Unlock Your Genealogical Potential at NERGC 2025!
Dive into a world of discovery with a packed schedule of presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to elevate your genealogical journey. Explore topics that inspire, learn from expert speakers, and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion.
To find out when these presentations will take place during the NERGC 2025 Conference, click the ‘Brochure’ button below to view the complete schedule of events and presentation times.
Want to be part of this exciting event? Click here to learn how to register.
This chart can be sorted by any of the column headers in ascending or descending order. Click any column header to sort the data, or use the search function to quickly find specific presentations. Locate presentations of interest, then check the brochure for their day and time slots.
NERGC Program 2025
| Track # | Speaker | Title | Speaker Bio | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-201 | Michael Brophy -sponsored by Godfrey Library | Adoption Research in New England: History, Genealogy, Legacy | Michael Brophy is a nationally known professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. He is a past of President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. | Adoption has been practiced in America since its founding. The history, genealogical research practice, current topics and issues and legislation are explored. |
| F-202 | Diane Boumenot | Rhode Island State Census for Genealogists | Looking for Rhode Islanders in the Revolutionary War era, or 1865-1935? The Rhode Island colonial and state census collections offer amazing and unique details, but each enumeration is quite different. Learn how to navigate the arrangements online and match family members to their records. | Looking for Rhode Islanders in the Revolutionary War era, or 1865-1935? The Rhode Island colonial and state census collections offer amazing and unique details, but each enumeration is quite different. Learn how to navigate the arrangements online and match family members to their records. |
| F-203 | Sara Campbell | You Can Do Genealogy Without Breaking the Bank | Sara E. Campbell is an educator, author, editor, and researcher. She is a frequent lecturer at conferences and societies in the New England Region. A member of the Historical Commission in Erving, MA she has dug into the origins of her Town. Her background as a Civil Engineer brings a unique viewpoint to her research. | The number of genealogy web sites, organizations and publications can be daunting. This session explores techniques to save money on subscriptions and genealogy education. We will talk about finding free resources, and how to target your genealogy dollars. The most valuable genealogical sources are the ones that contain information about your family. This session covers the pros and cons of the top sites for searching genealogical databases, as well as in-person research. |
| F-204 | Michael F. Dwyer – Sponsored by GSV | French-Canadian Names Lost in Vermont | Michael Dwyer is a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists and has published many articles in journals including the Register, American Ancestor, Vermont Genealogy, The Maine Genealogist, among others. Named Vermont Teacher of the Year in 2004, he continues to research Irish and French-Canadian immigrants and DNA relationships. | Several dozen case studies will reveal how early French-Canadian immigrants to Vermont lost both their first and last names. Although close to a third of Vermonters in the 1990 Census disclosed French-Canadian ethnicity, many faced a brick wall in fully identifying their Québec ancestor. Presentation focuses on the steps taken and resources use to discover hidden identities. |
| F-205 | Kate Penney Howard -sponsored by CAS | Solving Maternal Surname Mysteries with DNA | Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist, specializing in brick wall work, HighRoH, and endogamy. During a bout with cancer, she discovered that she loves sharing her knowledge with other genealogists. She has presented at National and international conferences as well as local library and genealogical society gatherings. Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011, and has been pastor of North Christian Church since her ordination in 2012. | We all have that ancestor with a first name, but no family name. When traditional genealogical techniques fail to turn up an answer, we can turn to DNA to find more opportunities to discover clues. Follow along as Kate explains how she used traditional genealogy,and DNA clustering to write her ancestors’ surnames in their family tree! |
| F-206 | Diahan Southard | Eight Ways Your DNA Test Impacts Family History | Diahan Southard, has been helping people use DNA to explore their roots for over 20 years. She started her career at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, which created the DNA database that became AncestryDNA. After witnessing the power of DNA for family history–and the difficulties people face in using it effectively–she launched a pioneering career in DNA education. | With so many people finding parents and siblings and long-lost grandparents thanks to the power of DNA testing, you may have the impression that genetic genealogy is only for those with limited genealogical information. However, that is not the case! Those with especially conspicuous ancestors can still benefit from the results of DNA testing. We will cover how to use your test results to verify your known family history, how to use it to get younger generations involved in family history, how to use it to explore your health, and much more! |
| F-207 | Judy G. Russell | The Law from Common to Uncommon | Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist®, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally-known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. Her blog is at https://www.legalgenealogist.com. | As families migrated from New England westward, the law migrated as well. Common law principles that so impacted our ancestors’ lives in old colonial jurisdictions gave way to uncommonly egalitarian concepts in some ways-and more limiting rules in others. From dividing an inheritance to drawing racial lines, the law impacted the migrants, and often even explained why they migrated. |
| F-208 | Peggy Lauritzen | Entering the Old Northwest Territory | Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGS, is a member of the APG Executive Committee. In 2018, she was awarded the title of Fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society and received the Laura G. Prescott Award for Exemplary Service in Genealogy. Peggy is an instructor at Ancestry Academy, Family Tree University, a former columnist for Reminisce magazine, and a former researcher for Ancestry ProGenealogists. She and her husband Kerry are FamilySearch Center Directors in Mansfield, Ohio. | When we think of settling the West, our minds will often turn to the broad expanses of the American West that conjures up scenes of broad prairies and herds of buffalo and antelope. Such was not the case in the First American West. We also may think of the Canadian provinces of the same name. After the signing of the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, Britain ceded land that would eventually comprise the Northwest Territory. Just five years later, the first settlers would leave their homes in New England and begin their journey to the “Territory Northwest of the River Ohio” and establish their first city – Marietta. Eventually the states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota would be included. |
