Bob Block: World War II POWs in Wisconsin (12 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 23:30:00 GMT

ROCK COUNTY [WI] GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY PRESS RELEASE

Genealogical Society Offers Free In-Person Presentation by Bob Block:

World War II POWs in Wisconsin, Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 PM at the Milton House Museum.

Program Presenter: Bob Block is a resident of Oregon, WI. He retired from the Wisconsin Crime Lab in Madison, WI, after 34 years. Before retiring as head of the drug identification unit and has testified in courts of law 500 times as an expert witness. Bob is an active member of the Oregon Area Historical Society with an interest in local history.

Program Summary: Most people are unaware that Wisconsin had POW (Prisoner of War) camps during WWII and are surprised to learn that there were camps at 38 locations, with a total of 20,000 mostly German POWs. This presentation tells interesting stories of those who may have lived in a community that once had a POW camp, those who worked side by side with POWs, and those who were once prisoners in a POW camp. You will find this presentation informative, educational, and entertaining.

How to Attend: The public is invited to this live, in-person presentation at the Milton House Museum, 18 S. Janesville Rd., Milton, WI (Map Link) or view via Zoom on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app. The Zoom link, passcode, and audience handout can all be found at the RCGS website at: www.rcgswi.org/events--speakers.

Family Tree Maker Midwest Tour (15 Jun 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

"Join us for a special Family Tree Maker event this June! Whether you are a long-time user or just starting your family history journey, come learn tips, tricks, and the latest features from the Family Tree Maker team during their 2026 Midwest Tour. Discover how to better use Family Tree Maker as you research and preserve your family legacy. Check the schedule for a stop near you and register today via the Eventbrite links provided!"

All the events are free and open to the public, though registration is required. While special pricing on software will be available, our primary focus is providing education on how to maximize the use of Family Tree Maker. Our team will remain after each session to answer questions and offer hands-on assistance.

General Daily Schedule (Unless otherwise noted):

- 1:00 PM: Arrival and Setup

- 2:00 PM: Event Begins / Presentation

- 5:00 PM: Event Concludes / Pack Up

Tour Stops & Details

Stop 1: Omaha/Lincoln, NE

- Date: Monday, June 15, 2026

- Venue: LDS FamilySearch Center, 3000 Old Cheney Rd, Lincoln, NE 68516

- Societies Involved: Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society FTM SIG, Greater Omaha GS, and the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR)

- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-lincoln-ne-tickets-1987620386080?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stop 2: Des Moines, IA

- Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

- Venue: Iowa Genealogical Society Conference Center, 628 E Grand Ave, Des Moines IA 50309-1924

- Societies Involved: Iowa GS FTM SIG

- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-des-moines-ia-tickets-1987621336924?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stop 3: Madison, WI

- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

- Venue: LDS FamilySearch Center, 4505 Regent St, Madison, WI 53705

- Societies Involved: Dane County Area GS FTM SIG

- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-madison-wi-tickets-1987622413143?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stop 4: Cedarburg, WI

- Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

- Venue: Cedarburg Public Library (Community Room), W63 N589 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012

- Societies Involved: Cedarburg Public Library and local FTM SIG Members

- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-cedarburg-wi-tickets-1987625772190?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stop 5: Green Bay Area, WI

- Date: Friday, June 19, 2026

- Venue: LDS FamilySearch Center - GYM, 651 Pinehurst Ave, Green Bay, WI 54302

- Societies Involved: Bay Area Genealogical Society (BAGS), Manitowoc County Genealogical Society, Appleton Public Library, Brown County Public Library, and Sheboygan County Historical Research Group

- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-green-bay-area-wi-tickets-1987626563557?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stop 6: Eau Claire, WI

- Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

- Schedule: 9:00 AM Setup / 10:30 AM Event Begins

- Venue: L.E. Phillips Memorial Library, Riverview Room 306, 400 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701

- Societies Involved: Chippewa County Genealogical Society, Dunn County Genealogical Society, Genealogical Research Society of Eau Claire, and St. Croix Valley Genealogical Society

- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-eau-claire-wi-tickets-1987627458233?aff=oddtdtcreator

Family Tree Maker Topics

Our presentations will cover:

- An introduction to Family Tree Maker’s 35-year history.

- Insider tips and tricks for expert users.

- Connect!: A new workspace in FTM 2024 to involve relatives in your research.

- Easy on the Eyes®: Enhanced visibility features.

- Improved relationship management and cleanup of orphaned items.

- FTM CONNECT 2.0: Fact-checking and touchscreen functionality via the mobile app.

- ALBUMWALK® Mobile App: Capturing memories and creating documentary-style presentations.

- Q&A and hands-on assistance.

Wisconsin State Genealogical Society upcoming events

Bob Block: World War II POWs in Wisconsin (12 May 2026)

Family Tree Maker Midwest Tour (15 Jun 2026)