Category Archives: 2024 Seminars & Conferences

Genealogical Forum of Oregon A Feast of DNA Topics

by Charles Hansen

Intermediate & Advanced DNA Seminar: Early Registration Deadline Soon!

The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is pleased to host our fall seminar focused on intermediate and advanced DNA topics. The seminar will be held online.

Our featured speaker is Paul Woodbury, veteran of hundreds of genealogy cases and senior researcher on the DNA Team at Legacy Tree Genealogists. This seminar will introduce you to topics that are not commonly offered, from constructing a DNA-assisted proof argument, to finding misattributed ancestry (more common than realized!), to handling false positives in endogamous populations.  Even the most experienced genealogist will learn something new!

As a bonus, seminar registration includes a special session on the evening of Friday, November 1, “Intro to DNA for Beginners”, also taught by Mr. Woodbury.

Register now and save $10! Early registration deadline is October 20.

Registration: gfo.org/seminar; inquiries: education@gfo.org

McCleary Historical Museum Hosts Genealogy Conference

by Roxanne Lowe

The McCleary Museum & Event Center invites you to their 2024 Genealogy Conference to be held on Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference will be in-person at the Museum at 426 S. Third Street, McCleary. Tickets are $12 or $10 for those who have an active membership in any genealogical society. Click here to register.

Topics and speakers include:

  • “Direct Link to the Past- City Directories for Genealogy” presented by Mary Kircher Roddy, CG; Writer; Lecturer;  trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists and co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute.  
    City Directories are a tool for genealogists to fill in gaps between census years and learn more about ancestors. But if you’re just searching for a name, you’re missing out! In this presentation see many sources to find directories. Mary will show you what to look for in them, including understanding the “anatomy” of a directory and what might be in one. Learn some tips for getting the most out of them by using address searches, alternate spellings, advertisements and more to understand your ancestors’ world and their movements within it. Directories are also a source for historical images that might not be available elsewhere. See how to track your searches and results using spreadsheets. And learn how directories will lead you to clues for further follow-up research.
  • “Branching Out in the Evergreen State” presented by Roxanne Ferbrache Lowe, Past President, Grays Harbor Genealogical Society; Web Master, Washington State Genealogical Society.  
    There are many resources for finding members of your family tree in the Evergreen State. Roxanne will share a few free resources for those with Washington State (and Washington Territory) roots. Even if you don’t have Washington ancestors, many of the resources may apply to you. She will also talk about the Washington State Genealogical Society’s Pioneer Pursuit program.
  • “Adventures of a Find A Grave Volunteer “  presented by Diane Carter, Registrar for the Robert Gray Chapter of DAR; Volunteer for Find A Grave; Member of Society of Mayflower Descendants and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.   
    Some people tiptoe through the tulips. Diane wanders through graveyards —mosquito lotion, sun blocker, umbrella, notepad and camera in hand —photographing headstones and creating on-line memorials. Whenever possible,  she adds family links, genealogy, and personal photos to the memorials that she has created.  She even creates imaginary cemeteries! “What madness is this?” you may ask. “Genealogists need facts, not made-up stuff.” And the answer is that even imaginary cemeteries can be helpful for a genealogist —or an organization.
    Find A Grave is a free resource and her efforts are viewable by anyone with Internet access and from any part of the world. Come tiptoe with Diane through Find A Grave.
  • “Memberships to Lineage Societies and How to Prepare Documentation” Also presented by Diane Carter. 
    As Registrar for the Robert Gray Chapter of DAR which serves Grays Harbor County, Diane  prepares applications for women wishing to join her chapter. She also serves with a state team that reviews applications. She has advised people seeking membership in other lineage societies. In all cases, She carefully scrutinizes the generations listed, the links between generations, the documentations supporting the links and the sources of the documents. The pieces have to fit and she can tell a few stories about the curious routes that have been taken to prove someone’s lineage. 

Other opportunities of the day include networking, a museum tour, light refreshments, local genealogy resources and more.  You may choose to bring your own lunch or pre-order one of the lunch specials before 9/29/24 from The Bears Den, options detailed on ticket purchase page.

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Fall Seminar AI for Genealogists

by Charles Hansen

It’s time to sign up for the Fall Seminar!

Bring your checkbook for the

EWGS Yearly Auction

(there are some truly awesome items this year!) 

Door Prizes (for those in person)

Free Table

Great Company

Great Food 

Scholarships are available:

(Apply under the “Member’s Only” Tab on the website.) 

Saturday, October 5 THE FUTURE OF GENEALOGY (Seminar) 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Southside Community Center – 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223 HYBRID: (IN PERSON AND ZOOM) Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Guest speaker Steve Little; “AI Genealogy: The Basics and a Bit Beyond!” Blaine Bettinger: Youtube interview presenting “10 ChatGPT Prompts Every Genealogist Needs to Know” Thomas MacEntee: “Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI”COSTS: $40 – MEMBERS$50 – NON MEMBERS$20 – ZOOMERS Lunch and snacks included for those who attend in person. PAYMENT BY CHECK? YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CHECK MAILED BY SEPTEMBER 27TH!YOU MAY PAY AT THE DOOR BUT YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED A LUNCH Cancellation Policy: Cancellations MUST BE received by Sept 30, 2024, no later than 5:00 p.m. for a full refund. Your handout and zoom link will be emailed to you within 2-3 days PRIOR to the seminar. REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EWGS WEBSITE STORE.

Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society 10 Must Haves for Genealogy Success

by Charles Hansen

October is National Family History Month! Join us for a hour with Thomas MacEntee. Thomas is a internationally known family history speaker, author, tech guy and founder of Abundant Genealogy, GeneaBloggers,Genealogy Bargains,  High-Definition Genealogy. Thomas is a regular speaker at annual RootsTech in Salt Lake City and gives over 250 webinars a year for groups in the US and Canada. Our presentations are free and visitors are welcome.

Please register to attend. Registration here:

https://gorgegen.blogspot.com

Clallam County Genealogical Society November Seminar with Judy Russell

by Charles Hansen

 November 9th, 2004

An all-day seminar featuring

Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL –           The Legal Genealogist

                 **A Legal Perspective for Genealogists**

Clallam County is hosting a three-part seminar featuring the incomparable Judy G. Russell.  She is one of the most popular speakers for Genealogical Societies and National Events.  Her unusual lectures reflect her legal background and are always interesting, educational, and fun to listen to.

Schedule and Topics Information:

          9:15 – 9:30am              Registration Sign-in/Tech Check

                           9:30 – 9:45am              Introductions/ Announcements

                           9:45-10:45am              Session I: Revelers, Hogkillers and Disobedient Children: Early State Laws.                  

The laws our ancestors lived by tell their own story of life in earlier times, and early state laws from every part of the nation tell the stories of Blue Laws, wild animals, and children needing humbling.  Judy will include a look at early Washington State laws.

10:45- 11:00am                 Break

11:00am – Noon          Session II:Landing The Ancestors: Federal and State Land Records

Land records are among the earliest, most complete and most valuable genealogical records and often among the most puzzling. Understanding how land was acquired, measured and recorded under the law is essential to using the records effectively.  This is a good introduction to land records overall according to Judy.

                            Noon – 12:45pm         Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45pm             Session III:Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence

The father of Gustavus Boone Robertson (1827 MS-1903 TX) was William M. Robertson (c1795 NC-1864 MS). But who was Gustavus’s mother? No record directly identifies her, but court, land, and DNA evidence combine to prove the case as to the identity of this third great-grandmother and, in doing so, landing the fourths—fourth great-grandparents, that is. (This is a complex case study but can readily be followed by a general audience)             

The Seminar will be presented via Zoom so that you may listen to at home, or attend at the CCGS Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street in Port Angeles, Washington.

The Zoom pass code and meeting number will be sent to participants via e-mail as soon as payment is received. (See below for cost)

Cost: 

$50 for CCGS members               $55 for non-CCGS members and at the door 

Early Bird Registration begins Tuesday, October 1st .  Save $10 off registration fee!

Early Bird Registration ends Tuesday, October 15th

Prepaid Registration by check or Paypal  ends Tuesday, November 5th

For more information, call CCGS Tues-Fri 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays noon to 4pm or visit our website:

Phone:  360-417-5000      Website:  www.clallamcogs.org.

Checks should be made out to CCGS.  Credit cards can use the Paypal app found on our website.

Northeast Washington Genealogical Society Ancestor Detective

by Charles Hansen

The Northeast Washington Genealogical Society in Colville is trying something new this year for their annual fall seminar.  We are partnering with our local FamilySearch Center to present a FREE all-day workshop on Saturday September 21st at the LDS church in Colville. This FREE event will include 12 different classes to choose from, informational stations and a free lunch. For more information and to register, please go to our website’s Events page at https://www.newgs.org/eventListings.php?nm=88 to download a flyer and registration form.

Jefferson County Genealogical Seminar 40th Anniversary Celebration

by Charles Hansen
JCGS 40th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, May 11, 2024 @ 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Hybrid Meeting: Attend online via Zoom or in-person at the Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road, Chimacum, WA
Join us in marking our 40th Anniversary with a full-day event that includes live vendors, awards for long-term contributors, and – of course – cake! Guest speaker and internationally known genealogist Michelle Leonard will also be joining us live from Scotland for two presentations.
Registration is required. Please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Registration deadline: May 5, 2024. $25 for Non-Members (includes an individual one-year membership) Free for Members but you must register
To register and you are not a member, complete the registration form and submit payment via the following options: PayPal via JCGS website (https://wajcgs.org/jcgs-40th-anniversary/) Mail a check to: JCGS Class, PO Box 627, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (please allow five business days for mail delivery)
If you are a JCGS member, attendance is free, but you MUST register by completing the registration form.
A Zoom link will be sent to registrants on May 8, 2024. For those planning to attend in person, the doors to the Tri-Area will open at 9:30 a.m. to allow you to sign in, get a name tag, grab some coffee or tea, and find a seat. You will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with old friends (and perhaps make some new ones!) and fellow genealogists in the large meeting room until the first presentation begins at 10 a.m. We will have a short break between the two presentations.
First Presentation: Begins at 10 a.m.
Tools for Researching Your English and Scottish Ancestors
Second Presentation: Begins at 11:30 a.m.
Case Studies: Solving Ancestor Mysteries with Help from DNA
Michelle Leonard is a Scottish professional genealogist and expert DNA detective. She runs her own genealogy and DNA consultancy business, Genes & Genealogy, and specializes in DNA Detective work, particularly the solving of adoption, unknown parentage, and all manner of ancestor mysteries. She is a regular speaker at major genealogy events such as RootsTech, The Genealogy Show, Family Tree Live, Back to Our Past, and Who Do You Think You Are? She co-authored Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide for Family Historians, published in 2019.