Category Archives: 2025 Seminars & Conferences

Foundation for Eastern European Family History Studies Virtual Conference

by Charles Hansen

On behalf of the Foundation for Eastern European Family History Studies (FEEFHS), I’m reaching out to share information about our upcoming virtual conference, taking place August 6–8, 2025. We hope this may be of interest to your members, and we’d be grateful if you’d consider sharing it in your social media or newsletter channels. 

We’re currently offering an early bird registration discount for anyone who registers before July 6th. I’ve attached an image below with more information that you’re welcome to use.

If you or your members have any questions about the conference, please feel free to reach out. And if your society has any upcoming events or announcements that might be relevant to our audience, we’d love to feature you in our social media or newsletter as well.

Thank you for your continued work in the field of genealogy!

Warm regards,
Emma Ruddy

FEEFHS Board Member

CONTACT: ruddy.genealogist@gmail.com

National Genealogical Society Healthy Aging and the Role of the Family History Community

by Charles Hansen

AgingSymp_3074101.jpg Join NGS, Vivid-Pix, and FamilySearch for a Spcial Symposium on Healthy Aging Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month and the Future of Healthy Aging Dear Friend, In recognition of Mental Health Month, the National Genealogical Society, Vivid-Pix, and FamilySearch invite you to attend the Symposium on Healthy Aging and the Role of the Family History Community, on 22 May 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM ET with online access via Zoom.* The symposium tackles increasing challenges facing Americans as they age: social isolation, dementia, and mental health.
Register Now
“Family history activities are a pathway to good mental health and combat social isolation. The research, analysis, and writings associated with family history stimulate brain activity; storytelling, photos, and mementos bring back happy memories and intergenerational connection,” said Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Founder, Yeh Innovation, Past Chief Medical Officer, AARP. 
“We’ve witnessed firsthand how photo reminiscence therapy (pRT) can reduce social isolation, improve medication compliance, and enhance connection and cognitive performance with older adults. That’s why we’re dedicated to expanding its availability and making this therapy affordable to all who need it, as well as supporting others’ work to help our community,” said Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix.
Important topics include:
Understanding the health and cognitive issues facing an aging American population.
How aging, isolation, and loneliness affect cognition – and how to assist those impacted.
How the family history community can help our communities and the aging population.
Activities that individuals and organizations, such as genealogy societies, libraries, archives, and museums (SLAMs), are conducting to support healthy aging.
Panelists include leaders in aging health, genealogy, and technology:

Charity Rouse, NGS Delegate Council secretary and Spartanburg County Public Libraries
Crista Cowan, Ancestry
Curt Witcher, Director, Special Collections & Manager, Genealogy Center, Allen County Public Library David Rencher, NGS president and Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch  
Debbie Gurtler, Assistant Director, FamilySearch Library
Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Founder, Yeh Innovation & past Chief Medical Officer, AARP 
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, International African American Museum (IAAM)
Ed Donakey, NGS board member and Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch
Ellen Goodwin, Co-Founder, Artifcts
Jake Rankin, Owner, Talem Home Care, Certified Senior Advisor 
John Dougan, NGS board member and Missouri State Archivist  
Matt Menashes, NGS executive director
Matt Weismantel, NGS Delegate Council chair
Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix Sheri Rose, CEO, Thrive Center 
Theda Heiserman, Director of Training & Education, CERTUS Institute 
Uniquely suited to support activities that promote healthy aging and the family NGS, FamilySearch, and genealogy societies, libraries, archives, museums and companies help thousands of people daily with family history research. “The family history community  . . . helps people learn about their past through research, writing, and storytelling. These activities improve mental health and build strong relationships,” said David Rencher, NGS president and Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch. “We think our community is well-positioned to improve long-term outcomes for an aging population.” “We’ve found that when helping people trace their roots, it can be transformative for a person’s mental health and perspective,” said Dr. Shelley Murphy of the Center for Family History at International African American Museum. “The people who come to programs at the museum come away with new energy, stronger connections to their past, and a newfound passion for family history research.”Plan to join us online. Registration is free.
Register Now
* An authenticated (paid or free) Zoom account is required to register. Copyright © 2025 National Genealogical Society (NGS), all rights reserved. National Genealogical Society · PO Box 128 · Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0128 · USA

International German Genealogy Partnership Celebrate Your German Speaking Ancestors

by Charles Hansen
 
Hello IGGP partners and friends, Time to register for the 2025 German genealogy conference is running out. Registration is closing May 28!The conference will be held June 12-15 at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The event is in-person only for attendees.
You can register online and pay by credit card. (The mail-in option has closed.)If you want to have recordings of the weekend presentations, including three bonus sessions not being given live, you can purchase access as an add-on when you pay for a registration — even if you are not able to attend in person.Our speakers and topics are all available for review. As is the weekend schedule. And don’t forget to plan for the social activities on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Our conference app, Whova, is already live and attendees are “meeting” each other and sharing information even before suitcases are packed. You can join the fun by registering today.Questions may be sent to info@iggp.org. For questions specific to registration, email iggp.registrator@gmail.com.We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!
 LogoCopyright © 2025 International German Genealogy Partnership, All rights reserved.
You subscribed to receive news about IGGP and its activities. Use the links below to change your subscription preferences or unsubscribe.

