Central time) on the third Saturday of January, March, May, July, September and November. Live meetings in May, July, September and November are held in The Community Church, 5714 Broadway, Richmond, IL 60071 and simultaneously via ZOOM. January and March meetings are online only, virtually via ZOOM.
Please join us for an in-person" how to" clean old grave headstones. This will take place at the Milton Junction Cemetery at 41 North John Paul Road, Milton Wisconsin. Please refer to our RCGS website for directions to this Cemetery. THIS IS AN IN PERSON ONLY PROGRAM. NO ZOOM BROADCAST. PROGRAM WILL BEGIN AT 2PM AT THE CEMETERY.
Program Presenter: Julie Marquardt, also known as the "Wisco Stone Scrubber" on social media, is a passionate cemetery preservationist and local historian based in Milton, Wisconsin. With a deep respect for the stories etched in stone, she specializes in gravestone cleaning using safe, conservation-minded techniques. Julie brings a unique blend of historical knowledge and hands-on skill to her work, helping communities care for and preserve their cemeteries with dignity. Her popular Spring cleaning workshops at Milton Cemetery have taught many volunteers how to safely clean and protect aging grave markers without causing damage.
Program Summary: Julie will be presenting a public program on gravestone cleaning at Milton Junction Cemetery at 41 N John Paul Rd,Milton, WI. She will demonstrate best practices for cleaning gravestones. Dress for the mess if you're interested in participating in a limited hands-on for interested attendees. Whether you're a family historian, cemetery caretaker, or simply curious, her presentation will offer practical guidance for this “hobby.”
Julie Jacobs Feingold, Speaker & Events Coordinator Rock County Genealogical Society Board Member Milton House Museum 18 S. Janesville Street, Milton, WI 53563 RCGS.Speakers@gmail.com | RCGSWI.org
Please submit the following information:
Kress Family Branch - De Pere Library - 333 N. Broadway De Pere, WI 54115 - Emil & Gail Fischer Room – lower level
Also, ZOOM link available – email president@bagswi.org
Presented by the Bay Area Genealogical Society
Chuck Pankratz with "Ancestral Diggings: From Pebbles to a Gold Mine”
This presentation is about one man, who prior to his interest, knew nothing about his ancestors but who was able to access a plethora of family ancestral records in Bohemia and Bavaria as he stumbled and rumbled his way through seven generations of research, both in the United States and in Europe.
The intent of the speaker is to provide listeners the information he was able to access, with the intention of aiding others in their quest in finding their family's historical records. Via pictures and records, listeners will have the opportunity to journey along with thirty years of research and travel.
Chuck Pankratz was a presenter at the 2024 Wisconsin State Genealogical Society Gene-A-Rama. He received the 2022 Genealogy-Family History Book Award from the Wisconsin Historical Society for the book, "Pankratz Genealogy: 1217-1940."
Event Title "Where Did I Put That?": How to organize your genealogical research
Presenter Name Eleanor Brinsko
Description of Event: The joy of finding genealogical treasures and evidence is the exciting part about building our family history narrative. But how do we know what we have? How can we keep the items safe? Eleanor Brinsko, of Carlon Genealogical Services, LLC, will guide the audience through organizing the evidence to make the information accessible and how to preserve the materials and information so it will last longer than a lifetime.
Eleanor Brinsko is a professional genealogist who does European-American genealogy and specializes in Scandinavian-American genealogy by looking at genealogical and social trends on both sides of the Atlantic.
Location of Event No registration needed for in-person at Milwaukee Central Public Library 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room.
Conference begins at 8:30 am (CT) | Conference concludes at 3:00 pm
GENERAL REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Members, log in first to unlock your discount.
Download the Conference Brochure
Join us online via Zoom for the Fox Valley Genealogical Society’s 2025 Virtual Fall Conference, “Wonderful World of Websites: Navigating NARA, LOC, and Historical Newspaper Websites.” Learn from leading genealogists Alec Ferretti, Shannon Combs-Bennett, and Laura Kovarik as they guide you through the best strategies for researching the National Archives (NARA), Library of Congress (LOC), and historical newspaper websites. To cap off the day, registrants will have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice during hands-on breakout sessions, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in a collaborative setting.
Available again this year: Apply for a Gary Hargis Scholarship to cover the cost of attending the 2025 FVGS conference (see details below).