| F-209 | Bonnie Wade Mucia | Uncovering Pre-1900 New England Church Records for Genealogy | Bonnie Wade Mucia owns Keeper of the Past Genealogy and is the Mayflower Families Silver Books Project Director for the Mayflower Society (GSMD). She has published articles in several respected genealogical journals. Bonnie is actively pursuing accreditation with ICAPGen specializing in the New England region. | Discover how to locate New England church records from before 1900, including those hidden in unexpected places. This talk explores the history of colonial religious groups, key repositories, and strategies for finding records in archives, libraries, and private collections. Learn to use essential reference sources and uncover records that may be stored outside New England, providing valuable insights for genealogical research. |
| F-210 | Sunny Jane Morton | U.S. Church Records: Congregationalists, Catholics and More | Sunny Jane Morton (www.sunnymorton.com) is Content Director at YourDNAGuide.com; Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine; co-author of the NGS-award-winning How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records; and author of a guide to archives of Catholic women’s religious orders. She has taught at GRIP, SLIG, NGS, and elsewhere. | U.S. church records of many denominations can reveal ancestors’ vital events, family relationships, overseas birthplaces and other residences and religious lives. From the co-author of How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records, learn what’s in church records, how to identify an ancestral church, locate extant records and access them. |
| F-211 | Jill Morelli | Just Do It! Self-Publishing Your Family History | Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, is a writer, lecturer, co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute (Learn by Doing) and founder of the Certification Discussion Group (strategies for a successful portfolio). She lectures and has written articles for NGSQ, The Sept and others. She is past-president of Seattle GS. | Publishing a book can intimidating, as it requires learning how to move your family history into a self-publishing site, and stepping through to publication. This presentation should relieve some of the angst. We will discuss your first decisions, how to make a professional looking book and getting to a finished project you can be proud of. Congratulations! |
| F-212 | Jenifer Kahn Bakkala | Writing a Compelling Family History | Jenifer Kahn Bakkala is a professional genealogist and author. Her 2021 publication, The Maynard, North, and Deforest Families, was the 2023 winner of an NGS Award for Excellence. Jenifer sits on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is a past-President of APG’s New England Chapter. | Do you want to share the story of your ancestors with friends, family, or the world? This talk will guide you through the process of creating an accurate but compelling family history— from how to expand on traditional research, to how to present a finished product that will be picked up off of coffee tables for years to come. |
| F-213 | Janeen Bjork – Sponsored by CAS | Online Newspapers How Your Family Stories Went Viral | Newspapers were the social media of your ancestors. Editors read each others’ newspapers and reprinted stories. The AP and newspaper unions also reprinted news. Learn best practices to find the items you missed due to misspellings, OCR (optical character recognition) and bad microfilms. See the interfaces of fee and free online resources with an emphasis on New England . | |
| F-214 | Allyson Maughan | Solving your Picture Problems | Allyson Maughan is a genealogy speaker and writer. She completed Gen Proof in 2023 and ProGen 53 in 2022. She finished her AG-Southwest Region. She graduated from ISU in 2001. She volunteers on the UGA board over the Education Committee. She enjoys photography and writing and shares tips on https://rememberingrelatives.weebly.com/. | Pictures tell a brilliant story about our ancestors. But, what do we do when pictures have problems! No writing on the back? Too many conflicting names and dates? Unfamiliar faces? Come learn the antidote to these dilemmas and finally use those pictures in your research. |
| F-215 | Mary-Alice Wildasin | Irish Famine Migration to Bangor, Maine: 1845-1900 | Mary-Alice Wildasin moved to Ireland from Florida, to further her education at University of Limerick. In 2020 she graduated with an MA in History of the Family, writing her dissertation on her own family’s migration: The Dorans – from Summerslane, Kilkenny to Bangor, Maine 1820 – 1900: A Case Study in Step Migration | Why did so many Irish migrate in the nineteenth century? Following the step migration journey of the Doran family, from rural Kilkenny, Ireland to Bangor, Maine, with a stopover in Québec, Canada, this presentation is a discussion of what life might have been like for them and other Famine migrants on their journey to settling in Bangor. |
| F-216 | Carol Clingan – Sponsored by JGSGB | Genealogy with a Yiddish Accent | Carol Clingan has been a genealogist for more than 30 years and focused initially on research about her own Ukrainian- and Belarus-born grandparents. She is a longtime member of the Board of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston, and is currently the head of research projects. She lives with her husband in Dedham and is fortunate that her two daughters and four grandchildren live nearby. | This talk, originally given at NEHGS, aims to help individuals who are already experienced researchers learn how to apply their knowledge to research of Jewish families. It includes information on looking for Jewish names as well as useful sources for Jewish research. |
| F-220 | David Allen Lambert | What Time Is It On Your Genealogical Clock? | David Allen Lambert has been Chief Genealogist of American Ancestors since 1993. David is an internationally recognized author and speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. Areas of expertise include New England and Atlantic Canadian records; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American research in New England. | Have you ever asked what’s the time on your Genealogical Clock? Not the Grandfather in your hall but rather the final disposition of your family papers and photos. Your genealogical efforts should have a final home. David Allen Lambers will help you to listen to the ticking and make a plan for the future of your own archives. |
| F-221 | Albert Fiacre – Sponsored by Godfrey | Tried and True Published Resources for Early Connecticut Research | Al is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Godfrey Memorial Library. He has been involved with the library since 2003 and a Board member since 2015. He is the principal researcher on research requests received by the library. In 2018 he received the National Genealogical Society’s competition for Best Genealogy and Family History; he similarly won the 2019 competition of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists for Best Genealogy. | |
| F-222 | Eva Holmes, CG®, AG® – Sponsored by MSG | Maine and the Maritime: Finding Seafarers and Shipbuilders | Eva Holmes, CG®, AG®, a life-long resident of Portland, Maine, and has New England roots going back 12+ generations. She edits UGA’s quarterly Crossroads and has published in periodicals including the NGSQ. She writes for the GSMD Silver Books project and is working on a guide to research in Maine. | With 3,600 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise our Maine ancestors often had a connection to the sea. There’s a good chance someone in your line set foot on a boat, whether for migration or work. Learn strategies to uncover new genealogical records in local and national collections related to Maine’s sailing, fishing, and shipbuilding industries. |
