Detailed descriptions of selected programs

Marty Acks

Marty Acks has been researching his family history since 1999 after having caught the bug from his mom and dad. He volunteers at WikiTree where he contributes to the global family tree. Leads a Porterfield surname study (maternal grandmother), assists other members and monitors activity as a WikiTree Ranger. 

An Introduction to WikiTree, the Free Global Family Tree

WikiTree is a free community of genealogists dedicated to growing an accurate single family tree using DNA and traditional genealogical sources. In this program, you will learn the key features of WikiTree, be shown how you can easily get started on the site and learn numerous tips and techniques to get the most out of your time on WikiTree.  

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Michelle Bray Wilson

Genes for the Genealogist

Curious about DNA? Happily, DNA for the genealogist is straightforward to understand. We’ll break down the SNPs from the STRs, the haplogroups from the haplotypes, and learn how these DNA patterns are used to prove inheritance and determine deep ancestry. Learn the secrets of DNA and put this powerful complement to paper-trail research in your tool kit. Michelle presented Genes for the Genealogist at North Suburban Genealogical Society in 2015 and an abbreviated version, "Genomic Genealogy," in fall of 2015 at the Ansel Brainerd Cook chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Libertyville.

Searching for French-Canadians

The French-Canadian record is extraordinarily complete and well-indexed.  If you have any French-Canadian ancestors, you are in luck ! Learn the tricks that will have you uncovering vast swaths of your pedigree in the space of a single weekend. 

The history of the French-Canadians during the Nouvelle France period ending in 1760 provides additional context to this engaging presentation.  Variations on this program were presented in 2012 at the Madison Early Music Festival, Franco-Fete in Minneapolis, and at Illinois' Lake County Genealogical Society.  Michelle will be presenting again on Nov 7, 2015 at Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society.

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Caron Primas Brennan

All programs are 1 to 1 ½ hours long and geared to the beginning and intermediate researcher.  An internet connection (preferably wireless) is required along with a projector.  Caron brings her own laptop or uses yours.  Handouts are available for each program.

Current program offerings:

Genealogy Basics for Beginners

Target audience is folks interested in learning more about genealogy or just getting started.  Covers information needed to get started, basic forms and organization tips, overview of top web sites and other resources used by genealogists.

Research Your Family History Using the Internet

Going beyond Ancestry.com and Cyndi’s List, Caron Primas Brennan will present a survey of new, little known, and perhaps unusual genealogy resources and internet sites to help you in your research

Where did I Put Great-Grandpa?  Organizing for Genealogists

Organizing your genealogy information so that you can find what you want when you want it can be a daunting task.  Get tips on how to keep records in digital and print-based formats.

Going Digital: Photo Management for Genealogists

 Covers basic information for amateur photographers and genealogists trying to organize their photos.  Includes discussions on digital photos, digitalizing old photos, organizing and labeling, photo management software and photo sharing sources.

Ancestry.com Primer

This presentation will look at the Ancestry.com site, including the Ancestry Trees, and review what is has to offer beginners as well as more advanced genealogy researchers.  It will also discuss what is available through the free site and the paid subscription.   Whether you are just starting out and want to host a tree at Ancestry, or have been researching for years but want more information on-line, this is the session for you.

Using Ancestry Family Trees

This interactive workshop session will explore Public Member Trees at Ancestry.com.  Whether you are just starting out and want to host a tree at Ancestry, or have been researching for years but want more information on-line, this is the session for you.    [Can be “hands on” if participants bring a laptop and internet access is available.]

 Fold3.com and Newspapers.com

Meet the Ancestry.com sister products through a guided tour.  Also includes a tour of the tools available on the site and how to use resources found on the sites.

Fold 3.com

An  in-depth tour focusing on www.Fold3.com. We review of available documents and resources, many military and governmental, digitized from the National Archives, Library of Congress, and other institutions, not previously available on-line. Also includes a tour of the tools available on the site and how to use resources found on the site. 

Family Search.org Primer

This seminar is an overview of the free FamilySearch.org web site to see what is has to offer genealogy researchers.  Will include a review of the research opportunities as well as the newer areas for sharing family trees and pictures.  We will also look at the genealogy programs that have been certified to share/interact with FamilySearch.

Uff Da!  Researching My Norwegian Roots

Caron will share what she has learned through researching her own elusive Norwegian great-grandparents and discovering cousins in Scandinavia.  She will discuss things to know, lessons learned, research locations and guides, and other helpful hints.

Travels with My Sister: Genealogical Journeys

Part travelogue, part how-to for traveling to do genealogical research.

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Janis Minor Forté, B.A., M.A.

Lecturer, Author, Writer, Publisher, Janis is the first place winner of the 2013 ISFHW&E Excellence-in-Writing Competition and other awards and citations. She is a member of several societies, including the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE), the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS), the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago (AAGHSC) and others. Her presentation specialties include methodology, skill building techniques and case studies. She is skilled in both on-site and online research.

Getting Started: Approaching the Past

A workshop for beginning genealogy and family history study.

Getting Around Burned Counties: Methods and Strategies

Like a fireman approaches a burning building. This workshop presents techniques to resolve issues of “the burned county syndrome.”

Un-Puzzling Birthing History

Using 19th century records to verify birthing – a case study.

Using Non-Traditional Sources to Identify the Slave Holder and Reconnect Slave Era Families

Seven Proven Strategies for Identifying Slave Ownership and Reconstructing Slave Era Families

Creating and Sustaining Your Family Newsletter

A lecture designed to address implementation strategies in developing a family newsletter.

