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Title: Genealogy Basics
Presenter: Rebecca Hopman
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Central
Description: Do you want to find out about your family’s history but don’t know where to start? Discover how to launch your genealogy project in a few steps with the help of the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS). Learn how to use the essential tools of historical research paired with genealogical search strategies, and find out how you can leverage WHS services and collections along the way. You will come away from this presentation with the basic building blocks to make your family history research a success!
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, September 7 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Don’t wait…register today to save your seat!
Registration: https://shop.wisconsinhistory.org/genealogy-basics-webinar
Find Your Ancestors: Setting Goals to Focus Your Genealogy
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: Setting Goals to Focus Your Genealogy
Everyone has ideas for their genealogy projects: write a family history; join a lineage society; or scan boxes of family photos. How do you decide which to do? How do know how much time each project takes? Goal setting, time estimation, and backwards planning can help you regain control of your time and help you complete your genealogy projects.
Presented by Cynthia K. Patton
Cynthia Keefer Patton is a professional genealogist from Kansas City, Missouri, a member of the Heartland Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and Registrar for the White Alloe Chapter, DAR. She is a BU Certification Program graduate. Cynthia retired from the US Army and holds degrees in both Journalism and Political Science. She has presented for numerous historical, genealogical, and civic organizations. She is currently participating in the #52Ancestors challenge (https://cynthiapatton.blogspot.com) to document the stories of her family line.
Tech Skills for Genealogists
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 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."
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.
Title: LGBTQ Genealogy
Presenter: Stewart Traiman
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
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!
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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