Our mailing address is:
International German Genealogy Partnership1385 Mendota Heights Road, Suite 100c/o Minnesota Genealogy Center Mendota Heights, MN55120-1367Add us to your address book

National Genealogical Society Conference Deadlines

by Charles Hansen
NGS Conference Deadlines and OrgConnects! Video to Share with Your Organization
Dear Organization Members, Administrators, and Delegates,
The National Genealogical Society (NGS) 2025 Family History Conference is less than a month away. I’m excited to see you or others from your organization in Louisville, Kentucky, or online through the new virtual access option.
A few conference-related deadlines are coming up that your organization will want to share with anyone planning to attend in person:
This Friday, 2 May, is the last day for NGS member organizations to request the conference registration discount benefit for people who are not individual members of NGS. Please read through the information and use the form linked on the Organization Registration page.
Friday, 2 May, is also the hotel deadline to make reservations in the discounted room block with NGS at the Galt House. Visit the Hotel Information page to get the code and booking link.
Monday, 12 May, is the final day to RSVP for the 23 May Delegate Council meeting. Organization member delegates are invited to RSVP for a light breakfast and meeting. If the delegate can’t attend and someone else from your organization can be there as a substitute, please have them RSVP instead. For those coming to Louisville, join us for FOCUS 2025: A Pathway to the Future for Genealogy and Family History Organizations, a special pre-conference event with the Filson Historical Society on 23 May, and the SLAM! Idea Showcase Dinner on 25 May. Also, I would love to meet in person and discuss any needs or feedback from your organization. Email me to set up a time to chat.
OrgConnects! Video on Taxes and Finances
The recording of the 10 April 2025 OrgConnects! event on Finance and Taxes for Organizations: Challenges and Solutions is available on YouTube. NGS Treasurer Doug Klein, CPA, provided an overview of tax exemption, sales tax issues, budgets, financial statements, avoiding scams, finding help, and more. Check out the OrgConnects! playlist for previous videos and share these event recordings with your organization.
Time to Meet or Ask Questions
Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about the conference and organization events, and please email me to set up a time to meet if you will be in Louisville (and if you won’t be at the conference, you can always meet with me via Zoom). Thank You, KateSmith_Signature_150pxWide_2623651.jpg Kate Smith
Organizations and Communities Manager
Copyright © 2025 National Genealogical Society (NGS), all rights reserved. National Genealogical Society · PO Box 128 · Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0128 · USA

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society Spring Mini-Seminar

by Charles Hansen

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

1901 S0. 12th Ave

Union Gap, WA 98903

(509) 248 – 1328

Spring Mini-Seminar will be held

In the Y.V.G.S. Library.

Saturday, March 29, 2025

9:30 am till 12:00 Noon

$5.00 at the door.

You will not want to miss this presentation.

Richard Kyle is giving a presentation

On “Researching Death Documents”

Please sign up before Friday, March 28.

So the correct count of handouts can

be made plus purchasing of snacks can

be bought before Saturday. Please Call the

Library Between 10:00am and 4:00pm

Thursday to let us know you are coming.

Snacks, Coffee and Bottled

Water will be provided.

