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Wisconsin STate Genealogical Society

WSGS Calendar
This calendar of both in-person & online events is provided as a free service of the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society. WSGS Affiliates can add events to the calendar by sending event & meeting details to wsgs@wsgs.org with any logos and/or photos to include as well.

Upcoming Events

    • 17 Feb 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • Online

    Social media has transformed how we communicate & it’s also transforming genealogy. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and even TikTok are rich resources for family historians, offering opportunities to connect with distant cousins, join active genealogy communities & discover records and stories you might not find anywhere else. In this engaging one-hour session, we’ll explore the social media tools most useful to genealogists today.

    Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4745913749886500446

    • 21 Feb 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Online

    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.

    Register: https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV10307

    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.

    • 27 Feb 2026
    • 1:00 PM
    • Online & Milwaukee Central Public Library

    Cathy began researching her family genealogy in the 1980s. She will tell the story of how she traced her African-American roots back to the slave schedules and identified the slaveholder in Tennessee. Find out which resources helped her trace her family history. 

    Cathy has completed the Genealogical Principles course through Boston University’s Genealogy Studies Program. She is currently enrolled in the National Genealogical Society's course, Advanced Skills in Genealogy. She is a retired Program Coordinator/Instructor in Health Information Technology and Medical Coding at Milwaukee Area Technical College. 

    Register:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/NkQfxKmfSUCyZneMD2ofEw#/registration

    IN PERSON Location: Milwaukee Central Public Library 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 1st floor Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room


    • 12 Mar 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • Online

    Different DNA research questions sometimes require different strategies. See three unique questions solved using DNA analysis tactics you can apply to your own research.

    Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uhaf1eRYT16b0-4O1OElEw#/registration



    • 27 Mar 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • 28 Mar 2026
    • 3:30 PM
    • Hotel Marshfield in Marshfield, WI & Streaming Live Online

    Register by March 1st! Conference Details & Registration

    Dr. David Mc Donald, “The Preacher Genealogist”, has been actively engaged in genealogy since the 1970s. He is co-founder of the Genealogy Symposium, a state archives-based institute.

    Karla Leppen has been doing genealogical research for almost 40 years. She's certified by the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. Her areas of interest are Norwegian & Central European ancestry.  

    Diana Elder is an Accredited Genealogist professional. She wrote 'Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide' & co-authored 'Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding & Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence.'

    Natalie Kruse has helped many Marshfield Public Library patrons seeking answers to their family lineage. She had her own breakthrough uncovering details of her Icelandic family going back 29 generations.

Copyright © 2026 Wisconsin State Genealogical Society