Loose Women, Policy Queens and Black Ewes

A lecture to discover the many types and locations of records of women who lived on the “other side of the law.”

Colored Confederate Pension Applications

Valuable economic, social and genealogical primary source information

Using the Records of the Freedmen’s Bureau in the Reconstruction and Enhancement of African American Family History

Heritage Book: Telling Your Story.

Methods and strategies in the development of a heritage book. A project for genealogy societies and family lineage groups.

Researching the Digital Library on American Slavery

Locating pre-emancipation documentation of individuals and community life.

Even Gangsters had to Register

WWI draft registration cards and the companion selective service records produced.

Putting Some Clothes on Charles

Using census supplemental schedules to explore and expand genealogical and social content of family history.

USCT Pension Files

A bounty of pre- and post-emancipation era family information.

Slave Tags

Governmental licensing, labeling and marketing of human souls.

Going Beyond the Population Count

An exploration of supplemental census schedules for their genealogical and social content.

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Charlotte Leventhal

Charlotte has over 30 years experience as a technical writer. In 1994, Charlotte won a “Best of Show” award from the Society for Technical Communications. In 2010, Charlotte completed a 600-page family history, which has received rave reviews. In the last few years, she has leveraged her experience into help others prepare, edit and publish family histories.

Writing Your Family History: Tips and Tricks on Collecting Family Stories with Ease 

Have you been thinking about writing a family history book, but are worried the task might be overwhelming? This presentation will provide tips and tricks for collecting family stories quickly and easily. Charlotte is looking forward to helping you create your family history book for generations of your family to enjoy.

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Jacquie Schattner

Seeds to Tree 

Although directed to beginning genealogical research, it is also a great review for anyone interested in finding their family’s past. Five steps to research – yourself, interviews, research, verify and share. Includes organizing information, censuses, cemeteries and libraries, free genealogical websites.

A Guide to Overseas Genealogy 

Crossing the pond is easier than you think. We'll reveiw the history of immigrant travel into the U.S. and how to find genealogical records in most European countries. Includes a list of books and over 70 American and European websites for genealogical research. This presentation covers five areas of overseas genealogy – emigration, voyage details, immigration, naturalization and genealogical websites both American and European.

Central Europe is Easy – Merci Napoleon! 

Explores websites both European and American to locate family in the countries where Napoleon ruled (France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Northern Italy, Germany and surrounding areas). Includes links to over 40 websites.

Top 10 Tricks and Tips 

I review the top genealogical websites and how to use them most efficiently. Tricks and tips on websites such as familysearch.org, ancestry.com and even Google. Many use these websites but do not know how to get the most out of them.

Emigration & Immigration – Your Immigrant Ancestor’s Story

Your immigrant ancestors are the foundation of your roots in the US. Why did they come? What are the voyage details, including what U.S. port did they enter through? Learn how to find emigration and immigration and naturalization records, and discover the interesting details of your ancestors’ journey to their new life here. A list of over 30 websites and other resources will be included.

Exploring Church Records

Church records contain more than basic vital records. These chronicles can provide clues to much more, including town of origin and immigration information, how active families were in their church, and their financial situation. Come find out the new and exciting information about your ancestors you can learn through their church records.

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Sandra Trapp

The Allen County Public Library – What to Know Before You Go

The 2nd largest genealogical library in the U.S. offers a multitude of research resources.  This presentation will cover how to prepare for a visit to this library so that you can make the most of your research time as well as inform you of some of its materials.

Resources at the Naperville Family History Center

Learn what is available at this Latter-Day Saints facility as well as some other LDS Family History Centers. 

Using The Newberry Library for Family History Research

This library has been offering research resources since 1887 and is recognized as one of the premiere research libraries in the U.S.  Information will be provided to help you prepare for a visit, inform you of the research aids their web site offers, and provide an overview of their materials .

Local Resources

Topics covered will include local libraries, societies, educational facilities, archives, and research centers and what they may offer for your researching.

Internet Resources for English Research

The internet has opened up so many resources for family history researchers.  Find out some of the places on the internet that may offer information about your English ancestors.

18th and 19th Century English Parish Records

Parish chests have been used since mediaeval times.  Baptism, marriages, and burials weren’t the only records that the parish chest held.   Learn of resources that may provide information about your ancestors even if they weren’t the gentry.

Italian Genealogy 101

Just getting started with Italian Genealogy?  Don’t speak Italian?  This program will provide you with resources you can use to research your ancestors in Italian birth, marriage and death records even if you aren’t an Italian native.   Internet and printed resources along with examples of records and how to read them will be included as well as availability of records for Americans. 

Beginners’ Genealogy

This program will cover the first steps a researchers needs to take to get started with their family history research.  Included will be internet and printed resources for finding the four basic records for genealogical research:   vital, census, immigration and naturalization records.T

Using FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch.org is the largest, free genealogy resource on the internet. This program will cover why you want to have an account; tips for searching the records; creating and editing your Family Tree; adding photos, stories and documents, accessing FamilySearch’s digitized books, how to get help, searching the catalog and ordering film and a few other features of interest.

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Regina Yuill

Regina has experience in researching within state courthouses, libraries and archives. She has traveled to and conducted genealogy research in Ireland and has become an expert in locating real estate records. She has published a 500 page family history book on her mother’s family line and is currently working on a second volume, this one focusing on her father’s lineage.

Preparing to Publish Your Book:  Tips and Tricks for the Writer 

Does publishing your family history book seem like a daunting task?  This talk will help you over come your fears of writing and publishing your family book. Discussion will cover how to generate ideas for your book, finding your target audience, setting up the book, finding publishing companies and how to use Microsoft Word to add special features to your book.