National Genealogical Society Focus 2025

by Charles Hansen
FOCUS 2025: A Pathway to the Future for Genealogy and Family History Organizations
Dear NGS Organization Members, Administrators, and Delegates, Join fellow organizations, the National Genealogical Society, and the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky, on 23 May 2025 for a unique experience designed to help your organization thrive. FOCUS offers time to discover new ideas, engage with other participants, and learn about planning strategically for the future. Register for FOCUS and be part of building the community of genealogy and family history organizations. The Filson is excited to welcome you, share expertise, and encourage collaboration and inspiring discussions. Enjoy making connections throughout the afternoon and takeaway practical steps to support and grow your organization.  Learn More and Register for FOCUS The FOCUS program this year includes:  Welcome Luncheon—While having lunch, get an introduction to the Filson and FOCUS 2025 and its relevance to outreach and engagement with an eye toward America250 in 2026. We’ll then split up into smaller groups to rotate through the three main sessions that follow. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour—A special tour of archive and museum collections storage space will provide insight into the challenges and innovative solutions to an organization’s preservation needs. While exploring facilities, discuss how to create an incredible visitor experience and prepare someone for on-site research. Development and Growth—For long-term sustainability, organizations must be able to reach new people, engage members/patrons, and secure needed resources. Get tips on fundraising, including major gifts and grant writing, ideas on attracting and retaining members, and how to set your organization up for success and growth. Relationships and Structure—Organization leaders must think and plan strategically to nurture the relationships that improve their operations. Learn about managing volunteers, developing leaders, building partnerships, and creating an organizational structure and vision that encourages meaningful involvement and a bright future. Everyone is invited to participate in FOCUS! Registration is $150 for NGS individual members and $175 for non-members which covers lunch, sessions, and transportation from the Galt House Hotel to the Filson and back. Sign up through the NGS Family History Conference website (conference registration is not required to attend this pre-conference event). Learn More and Register for FOCUS
Copyright © 2025 National Genealogical Society (NGS), all rights reserved. National Genealogical Society · PO Box 128 · Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0128 · USA

Tacoma FamilySearch Center Family Ties That Unite Us

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma FamilySearch Center is sponsoring the 4th Annual African American Family History Event, “Family Ties That Unite Us”, March 22, 2025 – 9am – 2pm at 1102 S Pearl St., Tacoma WA 98465. Family Ties That Unite Us is free and is open to the public of all levels of Family History ability and interest. The Event will have 200-300 in attendance. Two musical groups will perform, there will be an adult and youth keynote speakers and two Family History Speakers during the event.  There are informational tables from local museums, historical societies and genealogical societies and one on one Family History assistance throughout the event.

The free luncheon includes Philly Cheese Steak and Chicken sandwiches, salads and more. 

Keynote speakers will be Ethelda Burke, University Place School Board Member and past local principal, Lynese and Malando Redeemer, the current Tacoma NAACP President and Youth Pastor for Shilo Baptist Church.  The Family History Speakers include Andre Escalante – a local father of 3 who will share his story about beginning Family History research, and Tamu Smith who will speak about Plantations and Reservations. Tamu is a nationally known speaker with Sistas in Zion and Time Out For Women. She will include groups and resources for researching those of Enslaved and Native American heritage.

The Tacoma FamilySearch Center will be open during the entire event with all services, including digitizing equipment – ready for tours and to sign up to use with help.  The Center is located at  1102 S Pearl St, Tacoma WA 98465. On the South side (12th Street side) of the building. Watch for the green FamilySearch Center Sign.  It is open 33 hours per week – Tues, Wed, & Thurs 10am – 8pm and Sat 10am – 1pm. The Center has 12 different Family History websites available for use free of charge and has 20% + more records in FamilySearch than you can access from home. 

Tacoma FamilySearch Center has 47 volunteers, many who bring a tote of their own photos, slides and videos to digitize each shift they work – helping others while helping themselves. New volunteers of all levels are welcome.  We are happy to train and put new people with experienced ones for a great start.

Saturday’s African American Event will be live and in person and also on zoom.  The zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/96665929487 . Zoom  9:30am – 2pm

The speakers will be recorded and the recordings will be found on the Webpage

https://www.tacomaaafhe.com

Questions?

Tacoma FamilySearch Center

Mary Anderson – Director

Msynergy007@gmail.com          WA_tacoma@familyhistorymail.org

253-223-1719                              253-564-1103

Tacoma Family Search Center Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/153994266492384

Or come to the Tacoma FamilySearch Center

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Spring Seminar 2025

by Charles Hansen

This is one party that you won’t want to miss! 

EWGS SPRING SEMINAR 

Saturday April 5, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

DOORS OPEN AT 8:30 A.M.

Southside Community Center – 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223

​ Celebrating our 90th Anniversary 

 Presentation by Dolly Webb
 Little known fun facts, stories and surprise guests

  • Thomas MacEntee: 
  • “Creating An Ancestor Sketch”   
  • Class Description: Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!

James M Beidler: President of PA Society

  •  “Digging Pennsylvania Roots From  Your Desktop”
  • It’s estimated that one in four Americans has Keystone State roots. Much of Pennsylvania research – from church records to land documents – to courthouse filings, can be done remotely.”

Registration is required for this seminar.

 You wil receive a handout via email 2-3 days PRIOR for this seminar. 

You  MUST be registered to receive the handouts & the zoom link.

DEADLINE IS MARCH 31ST

  •  $40 for EWGS members, 
  • $50 for non-members, 
  • $20 for zoomers 
  • IF you pay by check we ask you to include your email address so we can send your handouts.
  • DEADLINE MARCH 26TH IF YOU PAY BY CHECK
  • NO REFUNDS AFTER MARCH 28TH