Look Beyond the Lede: Online Newspaper Research by Laura Kovarik
The lede is the first sentence or paragraph in a news article. It draws you into the rest of the story. For many genealogists, newspaper obituaries are the lede. But when you look beyond obituaries, you will find more information and details about your family and their lives. The increase in digitized newspapers has made incorporating newspapers into your research easier than ever. This program will look at online databases, search strategies, and the types of information you can find in online newspapers.
Unlocking Family History: Navigating the Library of Congress Digital Collections for Genealogical Research by Shannon Combs-Bennett
This lecture will discuss maximizing the Library of Congress’s digital resources for your family history research. You will learn to navigate historic newspapers, maps, manuscripts, and photographs while mastering search techniques and digital tools. Learn to uncover family stories through practical case studies and proven research strategies.
Finding Digitized NARA Content by Alec Ferretti
Learn about how NARA has digitized millions of records spanning centuries of American history and where to find them. We will look at the NARA catalog, the unique collections accessible there, and all of the records available elsewhere via their partnership programs.
Wrap up the day by applying what you’ve learned in a hands-on workshop! Choose from three specialized sessions, each designed to help you practice key genealogy research skills. Select one to attend live, then revisit any session later—recordings will be available for 30 days after the conference.
1. Online Newspaper Research Workshop by Laura Kovarik
In this workshop, attendees will be guided through exercises to use the skills demonstrated in the presentation. After several short exercises, attendees will have time to work on their own research. Worksheets will be provided prior to the workshop to ensure that attendees are prepared for their research time. The instructor will be available to offer suggestions and guidance throughout the workshop.
2. Hands-On Genealogy: Practical Library of Congress Research Workshop by Shannon Combs-Bennett
This workshop puts the research skills you just learned into practical experience. Participants will actively research in the digital archives while learning effective search strategies. Through guided exercises and real-time practice, attendees will develop confidence in navigating the digital collections at the Library of Congress for family history research.
3. Finding Digitized NARA Content Workshop by Alec Ferretti
Learn where to find millions of digitized records from the National Archives (NARA) spanning centuries of American history in this hands-on workshop. We will look at the NARA catalog and NARA’s partnership programs, along with examples of different kinds of digitized records.
$45 Members | $55 Non-Members
Members, please log in before registering to access the member rate.
FVGS is excited to offer a limited number of Gary Hargis Scholarships to support the next generation of genealogists (aged 18 to 40) in furthering their family history research. Thanks to a generous donation from long-time member and past President Gary Hargis, those selected will have their registration fee refunded. All conference registrants (members and guests) are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your research skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain fresh inspiration for your genealogy journey. Don’t miss out—apply today!
This scholarship is designed to:
How to Apply:
Registrants are eligible to win door prizes from generous donors. The winners’ names will be announced at the end of the day.
Learn from these leading genealogists at the 2025 Fall Conference and unlock genealogical gold in the National Archives (NARA), Library of Congress (LOC), and historical newspaper websites!
Laura Kovarik has been involved in genealogy for more than thirty years. Her experience includes leadership, educational, and committee positions with societies at the international, state, and local levels. Laura has been providing educational opportunities for genealogists for almost twenty years. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the National Genealogical Society, the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS), the Norwegian American Genealogical Center, and other local genealogical and historical societies. She currently serves on the Long-Range Planning and Membership Committees for APG. She is a former President of ISGS and the Fox Valley Genealogical Society. Her writing has appeared in Fox Tales and The Quarterly.
Laura works as a professional genealogist. She has presented webinars and workshops for libraries and societies, including the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Areas of concentration include Norwegian research, newspapers, and incorporating ephemera into genealogical research. Laura also assists with organizing and digitizing family archives. Laura has authored several books and articles using material from her family archive.
Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG (Qualified Genealogist), MSc, FSAScot, is an award-winning author who resides in Northern Virginia. From there, she writes and presents on various topics across the US and internationally, from genetic genealogy to methodology techniques. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her Master of Science in Genealogic, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Shannon is a doctoral student in History and Genealogical studies at the University of Strathclyde, studying correlations of genealogy and lineage societies in the United States.
Alec Ferretti is a New York City-based professional genealogist who has worked for the Wells Fargo Family & Business History Center, researching family histories for high-net-worth clients. Alec specializes in the genealogy of 20th-century immigrants to the United States. He is a regular lecturer at genealogical societies and conferences. He serves as the President of the New York Genealogy & Technology Group, serves actively on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and on the Board of Reclaim the Records, a nonprofit dedicated to wrangling public records from obstinate government agencies.