| F-223 | Cari Taplin | Utilizing Ancestry’s Databases: Beyond ‘Search’ | Cari A. Taplin, CG® is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s the family story. A native of Wood County, Ohio, Cari now lives in Longmont, Colorado, works for Ancestry ProGenealogists, and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” | Learn to utilize Ancestry’s databases beyond the “Search” page to improve your research results. Learn about their card catalog, lesser-known databases, and tips for deeper searching. Techniques learned are applicable to nearly all online repositories. Most (if not all) online collections have a “card catalog” or “collections” feature allowing you to see the specific databases they hold. Let’s explore! |
| F-224 | Michael Brophy | New England Probate Research | Michael Brophy is a nationally known professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. He is a past of President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. | Probate is the legal process through which the estate of a deceased person is administered and distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. In the New England and beyond, the probate process is generally governed by state laws. Probate records are underutilized by most genealogists, yet they offer some of the most substantive, high-quality information about our ancestors and their lives. |
| F-225 | Jenifer Kahn Bakkala | Using Social History to Color Your Ancestors’ Stories | Jenifer Kahn Bakkala is a professional genealogist and author. Her 2021 publication, The Maynard, North, and Deforest Families, was the 2023 winner of an NGS Award for Excellence. Jenifer sits on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is a past-President of APG’s New England Chapter. | Genealogical research is often focused on a timeline of names and events. But how did our ancestors’ environments influence who they were and what they did? Almost always, research into social history can offer new color and insight to our ancestors’ lively and captivating stories. |
| F-226 | Diane Boumenot | How the Mills Changed Everything | Diane Boumenot, CG, editor of Rhode Island Roots, speaks widely on New England topics. In 2023, she was the recipient of the NGS Lou D. Szucs Distinguished Service Award and the RIGS Robert M. Sherman Award. She holds a B.A. in History and English from Wesleyan University. | Textile and other mills changed the lives of many New England families, sometimes in ways that are not obvious. What was the experience in the mills? How did it change over time? What can we know about the buildings, the machines, and the products? How can we find out more about the mill families’ lives? |
| F-227 | Karen A. Fortin | Locating Places Where Our Ancestors Lived and Worked | Karen A. Fortin has degrees in History and Library Science, a passion for research, and loves to help people explore their family’s history so that they can better understand their ancestors and the world in which they lived. | One of the fun things about genealogy is getting to know our ancestors as people, not just as names and dates on a chart. This presentation will help you to identify sources that can assist you in locating the precise locations where your ancestors lived and worked. |
| F-228 | Annette Burke Lyttle | How Settlers Guides Can Help Us Understand Our Ancestors’ Lives | Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette coordinates courses for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the British Institute. Her research interests include Quaker ancestors and ancestral migrations in the US. | Guide books written to persuade and assist settlers to migrate to sparsely-populated areas contain a treasure trove of information about the details of everyday life for our ancestors. Find out where to locate these amazing resources and how they can help reconstruct our ancestors’ stories. |
| F-229 | Margaret R. Fortier – Sponsored by ACGS | Catholic Records: Storehouses of Culture, Places of Memory | Margaret R. Fortier, CG, was named after her grandmothers and inspired by her mother’s phenomenal memory. She is a genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. She specializes in immigrants to New England, especially those of French-Canadian, Italian, and Portuguese ancestry. She is co-editor of the NGS Quarterly. | Catholic records are genealogical gems as they identify important moments, places, times, and cultural information about your ancestors. Parish records for the US and international Catholic communities are examined as well as related records of Catholic institutions and newspapers. The presentation addresses what the records mean, what they contain, and how to find them online and offline. |
| F-231 | Susan Jaycox | Hey New England-NYC Has Your Records! | Susan Jaycox has been a passionate family historian for over 50 years. She has degrees in business and finance, and an extensive education in library and information sciences and genealogical research. President of the Genealogy Federation of Long Island, Professional Genealogist and a Genealogy Research Expert at the Plainview FamilySearch Center. | Located in NYC, the Archives of the Center for Migration Studies has nearly 130 collections that document the immigrant experience in North America. Their files are rich in source materials from Italian Immigrant Churches located in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island as well as Italian and Catholic Relief Societies. Find photographs, church records, manifests, case files and more. |
| F-233 | Nora Galvin | Citing Sources: A Crucial Part of Genealogical Writing | Nora Galvin has been a professional genealogist and lecturer since 2006, with specialities in Irish and Connecticut research, genetic genealogy, and genealogical writing. Having recently completed 11 years as editor of the journal Connecticut Ancestry, she teaches the principles and practices of genealogical writing for publication and for one’s own files. | Everybody needs to support their work with documentation. You make your research credible and reliable by telling readers about your sources in footnotes, whether writing for a journal or for your files. You will learn what to include in a useful footnote (who, what, where, when, why) and how to craft it so others (and you!) can follow the information. |
| F-235 | Michael L Strauss, AG | Roosevelt’s Tree Army: Understanding the Civilian Conservation Corps | Michael L. Strauss, AG®, is a professional genealogist and military historian. He holds a BA in History and is a United States Coast Guard veteran. His research expertise has been recognized in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia where he has testified as an expert witness in court. | The New Deal came in response to the Great Depression, focusing on the “3 Rs” of Relief, Recovery, and Reform. Genealogists today can follow the personal experiences of their ancestors who lived through the Great Depression. One program was the Civilian Conservation Corps organized in 1933 and disbanded in 1942 with the United States involved in World War II. |
| F-240 | Diahan Southard | How DNA Influences Our Identity | Diahan Southard, has been helping people use DNA to explore their roots for over 20 years. She started her career at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, which created the DNA database that became AncestryDNA. After witnessing the power of DNA for family history–and the difficulties people face in using it effectively–she launched a pioneering career in DNA education. | It seems like every day we are seeing news stories about individuals who are suddenly discovering their parentage and heritage using DNA testing. We will talk about how these experiences are shaping lives and changing perspectives, and about how you can be inspired and encouraged by their stories. |
| PCW-1 | BCG Ed Fund – Eva Holmes, CG®, AG® | Cracking Tough Cases with the Genealogical Proof Standard with BCG Education Fund | Are you ready to take your research to the next level? The Genealogical Proof Standard helps genealogists solve difficult problems and ensure their work will stand the test of time. In this interactive workshop sponsored by the BCG Education Fund, you’ll learn the five key elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard and practice applying them with hands-on exercises. | |
