CAGGNI‘s seventh biennial GeneaQuest Conference will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Wojcik Conference Center at Harper College in Palatine, IL.

The conference will be a one-day, in-person event, featuring regional presenters covering a wide range of genealogy topics of interest to all skills and interest levels.

Register for GeneaQuest

Late Registration Available (Lunch may not be included for late registrants)

Registration

GeneaQuest registrants receive admission to the one-day conference, session handouts, access for one month to session recordings of all presentations*, entries for door prize drawings, beverages, and lunch.

• Conference Attendee Admission
• Members: $80
• Non-members: $90
• Registration Deadline: Monday, July 6, 2026. Late registrations after July 6 are subject to availably of remaining seats. Lunch and/or lunch selection for late registering attendees cannot be guaranteed to be provided.
• Non-registered guests are not permitted within the conference facilities.

 

Special Gift: Patriotic 250 Lapel Pin 1.2 inch enamel/metal lapel pin with butterfly clasp [100 available, ≈$5 value each] Limited to the first 100 registrants, must attend the conference in person to receive the pin.

• Session Selection
• We ask that attendees select their session schedule during the online registration process so that we can gather the approximate attendee count and plan the appropriate room sizes.
• Lunch Selection
• Lunch is included in admission.
• Box lunch included with a sandwich (choice of turkey, ham, or veggie), a cookie and a bag of chips.
• Sandwich selection and special dietary restrictions will be collected during online registration.
• Beverages
• Beverage station is included in admission.
• Coffee and hot tea will be available in the morning.
• Iced tea, lemonade, and ice water will be available from mid-morning to mid-afternoon and served during lunch.

• Session Recordings
• Recordings will allow attendees to view sessions they missed while attending another session that occurred at the same time or to rewatch their favorite presentations.
• Recordings will be posted on a secure website within a few days of the conference and be available via login for 30 days.

Register for GeneaQuest

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Session Schedule

All presentations will be 100% live, with speakers presenting in person and available for questions.

• Venue opens at 8:00 AM for attendees
• Venue will open at 7:30 AM for exhibitors and speakers for setup.
• Conference check-in begins at 8:00 AM in the lobby
• Name tags will be issued at check-in.
• Attendees are encouraged to gather in the Dining Room (W116) to socialize and visit exhibitors after they check-in.
• Sessions are scheduled between 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
• Welcome session begins at 8:45 AM in the Dining Room (W116).
• Brief welcome and introduction to start the day.
• Sessions are scheduled for 75 minutes each for the presentation and questions.
• There are 2 session time slots in the morning before lunch and 2 session time slots in the afternoon after lunch.
• Mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks are scheduled for 15 minutes each.
• Lunch is scheduled mid-day for 90 minutes.
• During lunch there will be announcements, prize drawings, and opportunities to socialize.
• Last session ends at 4:00 PM.
• Venue closes at 4:30 PM

Note: All times listed in local format (US CDT)

Tentative Schedule - Subject to Change

Start Time	Mins	Legacy of Liberty Track A	Journeys to America Track B	Tech Meets Tradition Track C
8:00 AM	45	Arrival & Check-In  Social Gathering Room W116
8:45 AM	10	Welcome Session Room W116
8:55 AM	5	Break
9:00 AM Session 1	75	Tracing the Civil War Records and Service of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb Debra Dudek Session 1A Room W214	A Tale of Two Immigrants Caron Brennan Session 1B Room W216	An Introduction to One-Name Studies Marty Acks Session 1C Room W116
10:15 AM	15	Break
10:30 AM Session 2	75	250 Years Later – Everyday American Patriot Heroes Vicki Ruthe Hahn Session 2A Room W214	Immigration and Naturalization  Suzanne Hoffman Session 2B Room W216	Role of Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy - Summer 2026 Eric Vavra Session 2C Room W116
11:45 AM	90	Lunch Room W116
1:15 PM Session 3	75	Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestor Bill Wheeler Session 3A Room W214	Old McDonald Had a Farm Tina Beaird Session 3B Room W216       Session sponsored by the Illinois State Genealogical Society	Introduction to Investigative Genetic Genealogy Suzanne Hoffman Session 3C Room W116
2:30 PM	15	Break
2:45 PM Session 4	75	Lightning Talks: Genealogy Vignettes Marty Acks, Marti Gustafson, Alan Wilson, Allison Grigg, Michelle Wilson, Nancy Reese, Larry Olson Session 4 Room W116
4:00 PM	X	End of Conference Departure

Syllabus and Session Handouts

• Syllabus will be distributed in PDF format via email on Friday, July 17.
• Additional handout file(s) may be distributed in PDF format via links in the syllabus email to a secure website for download. These separate file(s) may require downloading to avoid email size restrictions and allow for more attendee flexibility to better suit their individual printing and storage preferences. 
• Printed paper copies of the syllabus and session handouts will NOT be available for distribution the day of the conference.