It's that time again: Please consider attending the annual RCGS Scholarship Fundraiser Conference - either in person or by Zoom.
All net proceeds go to local high school graduates. Mark your calendar and share this email with friends and family.
SECURE ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK: RCGS SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
or Pay by Check to: RCGS Scholarship, P. O. Box 0936 Janesville, Wisconsin 53547-0936
Detailed Brochure: Attached
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Local WI Time: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; Welcome at 9:00 a.m.; 1st Speaker at 9:15 a.m.; wraps-up at 3:30 PM
By Zoom: From your home via PC, Mac, Tablet or Smartphone. Link provided upon registration, or
In Person: Upstairs Tomah Room of the Milton House Museum, 18 S. Janesville Street, Milton, WI (map)
Facilities: Free onsite parking, handicap access & elevator; adjacent restrooms; water & soft drinks; lunch (if pre-purchased)
Cost: $25 for RCGS and Milton House Museum members; $35 non-members
Lunch: Meal options available at checkout
Topics & Speakers:
We really hope to see you there,
Dave
--
David Bradford, Webmaster/Board Member
Rock County Genealogical Society
RCGS.WI@gmail.com
Title: LGBTQ Genealogy
Presenter: Stewart Traiman
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Central
Description: This presentation focuses on clues in the genealogical records to find ancestors that may have been Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer. Clues to ancestors can be found in photographs, census, newspapers, obituaries, cemeteries, military records, marriage records, and LGBTQ Archives around the world. Stewart tells stories of many LGBTQ ancestors in the historical context of LGBTQ rights. The presentation is both factual and emotional in portraying LGBTQ people in the past centuries. The second part of the presentation focuses on current genealogical software and the difficulty faced by LGBTQ and adoptive families. Sometimes the software just doesn’t fit. Stewart makes recommendations on how software needs to evolve for today’s families.
Can’t attend live? That’s OK! This workshop will be recorded and the recording will be made available to all registrants for 30 days. The registration deadline is Sunday, October 5 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Don’t wait…register today to save your seat!
Find Your Ancestors: Wisconsin Historical Society: An Overlooked Resource You Need to Explore!
Join us in person at the library or virtually via Zoom for our monthly Find Your Ancestors series.
Registration: No registration is needed to attend the program in the library. Zoom attendees must register in advance for this program here.
Program Topic: Wisconsin Historical Society: An Overlooked Resource You Need to Explore!
The Wisconsin Historical Society is the largest North American collection after the Library of Congress and in the top five institutions for genealogy research. In this presentation we will cover a brief history of the society and the scope of their collection, which extends beyond Wisconsin records. We will also discuss how to use the WHS's website search feature and why you should consider adding a trip to the WHS library on your genealogy to do list.
Presented by Mary Risseeuw
Mary Risseeuw is a genealogist, historian, writer and lecturer. She has researched 19th & 20th century Dutch immigration to Wisconsin for over 30 years and has published and lectured throughout the U.S. and the Netherlands. She serves on the Board of the Association for the Advancement of Dutch American Studies and hosted their 2011 conference in Wisconsin. She also organized and hosted the Dutch in Wisconsin Conference in 2008; the first Dutch studies conference to focus solely on Dutch immigration to Wisconsin. She has a B.S. from UW-Madison and M.A. & M.F.A. from Northern Illinois University.
Grant County Genealogical Society's 50th anniversary celebration at the Schreiner Memorial Library, 113 W Elm St in Lancaster WI
Alienation of Affection Divorce in the United States
The Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI) will be holding its 20th Genealogical / Cultural Conference October 28 – November 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kansas City – Overland Park, Kansas. The theme for our conference is From Homeland to Heartland and Beyond. Attached is an electronic copy of the 16-page Conference Program and Registration booklet and below are some handy links. Please help CGSI by forwarding this email and by making the information available to those who might have an interest in attending this event. Register by July 31, 2025 to get the Early-Bird Discounted Conference rate (the rate goes up on August 1). Thank you so much!