| PCW-2 | Jill Morelli | Write As You Research & Solve Tough Problems | Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, is a writer, lecturer, co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute (Learn by Doing) and founder of the Certification Discussion Group (strategies for a successful portfolio). She lectures and has written articles for NGSQ, The Sept and others. She is past-president of Seattle GS. | Got a brick wall? Write As You Research! may provide a methodology for solving it. Writing our genealogical problems accumulates all known information in one place, aids us in identifying gaps and overlaps, and provides a written report for future readers. We know we should write more, and this workshop provides a format for all your genealogical problem-solving. |
| PCW-3 | Nora Galvin | Prove It! Arguing Conclusions without Direct Evidence | Nora Galvin has been a professional genealogist and lecturer since 2006, with specialities in Irish and Connecticut research, genetic genealogy, and genealogical writing. Having recently completed 11 years as editor of the journal Connecticut Ancestry, she teaches the principles and practices of genealogical writing for publication and for one’s own files. | What can you do when records do not clearly and directly state the answer to your research question? Put together a body of indirect evidence that adds up to proof. In this workshop we will review published proofs and work on writing up your own case. Bring your project notes and evidence, and any writing already done. |
| PCW-4 | Allyson Maughan | I Spy-Photo Discovery Workshop | Allyson Maughan is a genealogy speaker and writer. She completed Gen Proof in 2023 and ProGen 53 in 2022. She finished her AG-Southwest Region. She graduated from ISU in 2001. She volunteers on the UGA board over the Education Committee. She enjoys photography and writing and shares tips on https://rememberingrelatives.weebly.com/. | Many family photo collections have pictures with no writing on the back. In this workshop, we will review these untagged photos. Participants will bring five to ten photos from their own collection. They will use their detective skills to find information about their photos between the examples given by the presenter. |
| PCW-5 | Cari Taplin | Google’s MyMaps as a Research Tool | Cari A. Taplin, CG® is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s the family story. A native of Wood County, Ohio, Cari now lives in Longmont, Colorado, works for Ancestry ProGenealogists, and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” | Google’s MyMaps allows users to create custom maps making it a fantastic and easy-to-use research and analysis tool, and making it a great way to present your research to family and friends. This workshop provides an overview of My Maps, examples of how it can be useful for genealogy, and walks participants through creating their own custom maps. |
| S-301 | Jonathan W. Stevens | Land Records: An Underutilized Genealogical Resource | Jonathan W. Stevens is a professional genealogist, President of Genealogical Society of Vermont, a Director of NERGC, and has published several genealogical articles. He is also the Assistant Town Clerk, Lister (Vermont Property Assessor I), Secretary of the Zoning Board of Adjustment / Planning Commission of Andover, Vt. and the consultant for the Windham Center Cemetery Commission in Windham, VT. | This presentation will discuss original lotting plans, various definitions of measurement, and the different types of deeds that can be found in land records. It will also provide examples of genealogical clues gleaned from deeds. This can greatly help genealogists in their research, as the land records maybe the only source for this information. |
| S-302 | Maryanne Roy LeGrow, Ph.D. – Sponsored by FCGSC | French-Canadian Volunteers in the American Revolution: From Soldier to Refugee to Citizen | Maryanne Roy LeGrow, Ph.D., has been researching family history for more than forty years. She has spoken at conferences in the United States and Europe, and is the editor of the biannual journal of the French-Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut, The Connecticut Maple Leaf. Dr. LeGrow currently serves as the society’s Library Director. | If family research has led you to northern New York, western Connecticut, or the shores of Lake Champlain, you are probably aware of the numbers of French surnames in those areas. Many originators of those names were citizens of Canada who fought on the American side in the Revolutionary War. At the end of that conflict, Rochambeau, Lafayette and their men had returned to a hero’s welcome in France. Not so the men of French Canada. Volunteers of the First and Second Canadian Regiments had helped win the war, but in the process many lost country, home, livelihood and the support of their religion. The Congress that had been glad of their presence at Brandywine and Germantown was reluctant to assume postwar responsibility for Canadian soldiers and their families who could not return without penalty to Canada. Their story echoes through the centuries and continues to evolve today. |
| S-303 | Peter Gagné – Sponsored by AFGS | From Soldiers to Settlers: The Carignan-Salières Regiment | Peter Gagne’ is an archivist at the Musée de la Civilisation and author of books on French-Canadian genealogy, including From Soldiers to Settlers: The Carignan Regiment in Canada. He appeared on Who Do You Think You Are?, Le Trésor de Saint-Castin and was a consultant for Finding Your Roots. | This talk will present an overview of the Carignan-Salières Regiment, sent to Canada from 1665 to 1668. After demobilization, soldiers were encouraged to settle in the colony, with many marrying the Filles du Roi or King’s Daughters.After a general presentation of the regiment, the talk will focus on identifying the soldiers and their settlement in New France. |
| S-304 | David Allen Lambert – Sponsored by NEHGS | Locating Revolutionary War Veterans in your family tree | David Allen Lambert has been Chief Genealogist of American Ancestors since 1993. David is an internationally recognized author and speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. Areas of expertise include New England and Atlantic Canadian records; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American research in New England. | This class will discuss how muster rolls, manuscripts, published histories, lineage society databases, and more can help you establish your ancestor’s service and explore their role in the American Revolution. We will also discuss pension records offer a goldmine of information for family historians. Learn who was eligible to receive pension records, where to find them, what information is provided, |
| S-305 | Diahan Southard | Is There Endogamy My New England Family Tree? | Diahan Southard, has been helping people use DNA to explore their roots for over 20 years. She started her career at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, which created the DNA database that became AncestryDNA. After witnessing the power of DNA for family history–and the difficulties people face in using it effectively–she launched a pioneering career in DNA education. | Endogamy, or repeated intermarriage among small populations over many generations, affects many family trees, including in New England. Endogamy may complicate your DNA analysis. We’ll talk about “Mayflower DNA,” founder effect, and pedigree collapse, and get-started strategies for recognizing and working with endogamous matches. |
