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Recent Events 2024 - 2025
2024 - 2025 Theme: A Focus on Records
Finding Records You Didn't Know Existed
Saturday, 10 May via Zoom.
 Isn't this the best title?! Join us for a program designed to help you find hidden treasures in places you may not normally look. Learn how to locate these records and collections via a variety of online resources and tools. Special emphasis is on discovering items that provide deeper insights into understanding the lives of your ancestors.
Lisa Oberg, MLIS, specializes in applying her skills and expertise as senior special collections librarian to help others further their family history research. She has been researching her own family history since the age of twelve. She also curates an amazing blog dedicated to Base Hospital No. 50 (WWI).
Using Employment & Labor Records for Family History Research
Saturday, 12 April
Researching our ancestors' employment isn't just about finding facts, it's about gaining new insights and perspectives into a key aspect of their daily life. This program not only discusses the context and impact of various industries, it provides guidance on using an amazing array of records and sources.
Topics include:
- general sources for occupations
- a wide variety of industries (incl. railroads, mining, automotive, assembly line work, trucking, garment factories, photography, funeral homes, civil service, farming)
- union sources and repositories
- New Deal programs (WPA & CCC)
Madeline Yanov has over 30 years experience in family history research. She has a professional background as a paralegal who specialized in legal discovery and has degrees in both history and political science. This combination makes her exceptionally skilled at locating information while also analyzing its context. We have seen this presentation and are excited to share it with you. It is informative, detailed, and will leave you eager to explore this critical part of your ancestors' lives.
Using Social Security Records for Family History Research
Saturday, 8 March
 Social Security records can provide clues to an ancestors' name, origin, and social history. Learn what records are available and how to find and interpret them. This program will discuss: - the history of Social Security Benefits
- the anatomy of the Social Security Number
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
- the Death Master File (DMF) & Social Security Death Index (SSDI)
- how to interpret Social Security records found on Ancestry & FamilySearch
Roslyn Torella is a professional genealogist specializing in Italian and immigrant family history research. She uses social security records extensively in her research and brings unique insights into getting the most out of these records. (Several of our members have heard her speak and say this is a don't miss presentation!)
Analyzing Research with Maps: From Deeds to Dirt
Saturday, 8 February
 This program discusses the various ways we can use maps to trace our ancestors and gain additional insights into their lives. Topics include: - different types of maps
- tech tricks for using maps
- using maps to determine possible migration routes
- using your research to recreate neighborhoods
- various online map collections
- mini-case study examples of using maps for analysis
Cari Taplin has been a Certified Genealogist® since 2015. You can learn more about her at her website, GenealogyPants.com.
Using Voter Records for Family History Research
Saturday, 11 January
Discover why voting records are genealogy's best kept secret.
These often over-looked gems can be packed with genealogical information, and you won't believe what they can tell us about our ancestors! Looking for a date of birth or death? The date and court of naturalization? Where your ancestors disappeared to, or where they came from? Their political outlooks? Even what kind of houses they lived in? Voting records may have the answers!
We're excited to bring back one of our most popular speakers! Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist, writer, and educator. Learn more about her at GenerationsGenealogy.com.
Using the National Archives Website for Family History Research
Saturday, 14 December
This presentation will explain the ins and outs of federal government records and show you some of the great family history resources on the National Archives website. We'll explore the online catalog and learn how to make connections between the catalog with what's online at Ancestry, FamilySearch, and elsewhere.
Marisa Louie Lee is a professional researcher who specializes in federal government records. Having worked for the National Archives in San Francisco, she is intimately familiar with navigating the National Archives catalog and related online databases.
The Impact of Weather on Family History
Saturday, 9 November
Weather-related events altered the lives, and livelihoods, of individuals, families, and even communities. Weather also served as a backdrop to daily lives of our ancestors, impacting them in ways we might not have thought of. Learn about the many resources and ways we can gain new insights into weather of the past.
Sydney Lybrand is a scientist specializing in analysis of precipitation data. She holds a bachelor's degree in Earth System Science and a master's degree in Atmospheric Science. She is also passionate about history and the role of weather in both historic events and every day lives.
The Impact of US Railroads on Family History
Saturday, 19 October
We often don't think about railroad records unless our ancestors actually worked on the railroads.
And yet, the railroads influenced migration choices, business & job opportunities, a community's growth & its neighborhoods, legal & government actions, and much more.
Join us to discover how these records can provide new insights into your family's history.
For those with ancestors who were railroad workers, you'll also learn how these records can tell you more about their experience.
Presented by Kim S. Harrison. Her genealogy career has included working for major information providers such as Ancestry, ProQuest, and NewsBank; serving in multiple society leadership positions; and lobbying to ensure the retention of Railroad Pension Application files at the National Archives.
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- Children in the Archives: Researching Black Youth, 1900-1950
presented by Adrienne Whaley
Program Recording and Handout are now available in the members area.
- Black War Workers of WW2: Context, Records, & Resources
presented by KB Barcomb
Program Recording and Handout are now available in the members area.
Taneya Y. Koonce's presentation Beyond Boundaries: The Impact of Redlining on Family History is being rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene. (Stay tuned!)
The presentation by Col Edna W Cummings is available via the fabulous National WW2 Museum:
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