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Conference Theme and Session Topics

CAGGNI GeneaQuest 2026 – Pursuit of Ancestry: Life, Liberty, and Heritage will be an America 250 tribute event celebrating the 250^th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The conference will focus on topics related to researching our ancestors’ American experience and uncovering their path to “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

The following core themes of the conference are inspired by the commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Legacy of Liberty: Honoring Those Who Built, Defended, and Improved a Nation

• Generations of courage, service, sacrifice, and perseverance shaped the country.
• Celebrate our ancestors who fought for freedom, equality, and opportunity.

Journeys to and in America: Stories of Hope and Heritage

• Every family has a founding story.
• Discover the immigrant and westward journeys that define our nation.

Tech Meets Tradition: Genealogy at America’s 250^th

• Harness technology to honor the past.
• Unlock the story of America written in your DNA.

Legacy of Liberty

Each struggle tells a story of strength – our ancestors’ gift lives in us.

250 Years Later – Everyday American Patriot Heroes, Robert Campbell Sr. and His Family by Vicki Ruthe Hahn at 10:30 AM

• 2026 is the 250 years anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence. Explore the time period around the War for Independence through the lives of Robert Campbell Sr. and his family, and their Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, neighbors. Learn about Robert Campbell (and other pioneers including Daniel Boone) expanding westward through the Allegheny Mountains to settle on Native American land, the resulting French Indian War, the War of Independence, and afterward. While away from his farm bravely serving as an American Revolutionary soldier, Robert Campbell Sr. had a compelling tragic experience. From his headstone – Robert Campbell Sr. “was one of the early settlers of this valley and with them suffered much from Indian cruelty. In the year 1775, his wife and infant daughter were barbarously murdered, his house burned, and the rest of his children, five in number, taken captives, one of whom never returned.” What is the rest of their story?

Tracing the Civil War Records and Service of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb by Debra Dudek at 9:00 AM

• Did your ancestors take up sides during the Civil War? Learn about new and readily available resources, research sites, and strategies for learning more about your veteran ancestors!

Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestor by Bill Wheeler at 1:15 PM

• An introductory discussion of identifying and locating the documents that are required and accepted by the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution lineage societies. Presentation coverage will include the SAR Patriot Research System (PRS) and DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS), as well as an abundance of other resources to help with patriot research.

Journeys to America 

Your ancestors crossed oceans – now cross time.

A Tale of Two Immigrants by Caron Brennan at 9:00 AM

• Explore the journeys of two German immigrants whose paths to a new life could not have been more different. As a third-generation descendant, the presenter uncovers the contrasting stories of her great-grandfathers – both from Germany, yet shaped by distinct circumstances, challenges, and choices. Through research and personal discovery, she retraces their steps across continents and generations, revealing how their experiences shaped her family’s history. This presentation weaves together immigration, perseverance, and genealogy into a personal narrative of identity and heritage.

Immigration and Naturalization by Suzanne Hoffman at 10:30 AM

• We will look at the migration to Illinois between 1800 and 1900 through the intertwined lenses of westward expansion, immigration, transportation development, and federal law. Beginning with the Northwest Ordinance, it traces how land policy, naturalization statuses, and infrastructure products projects such as canals and railroads shaped settlement patterns. Early southern migrants established frontier communities, followed by northern farmers and waves of European immigrants who fueled agricultural and industrial growth. Chicago's rapid rise transformed the state's economic and cultural landscape. By integrating legal frameworks with demographic change, we will learn how law, mobility, and opportunity collectively forged Illinois’s regional identities and political development.

Old McDonald Had a Farm: Researching Your Farming Ancestors by Tina Beaird at 1:15 PM

• Farm records can be an insightful tool for understanding your ancestor’s place in the world. Were they wealthy, prosperous farmers or scratch farming to survive? There are a multitude of government records available such as agricultural censuses, land records & mortgage books, court records, immigration record and maps as well as social records like farm directories, newspapers, business ledgers and even personal diaries. Each shine a light onto their daily lives to enhance your family tree.

Tech Meets Tradition 

Innovate the way you research, remember, and reconnect.

An Introduction to One-Name Studies by Marty Acks at 9:00 AM

• Family historians often start by researching their ancestors and cousins. A one-name study, by contrast, focuses on individuals with the same (or similar) surname, even if they are not related. These projects can span many countries, continents, and centuries. In this presentation, the speaker will provide an overview of one-name studies methodology and terminology, relying on the approach of the Guild of One-Name Studies (GOONS). Family Tree DNA's Y-DNA projects and WikiTree surname projects will also be studied. The presentation will conclude with a review of his own case studies, including one that broke open a decades-old brick wall, and examples of other unique one-name projects.

Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy: Summer 2026 Edition by Eric Vavra at 10:30 AM

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) is no longer just a trendy buzzword. Rapid advances and expanding capabilities now make AI a valuable addition to your genealogy toolkit. When thoughtfully integrated into your workflow, AI can enhance your family history research experience and improve both the quality and speed of your results. This presentation will showcase the latest AI tools, including genealogy specific offerings, and examine responsible usage, practical considerations, current limitations, and emerging trends.

Introduction to Investigative Genetic Genealogy by Suzanne Hoffman at 1:15 PM

• Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) represents the intersection of DNA analysis, traditional genealogy, and law enforcement. This presentation introduces the history, methodology, and legal framework surrounding IGG, including its relationship to forensic genealogy, investigative genealogy by law enforcement and the available databases. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, accreditation, privacy concerns, and evidentiary standards. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of how IGG assists criminal investigations, cold cases, and identification efforts while maintaining professional and legal accountability.

Pursuit of Ancestry

Lightning Talks: Genealogy Vignettes at 2:45 PM

Presentations by Multiple Speakers

• A unique fast-paced medley of mini-presentations highlighting interesting genealogical research-related libraires, museums, archives, repositories, and tools. Key facts, available resources, and useful tips will be covered.

• Be Curious, Not Judgmental by Marty Acks

• CAGGNI Road Trips by Marti Gustafson

• Life of Genealogist Joe Foster Wilson by Alan Wilson

• Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library by Allison Grigg

• DNA: Chimps vs. Humans by Michelle Wilson

• Hidden Gems in Archives and Courthouses Across the Country by Nancy Reese

• Finding Living People (or Dead) by Larry Olson
  

• What is a "Lightning Talk"? A high-energy storytelling format where each presentation is only about 5-7 minutes long. Each presenter shows approximately 20 slides with minimum bullet points for 20-30 seconds each to keep the presentations concise and fast-paced.

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Speakers

The conference includes a great lineup of a variety of quality speakers.

Listed alphabetically by last name:

• Marty Acks
• Tina Beaird
• Caron Brennan
• Debra Dudek
• Vicki Ruthe Hahn
• Suzanne Hoffman
• Eric Vavra
• Bill Wheeler

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Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Donors

The following are the generous sponsors whose support helps make GeneaQuest possible. Please visit their websites for more information about their organizations and offerings. 

Platinum Level

Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) ilgensoc.org

Gold Level

Your Next Chapter yournextchapternfp.org

Silver Level

• ArkivDigital arkivdigital.net
• Conference Keeper conferencekeeper.org
• Golf By The Book golfbythebook.com
• Kane County Genealogical Society (KCGS) kcgsillinois.org
• Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library nagcnl.org
• Scottish Genealogy Group of the Chicago Scots chicagoscots.org
• Swedish American Museum Genealogy Center swedishamericanmuseum.org

Bronze Level

• North Suburban Genealogical Society (NSGS) nsgsil.org
• Eastland Disaster Historical Society eastlanddisaster.org
• Family History Catalysts familyhistorycatalysts.com
• Fox Valley Genealogical Society ilfvgs.org
• Iroquois Theatre Fire Historical Society iroquoistheatrefire.org
• South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society (SSGHS) ssghs.org

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Door and Raffle Prizes

Door Prizes

Two (2) door prize drawing tickets are included with each paid conference admission.

• CAGGNI One-Year Membership [1 available, $30 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 

• Donated by one-name.org

• Illinois Death Certificate Look-Ups (Non-Certified Copies for 1916-1947 Only)  [2 available, ≈$10 value each]

• Donated by ilgensoc.org
  
• Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) One-Year Membership [1 available, ≈$40 value]
• Donated by ilgensoc.org
• South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society (SSGHS) One-Year Membership [1 available, ≈$30 value]
• Donated by ssghs.org

• Reference Material Bundle "7 Essential Tips for Starting German Genealogy", "German Church Record Vocabulary", "AI and the Old German Handwriting: Will It Work?" [1 available, ≈$25 value]

• Donated by germanologyunlocked.com 

• Your DNA Guide - The Book (eBook Digital Edition by Diahan Southard) [1 available, ≈$20 value each]
• Donated by yourdnaguide.com
  
• WikiTree T-Shirt [1 available, ≈$25 value]
• Donated by wikitree.com
• World War I Genealogy Research Guide Book [1 available, ≈$10 value]
• Donated by debradudek.com
• "The Family Tree Guide to Finding Your Ellis Island Ancestors" (Book by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack)  [1 available, ≈$10 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 

Note: Door prize tickets will be provided at check-in. Each ticket(s) should be placed in the "bucket" for the specific prize drawing(s) you wish to enter. The drawing will be conducted in-person and announced in the dining room during lunch (approximately 12:30 PM). You must be present to win. All attendees may win only one Door Prize, in cases where a participant who has already won a prize is drawn again, the drawing will be redone to select a new unique winner for the prize. Prize winners must pick up their prizes by the end of the conference (4:00 PM). Additional information will be provided in the syllabus and at the entry table.