| S-306 | Diahan Southard | How DNA Can Answer Family History Questions in 2025 | Diahan Southard, has been helping people use DNA to explore their roots for over 20 years. She started her career at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, which created the DNA database that became AncestryDNA. After witnessing the power of DNA for family history–and the difficulties people face in using it effectively–she launched a pioneering career in DNA education. | Learn how DNA can answer family history questions even more powerfully in 2025 from real case studies (including New England stories!). We’ll talk about using DNA to verify your tree, find missing ancestors, engage your relatives and find other descendants. Learn about testing options and what to do next based on your situation. |
| S-307 | Seema Kenney – Sponsored by SSGS | Leaving Liverpool | Seema Kenney is a wife, mother of three, and entrepreneur.She is an experienced software instructor and a professional genealogist. Based on over 20 years of research, her known roots are deep in New England as well as England, Germany, and Sweden. Her DNA research has now added The Netherlands to that list. | What was it like to assemble in Liverpool before traveling to America or Australia? Millions did it and were subject to specific rules and given many tips for the voyage. Let’s explore documents about these voyages together! |
| S-308 | Peggy Lauritzen | America’s Turnpikes, Rivers, and Canals | David Allen Lambert has been Chief Genealogist of American Ancestors since 1993. David is an internationally recognized author and speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. Areas of expertise include New England and Atlantic Canadian records; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American research in New England. | The safest and easiest way to move one’s families may not have been the migration trails and roads that we have become most familiar with. Roads and trails are the “go-to” places we look at first when determining how our ancestors moved throughout America. However, there were other means of transportation available to them. Could your ancestor have traveled other by-ways? |
| S-309 | Michael Brophy | Tax Tracks: Navigating Federal Tax Records for Genealogical Research | Michael Brophy is a nationally known professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. He is a past of President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. | Federal tax research can provide valuable insights into the lives of your ancestors, offering a deeper understanding of their financial situations, occupations, and community roles and much more. |
| S-310 | B.J. Jamieson | Relicts and widow’s weeds: 1790 widows in Massachusetts | B.J. Jamieson, M.A., M.S.L.S., PG Cert. [genealogy], is the genealogy reference specialist at the Maine State Library. | Case studies of Massachusetts widows as heads of households in the 1790 census for two towns, exploring records women left when otherwise infrequently mentioned in written records. |
| S-311 | Tricia Peone – Sponsored by NHSOG | WItchcraft and Memory in New Hampshire | Dr. Tricia Peone works at the Congregational Library & Archives in Boston, where she is the project director for New England’s Hidden Histories. Her scholarship focuses on early New England, particularly the history of magic and witchcraft and her work has appeared in journals, books, blogs, and on radio and television. | The history of witchcraft in New Hampshire has received less attention than in other parts of New England, yet there were some remarkable cases which took place here decades before the Salem witch trials. This talk will explore the stories of several women accused of witchcraft in New Hampshire and consider how this history continues to affect us today. |
| S-312 | Robert Cameron Weir | New Hampshire to 1776: Understanding the Colonial Era | Robert Cameron Weir is a genealogical researcher, lecturer, and author who lives in Dover, New Hampshire. He specializes in hard problems related to New England genealogy, from 1620 to the present. He is a member of the APG and is the Publications Director for the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. | The researcher of early New Hampshire genealogy faces a bewildering series of border disputes and jurisdictional changes, much of it echoing factional struggles in England. In this presentation we review the history of this period and use this understanding to improve our ability to locate and interpret early genealogical records. |
| S-313 | Claire Smith | Emerging Digital Tools for Optimizing Your Genealogy Research | Claire Smith is a professional genealogist with more than 25 years of experience in research, teaching, and lecturing. Her research specialties include Ireland, New England, England, Atlantic Canada, and DNA. A former technology executive, Claire applies technology skills to optimize her research, continually evaluating new tools and innovative approaches. | Discover how to use new digital tools like AI to work more effectively as a genealogist. Learn how to adapt your research strategies, leveraging new digital AI tools and enhancements on websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry. Work smarter by leveraging AI for tasks like data analysis, document translation, and image enhancement. |
| S-314 | Annette Burke Lyttle | Think You Know the Census? There’s More! | Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette coordinates courses for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the British Institute. Her research interests include Quaker ancestors and ancestral migrations in the US. | Federal censuses are basic to family history research, but many other censuses can help us find our ancestors. We need to use all the information in censuses to our best advantage. We’ll look at how to turn those “tick-mark” censuses (1790─1840) into useful information and at census substitutes that can locate our ancestors in time and place between the censuses. |
| S-315 | Cari Taplin | Who Lives Next Door? Using the FAN Club in your Research | Cari A. Taplin, CG® is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s the family story. A native of Wood County, Ohio, Cari now lives in Longmont, Colorado, works for Ancestry ProGenealogists, and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” | By researching our ancestors’ Friends, Associates and Neighbors (their “FAN club”) we can learn a lot more about their lives and break down brick walls that we may have been working on for quite some time. In this lecture, Cari Taplin will explain the FAN club principle or cluster genealogy, as set forth by Elizabeth Shown Mills and adopted by many genealogical researchers. Cari will give several case study examples of how this method of researching can take your research to the next level, place your ancestors in context to the social history surrounding them and give new insights to their lives. |
| S-316 | Philip Johnson – Sponsored by CMGS | How to find Info on your Railroad Ancestor | Philip Johnson is a retired Senior Quality Engineer who has researched his genealogy for over 25 years. He has been the Chapter Genealogist/Registrar for his SAR chapter and served as Assistant State registrar for Mass SAR. He has assisted 50 men to join the SAR. He also sits on the board of the CMGS. | This lecture will teach you how to search for information on your ancestor’s railroad history, including employment, the potential railroad lines they may have worked on, and general history of those railroads. |
| S-320 | Kelli Jo Bergheimer | Genealogy Intertwined with Gratitude | Kelli Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s in Business Management. She is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company, and works as the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. Kelli runs Mess on the Desk and is the facilitator for Genetics, Genealogy, and You, an online DNA Interest Group. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild. | Learning our family history encourages us to consider ourselves in time and place and to have profound gratitude for those who came before us. |