Check out CGSI's website at https://CGSI.org
Link to Join CGSI as a Member (If not already a CGSI member, join first (1-year for $35) so you can get the CGSI Member rate for the Conference)
Link to Register for the CGSI Fall Conference (Register by July 31, 2025 to get the Early-Bird Discounted Conference rate)
Link to View the CGSI Fall Conference Program and Registration
Here are some highlights of the Conference included in the Conference Registration fee. The Registration opened on Thursday May 1 with the early-bird discount available until August 1.
CGSI's 20th Genealogical and Cultural Conference
Theme: From Homeland to Heartland and Beyond
Dates: Tuesday October 28 - Saturday November 1
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Kansas City - Overland Park, KS
10100 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Guest Room Rate: $142 per night includes continental breakfast
Room Reservations: Available through our conference page on the CGSI website
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CONFERENCE FEE?
The Early Bird rate for the full 3-day CGSI member fee of $269 or non-member fee of $319 entitles registrants access to:
· Any of the 48 lectures (16 per day) of 75-minute length scheduled for Thursday – Saturday,
· Thursday, Friday and Saturday lunches,
· "Whova" pre and post-conference virtual networking platform,
· Wednesday evening's, "The Accidental Hero", a one-man WWII era play by Patrick Dewane
· Thursday evening's "Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Fair" with light appetizers,
· Thursday "Czech & Slovak sing-along" with Petr Hustak on guitar and Bob Rychlik on the fujara,
· Friday morning’s Keynote Address by Dr. Tamara Scheer of Vienna, Austria, called Life of Czech, Slovak, and Ruthenian Austro-Hungarian Soldiers During the First World War,
· Friday evening’s Parade of Kroje (fashion show with folk dress),
· Admission to CGSI Research Center, space permitting, with a ticket,
· Access to the vendor area,
· A 120+ page conference syllabus containing speaker material, and a welcome bag.
The Conference fee goes up on August 1, 2025, after which the price for both a member and on-member increases by $50.
Tuesday October 28 and Wednesday October 29 Tours are optional educational events and require registration and fees. See the CGSI website for details on each tour.
The four Czech folk-art workshops by Daniela Mahoney are limited to the first 25 persons and require a separate $20 registration fee. These workshops are available on the online registration form.
The Friday and Saturday dinners, and the Saturday ethnic entertainment are optional events and require separate payment on the registration form.
For further information about the event, please go to our website. Still have questions? Contact CGSI Conference Chair Paul Makousky at Conferencechair@CGSI.org or me, Denise Zvanovec, CGSI's Membership Co-chair at Membership@CGSI.org.
Title: Native American Ancestry: Honoring Ancestors
Presenter: Stefanie Ojibway Gerberding
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 10:00-11:30 AM Central
Description: Join genealogist Stefanie Ojibway Gerberding in exploring Native American genealogy tools and resources, including tribal records and federal archives. The session will also address the cultural sensitivities involved in tracing Native American roots. Whether you're a beginner or advanced genealogist, this presentation will help you navigate Native American genealogical research with respect and accuracy.
If you can’t attend live, this workshop will be recorded and the recording will be made available to all registrants for 30 days. The registration deadline is Wednesday, October 29 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Don’t wait…register today to save your seat!
Find Your Ancestors: Voting Records: Genealogy's Best Kept Secret
Program Topic: Voting Records: Genealogy's Best Kept Secret
Looking for a date of birth or death? When and where your ancestor became a citizen? Where he disappeared to or where he came from? Voting records may have the answer. These often-overlooked gems can be packed with genealogical information, and you won't believe what they can tell us about our ancestors!
Presented by Pam Vestal
Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine, The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
Society Briefs, Village News … or the other “Gossip Columns”
Find Your Ancestors: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan: The Key to Thorough Research
Program Topic: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan: The Key to Thorough Research
Thorough research is one of the elements of the Genealogical Proof Standards. How do you know if you've done enough? A research plan is the key. From creating to working through your pan, learn how to use this tool to keep you on track and be as thorough as possible.
Presented by Cheri Hudson Passey
Cheri Hudson Passey is a professional genealogist, instructor, writer, speaker, and owner of Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC. She is the host of the YouTube genealogy chat show GenFriends and is a genealogical researcher, subcontracted by Eagle Investigative Services, Inc., for the US Army Past Conflict Repatriations Branch. She is involved in many genealogy societies and organizations and on the National Genealogical Society board.
Are you a Quebec Daughter or Son of the American Revolution?
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