Raffle Prizes

Raffle entry tickets may be purchased two (2) tickets for $5.00 or five (5) tickets for $10.00 (CASH ONLY – there is NOT an ATM available in the building). 

• ArkivDigital 3-Month Subscription [1 available, ≈$90 value]
• Donated by arkivdigital.net
• America 250 Challenge Coins (Official Limited Edition, 1.75" Gold Plated Collector Coins) [3 available ≈$40 value each]
• Donated by caggni.org 
• Legacy Family Tree Webinars One-Year Membership [2 available, ≈$60 value each]
• Donated by familytreewebinars.com
• MyHeritage DNA Test Kit [1 available, ≈$90 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 
• Bundle: Storied Starters (Story Prompts Cards) and Genealogy Canvas Tote Bag [1 bundle available, ≈$50 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 
• Bundle: "Tips and Tricks of Deciphering German Handwriting" and "The Magic of German Church Records: Finding the Key to Your Ancestor’s Past" (Books by Katherine Schober) [1 bundle available, ≈$65 value each]
• Donated by germanologyunlocked.com and  caggni.org 
• Bundle: Two 3-Ring Storage Binders, 100 Sheet Protectors, and Genealogy Canvas Tote Bag [2 bundles available, ≈$45 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 

• Bundle: "Tracing Your Irish Family History On the Internet - A Guide for Family Historians" 2^nd Ed. (Book by Chris Paton), and Genealogy Canvas Tote Bag [1 bundle available, ≈$45 value]

• Donated by caggni.org 

• "From Spit to Stories: Using AI to Unlock Your DNA Ancestry" (Book by Thomas MacEntee)  [1 available, ≈$45 value]

• Donated by  genealogybargains.com

• "Genealogists Guide to Getting Organized" (Book by Family Tree Magazine)  [1 available, ≈$45 value]

• Donated by caggni.org 
• 512 GB Multi-Function Flash Drive for iPhone/iPad [1 available, ≈$40 value]
• Donated by caggni.org 
• 512 GB Multi-Function Flash Drive for Android Phone/Tablet [1 available, ≈$40 value]
  
• Donated by caggni.org 

Note: Ticket sales will be limited to only the day of the conference between doors opening (approximately 7:30 AM) and the beginning of the lunch announcements (approximately 12:30 PM). Each ticket(s) should be placed in the “bucket” for the specific raffle prize drawing(s) you wish to enter. The raffle drawing will be conducted in-person and announced in the dining room during lunch (approximately 12:30 PM). You must be present to win. There is no limit on how many Raffle Prizes may be won by an individual. Prize winners must pick up their prizes by the end of the conference (4:00 PM). Additional information will be provided in the syllabus and at the entry table.

Only persons aged 18 years or older may participate in the raffle (Village of Palatine Code of Ordinances Chapter 11 Article VII Raffles).

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Venue

GeneaQuest is returning for its second conference at the Wojcik Conference Center at Harper College in Palatine, IL. The conference center is a state-of-the-art facility with enhanced technology for meetings.

Wojcik Conference Center (Building W)

Harper College

1200 W Algonquin Rd

Palatine, IL, 60067

Directions and Map

Free parking is available in Lot 14 adjacent to the building (no permits are required).

The information contained herein relates to third-party use of the facilities, property, and equipment of William Rainey Harper College. Use of the College’s names, logos, trademarks or affiliation by the third-party identified in this advertisement or promotion does not constitute or imply the College’s endorsement, recommendation or approval of the third party and its products or services.

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For More Information

GeneaQuest on Facebook – Look for the latest news about GeneaQuest 2026 on our Facebook page.

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Notices

• * Sessions will be recorded and made available for registrants via a secure website for approximately one month after the conference, technology permitting. Unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent recordings and/or availability of session(s) after the conference.
• CAGGNI reserves the right to make schedule and/or other changes should unforeseen circumstances arise.
• Photographs and/or video/audio recordings may be taken by CAGGNI during the event. By attending the conference, you grant the event organizers rights to use the resulting media for future promotional purposes.
• Photographing or recording any of sessions by attendees is not allowed.
• Links to external sites are only provided as a convenience. CAGGNI assumes no responsibility or liability for the content or functionality of those sites.