| S-321 | David Lambert – Sponsored by MGC | Locating your Ancestors in the Salem Witchcraft Trials | David Allen Lambert has been Chief Genealogist of American Ancestors since 1993. David is an internationally recognized author and speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. Areas of expertise include New England and Atlantic Canadian records; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American research in New England. | Discover your ancestors involvement in the Salem witch trials between 1692 and 1693. In that short period, more than two hundred were accused, thirty found guilty, and 20 executed. Learn to verify your lineage from someone accused of witchcraft in Salem during the Hysteria. Discover the key records, resources, and references for proving your line of descent. |
| S-322 | Annette Burke Lyttle | Writing for Genealogy Magazines and Journals | Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette coordinates courses for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the British Institute. Her research interests include Quaker ancestors and ancestral migrations in the US. | Publishing our family stories in genealogy magazines and journals is one way to make sure our stories are shared and our research is available to others. Learn about the kinds of magazines and journals that exist, what they look for, and how to write a submission that will get published. |
| S-323 | Randy Whited | WWI and WW II Military Service Research | Randy Whited, a genealogist with over 30 years of research experience, specializes in genetic genealogy and technology. He leads the Austin Genealogical Society’s DNA Special Interest Group, administers the Whitehead FamilyTreeDNA Surname Project, and has developed tools like Visual Phasing to aid in DNA research. | Find out how to access existing records, work around record loss, and how to integrate them into the story of our World War Veterans’ service. |
| S-324 | Craig R. Scott | The Nuts and Bolts of Military Pension Research | Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, FUGA is the President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than thirty-nine years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military. He is former IGHR, SLIG, and GRIP Military Course Coordinator. | This talk will cover types of pensions, pension law, pension indexes, pension application files, pension payments, pension ledgers, other settled accounts and correspondence. Learn all about 19th century American pensions and what they can reveal about your ancestor. |
| S-325 | Seema Kenney – Sponsored by MSOG | World War II Letters from a Young Soldier | Seema Kenney is a wife, mother of three, and entrepreneur.She is an experienced software instructor and a professional genealogist. Based on over 20 years of research, her known roots are deep in New England as well as England, Germany, and Sweden. Her DNA research has now added The Netherlands to that list. | Over three hundred letters found in my uncle’s attic tell a compelling story of his life as a young WWII soldier, as well as his family’s experiences back home. Learn about or re-live the years 1943-45 as we travel through his time using the words of a 19-year-old country boy and his family! |
| S-326 | Edwin W. Strickland – Sponsored by DFAW | Who was the Fictional Lew Strickland of Cold Spring? | Edwin Strickland grew up surrounded by family stories, as the 7th generation to occupy the same farm. He mainly trained “in the trenches” beginning in 1973. He has served as Genealogist of DFAW for nearly 40 years. In the early 2000s, he began to share his accumulated knowledge with others | Following a brief introduction to the Genealogical Proof Standard, Ed will demonstrate that Lewis Strickland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Strickland of Cold Spring did not exist as reported in at least one source. Through document analysis and critical reasoning, the identity of the child baptized by Rev. George Tuttle in January 1951 will be revealed. |
| S-327 | Catherine ” Casey” Zahn – Sponsored by CSG | From CT to Where?! Finding Family | Catherine “Casey” Zahn, a Norwich CT native, is on the Board of Governors for CSG since 2022. A retired educator, “Casey” presents genealogical programs throughout the New England and Northeast region. She was the FGS 2008 Program chair in Philadelphia and gave talks on teaching children genealogy in prior NERGC conferences. | Sometimes in our research we discover our CT family members are not in CT. What do we do? This presentation sponsored by CT Soc. Gen. will explore and demonstrate ways to find family in other states. Court, land, DNA, FAN club, and other strategies with be presented to help anyone find those members who left CT. |
| S-328 | Robert Cameron Weir | Low Bridge, Everybody Down! The Erie Canal and New England Migration | Robert Cameron Weir is a genealogical researcher, lecturer, and author who lives in Dover, New Hampshire. He specializes in hard problems related to New England genealogy, from 1620 to the present. He is a member of the APG and is the Publications Director for the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. | This talk examines how the Erie Canal connected Eastern states to fertile land in the Midwest, reshaping migration paths and settlement patterns. We’ll dive into primary migration routes, key settlement areas, and what records reveal about this westward movement, with insights into how New Englanders spread their influence across the Midwest. |
| S-329 | Cari Taplin | Using Lists to Find Proof | Cari A. Taplin, CG® is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s the family story. A native of Wood County, Ohio, Cari now lives in Longmont, Colorado, works for Ancestry ProGenealogists, and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” | Genealogists examine lists nearly every time we conduct research, whether it be in the form of censuses, tax lists, directories, petitions, and hundreds of others. The Genealogical Proof Standard requires reasonably exhaustive research, analysis and corroboration of evidence. This presentation will demonstrate how lists can be used to meet those standards, and offers methods and tips for examining lists as a tool for proving the identity of our ancestors. |
| S-330 | Pamela Guye Holland – Sponsored by TIARA | Where Were They From? Finding Irish Immigrant Origins | Pamela Guye Holland is a professional genealogist and specializes in Irish and Genetic Genealogy. She lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and has been researching for over twenty years. Pam works for Research Services at NEHGS and as the US-based genealogist in the Green Room at https://youririshheritage.com/. Her website is www.GenealogyByPamHolland.com. | Learn the best strategies, identify overlooked records, and discover new resources to help you locate your ancestor’s place of origin in Ireland. Explore how DNA evidence can be used and the ways to incorporate it in your research. Uncover reasons behind genealogical roadblocks and discover creative approaches to searching databases and deciphering the data found in the records. |
| S-331 | Peter J. Boni – Sponsored by FGS | When Your Birth Certificate and DNA Don’t Jive | Peter J. Boni is a retired venture capitalist; former high tech CEO, board chairman, & non-profit leader; keynote speaker; award-winning entrepreneur; decorated special ops combat veteran; best-selling author; avid mariner; donor-conceived rights activist; and a founding contributor of the U. S. Donor-Conceived Council | You are not from the blood of “Dad” (or “Mom”). After the initial shock, it is only natural to wonder. “Who gave me life?” That prospect is shared by some 4% of us. Many don’t know it…yet. My 22 years of research and case study intend to help navigate this identity trauma and put it into real life context. |
| S-332 | Danielle Rose – Sponsored by NEHGS | Finding Enslaved African American Ancestors in New England | Danielle Rose oversees the many volunteers who assist with creating content for the 10 Million Names Project at American Ancestors. She has experience researching enslaved ancestors, Revolutionary War veterans, and working with 18th and 19th century New England records. | Slavery in New England played a significant role in the region’s early history and had a lasting impact on its economic and social development. This lecture will cover the history of slavery and emancipation in New England, records that detail the names and stories of these enslaved Africans, and strategies to help work through common research hurdles. |
| S-333 | Jill Morelli | Accessing & Using FamilySearch Image Only Records | Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, is a writer, lecturer, co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute (Learn by Doing) and founder of the Certification Discussion Group (strategies for a successful portfolio). She lectures and has written articles for NGSQ, The Sept and others. She is past-president of Seattle GS. | Think you have run out of online records? Not so fast! Conduct a locational search of the Image documents at FamilySearch before any such declaration. Tips for finding elusive indexes and challenges will be illustrated.We will also review “Full Text” searches to find your ancestor in support roles in documents. |
| S-334 | Claire Smith | A Genealogist’s Guide to Lesser-Known Research Tools | Claire Smith is a professional genealogist with more than 25 years of experience in research, teaching, and lecturing. Her research specialties include Ireland, New England, England, Atlantic Canada, and DNA. A former technology executive, Claire applies technology skills to optimize her research, continually evaluating new tools and innovative approaches. | Serious researchers know that success depends on mastering the right tools. This session explores powerful resources to enhance your research: Archive Grid’s manuscript collections, the Digital Public Library of America’s archives, the American Genealogical-Biographical Index, and the Periodical Source Index (PERSI). Learn to integrate these tools into your research and uncover new perspectives on your family’s history. |
| S-335 | B.J. Jamieson | Search Like a Librarian | B.J. Jamieson, M.A., M.S.L.S., PG Cert. [genealogy], is the genealogy reference specialist at the Maine State Library. | Using guided interactive research, learn how librarians maximize their search skills to find relevant information. All genealogical research requires underlying search skills. This program will assist genealogists in developing techniques for efficient searches that produce relevant results. |
| S-336 | Kate Penney Howard | Leverage technology: Amplify research with apps and tools. | Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist, specializing in brick wall work, HighRoH, and endogamy. During a bout with cancer, she discovered that she loves sharing her knowledge with other genealogists. She has presented at National and international conferences as well as local library and genealogical society gatherings. Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011, and has been pastor of North Christian Church since her ordination in 2012. | Are you encumbered with boxes of dear Aunt Madge’s papers? Have your grandchildren shown interest in your research, but they want to see information on their phones? Do you struggle with filling in the rest of the story (“the dash”) between a person’s birth and death? Not sure you’re ready to trade in your pencil for a stylus, but you want to know more? |
| T-101 | Eva Holmes, CG®, AG® | Writing for Publication – Right Now | Eva Holmes, CG®, AG®, a life-long resident of Portland, Maine, and has New England roots going back 12+ generations. She edits UGA’s quarterly Crossroads and has published in periodicals including the NGSQ. She writes for the GSMD Silver Books project and is working on a guide to research in Maine. | Do you want to publish a family story but aren’t sure where to start? Learn how you can craft work readers can’t resist. We will discuss the essentials of writing and publishing for both periodicals and book length projects. You will leave with ideas, outlines, and techniques to keep you going until you finish. Come prepared to write! |
| T-102 | Annette Burke Lyttle | How Advertising Caused Ancestors to Migrate | Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette coordinates courses for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the British Institute. Her research interests include Quaker ancestors and ancestral migrations in the US. | Business owners, land speculators, and communities wishing to grow all turned to various forms of advertising to entice people to migrate to the Midwestern territories and states. This presentation will examine how newspaper advertising, pamphlets, gazetteers, and books were aimed at prospective migrants from the eastern parts of the U.S. and prospective immigrants from Europe to get them to come and work, buy land, and settle in these sparsely-populated frontier areas. We’ll look at what kinds of messages these ads used in order to make hard work and pioneer living seem attractive. |
| T-103 | Diane Southard | Try Your Hand at Genetic Genealogy | Diahan Southard, has been helping people use DNA to explore their roots for over 20 years. She started her career at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, which created the DNA database that became AncestryDNA. After witnessing the power of DNA for family history–and the difficulties people face in using it effectively–she launched a pioneering career in DNA education. | Working in pairs or small groups, you will get a chance to take a DNA case step-by-step to learn exactly how to explore your autosomal DNA match list and make family connections. Workshop style: seating should be configured to allow for collaborative work. No computers or internet access required. |
| T-104 | Pamela J. Vittorio | A Connecticut Yankee in the King’s Rangers | Pamela J Vittorio, MA, PLCGS, is a professional genealogist and historian. Her research includes DNA, artifacts, the transportation industry (waterways, railways, roadways), and the migration patterns of a wide variety of ethnic groups. Pamela is the VP of Programming for the Italian Genealogy Group, and a member of the APG. | Proving parentage without vital records can be challenging. Between 1777 and 1783, the name Oliver Graham appeared on Colonial and Loyalist militia rosters. Could evidence from a watercolor painting help connect a father to his children and untangle a same-name mystery? An artifact adds to a trail of records from Upper Canada, NY, and Connecticut, to merge one man’s identity. |
| T-105 | Judy G. Russell | The Robot Genealogist: Separating Fact from Fiction | Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist®, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally-known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. Her blog is at https://www.legalgenealogist.com. | Artificial intelligence offers both pluses and minuses to genealogists. It can be used, effectively and accurately, to delve into records and documents in ways not possible before. But it can be misused and lead us astray. A practical approach can help us understand the limitations of AI, ensuring that we remain critical thinkers when using this new technology. |
| T-106 | Robert Cameron Weir | NotebookLM for the Genealogist | Robert Cameron Weir is a genealogical researcher, lecturer, and author who lives in Dover, New Hampshire. He specializes in hard problems related to New England genealogy, from 1620 to the present. He is a member of the APG and is the Publications Director for the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. | Imagine having a “personal AI-based research assistant” that not only organizes your notes, books, journal articles, and original records but also helps you make connections and draw insights from them. In this session, we’ll explore how to maximize the productivity boost from Google’s NotebookLM, turning complex data into actionable discoveries. |
| T-107 | Bonnie Wade Mucia – Sponsored by NEAPG | Navigating Mayflower Silver Books: A Genealogists’ Guide | Bonnie Wade Mucia owns Keeper of the Past Genealogy and is the Mayflower Families Silver Books Project Director for the Mayflower Society (GSMD). She has published articles in several respected genealogical journals. Bonnie is actively pursuing accreditation with ICAPGen specializing in the New England region. | Discover how tens of millions trace their ancestry to the Mayflower’s 1620 voyage. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants offers 44 volumes of the Mayflower Families Silver Books, detailing extensive colonial records. This presentation delves into the project’s history and guides you in applying these resources to colonial period genealogy, enhancing your research with detailed generational insights. |
| T-108 | Philip Johnson | Do you want to Join a Lineage Society? | Philip Johnson is a retired Senior Quality Engineer who has researched his genealogy for over 25 years. He has been the Chapter Genealogist/Registrar for his SAR chapter and served as Assistant State registrar for Mass SAR. He has assisted 50 men to join the SAR. He also sits on the board of the CMGS. | This lecture will discuss the requirements to join the various lineage societies in New England: CAR/DAR/SAR or Mayflower, and others. Each may have specific requirements, but many general requirements will be covered. |
| T-109 | Anjelica Oswald – Sponsored by NEHGS | Organize a Place-Based Case Study on Enslaved Persons | Anjelica Oswald holds a MA in Public History with a certificate in digital humanities from Northeastern and a BA in journalism from Ohio University. She is a senior researcher on the 10 Million Names Team at American Ancestors. | This presentation will use a case study to demonstrate multiple organizational methods and tools when researching enslaved people in a specific location and during a specific time. The presentation centers on three enslaved siblings who were moved from Louisiana to Massachusetts and freed. |
| T-110 | Danielle Rose – Sponsored by NEHGS | Introduction to the 10 Million Names Project | Danielle Rose oversees the many volunteers who assist with creating content for the 10 Million Names Project at American Ancestors. She has experience researching enslaved ancestors, Revolutionary War veterans, and working with 18th and 19th century New England records. | The 10 Million Names Project at American Ancestors seeks to recover the names of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in the United States. It also aims to expand access to data and resources about enslaved African Americans. This presentation will discuss our methodology, partnerships, and ways to get involved. |
| T-111 | Sara Campbell | To Indian Territory and Back, a Case Study | Sara E. Campbell is an educator, author, editor, and researcher. She is a frequent lecturer at conferences and societies in the New England Region. A member of the Historical Commission in Erving, MA she has dug into the origins of her Town. Her background as a Civil Engineer brings a unique viewpoint to her research. | This case study illustrates how we can expand our research beyond the vital records to develop a more detailed profile of a life in the past. Working with a timeline we uncover sources of information that may not have been explored before. Social history plays an important role in understanding the whys and hows when crafting a narrative. This talk follows Simon Leavitt Hobbs and his family from New England to what is now eastern Oklahoma. Born in New Hampshire in 1813, Simon lived longer and traveled farther than many men of his time. |
| T-112 | Annette Burke Lyttle | Following Ancestral Migrations: Three Case Studies | Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette coordinates courses for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the British Institute. Her research interests include Quaker ancestors and ancestral migrations in the US. | Following migrating American families in three case studies covering a Colonial migration, a move from Massachusetts to Illinois by way of Vermont and New York after the American Revolution, and a move from Illinois to Nebraska to homestead. We’ll look at what kinds of records we can use to follow ancestral migrations and fill in their stories. |
| T-113 | Cari Taplin | Genealogical Side Quests and Treasures Discovered | Cari A. Taplin, CG® is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s the family story. A native of Wood County, Ohio, Cari now lives in Longmont, Colorado, works for Ancestry ProGenealogists, and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” | ‘Rabbit holes’ can derail valuable research time. Hear some of the presenter’s favorites and why they aren’t always time wasted. Learn about the are of studying historical context to bring your ancestors’ stories to life through the lens of derailed research time and learn about the “Chicken of Tomorrow,” the largest Christmas tree dealer in Wood County, Ohio, and more! |
| T-115 | Michael J. Leclerc – Sponsored by CCGS | Easily Creating Reference Citations | Michael J. Leclerc is a well-known professional genealogist who teaches family historians around the world. He worked in various capacities at New England Historic Genealogical Society for seventeen years and spent four years at Mocavo and FindMyPast before founding Genealogy Professor to provide high-quality learning experiences for genealogists. He has been a member of the teaching team in Boston University’s genealogy courses for more than a decade. | Citing our sources can seem initimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. A few basic steps can get you on the road to perfect citations every time, without stressing yourself out. Learn these basic steps and other tips and tools for easily documenting your research. |
| T-117 | Randy Whited | Visual Phasing: Using Siblings to Identify Grandparent DNA | Randy Whited, a genealogist with over 30 years of research experience, specializes in genetic genealogy and technology. He leads the Austin Genealogical Society’s DNA Special Interest Group, administers the Whitehead FamilyTreeDNA Surname Project, and has developed tools like Visual Phasing to aid in DNA research. | In this session a method is demonstrated that reconstructs phased parental DNA from siblings’ (and other immediate family member, when available) Autosomal DNA results using overlapping shared segment data. |
| T-120 | Sarah Dixwell Brown | My Search for 7g GrandfatherJohn Dixwell, Regicide | Sarah “Dixie” Dixwell Brown has taught writing at Stanford, Mount Holyoke and UMass Amherst. Her discovery of her regicide ancestor, John Dixwell, took her to England for research. She has given numerous lectures since her book’s publication at genealogical societies, Oxford University, and the Cromwell Museum. She lives in Massachusetts. | After being given John Dixwell’s key to Dover Castle, Sarah Dixwell Brown scoured England and New England for her ancestor’s story. Dixwell, the 38th signer of Charles the First’s 1649 death warrant, fled to New England after the Restoration and was never caught. Birth records, estate inventories, wills, and letters were some of the means to imagine his life. |
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