Wednesday, April 14, 2027 — Optional Pre-Conference Events
Kick off your conference experience early! In addition to the three-day program, Wednesday is packed with workshops, presentations, tours, a Panel Discussion with our Featured Speakers and a lunch and dinner buffet to give you time to unwind and socialize. Mix and match the options below — most can be combined, however some run at the same time, so plan your day accordingly.
All events require registration. Some carry an additional fee (noted below).
Becoming a Professional Genealogist Track (All sessions Intermediate level)
Morning Sessions, Purchase as one at $40
8:45 – 9:45 am — From Passion to Profession: Launching a Genealogy Career — Angela J. Harris, CG, PLCGS
10:00 – 11:00 am — Using Proof Arguments and Context in a Kinship Determination Project — Lana Leggett-Kealey, Ph.D., CG
Afternoon Sessions, Purchase as one at $40
1:15 – 2:15 pm — Pricing Strategies for Professional Genealogy Services — Rhonda Lauritzen
2:30 – 3:30 pm — Becoming a Credentialed Genealogist: My Journey — Eva Holmes, CG, AG
8:45 – 9:45 From Passion to Profession: Launching a Genealogy Career, Angela J. Harris, CG, PLCGS
What does it take to become a professional genealogist? This presentation outlines the education, preparation, and credentialing pathways available to aspiring professionals. It explores practical steps for developing skills, building a portfolio, and pursuing certification or accreditation while transitioning from dedicated amateur to working genealogist.
10:00-11:00 Using Proof Arguments and Context in a Kinship Determination Project Lana Leggett-Kealey, Ph.D., CG
Proving kinship through multiple generations can be a daunting task. Many roadblocks can halt all forward research. The judicious use of proof arguments can help move research along to the next generation. Examples of several proofs used in a typical KDP are presented for a family that migrated from Yorkshire, England, to the United States in the mid 1800s.
1:15 – 2:15 Pricing strategies for professional genealogy services Rhonda Lauritzen
This workshop gives tough love, a pep talk, and practical data. Participants will receive real numbers on the going rates for genealogy and writing services. Learn how to bid profitably. The single biggest threat to your business is not charging enough, and this session will help you overcome imposter syndrome to raise your rates and frame your proposals for success.
2:30 – 3:30 Becoming a Credentialed Genealogist: My Journey Eva Holmes, CG, AG
Earning a genealogy credential can help an individual improve their genealogical research skills and demonstrate competence in the field. Trying to decide which credential to pursue can be a challenge. This presentation provides a personal overview of the Accredited Genealogist® and Certified Genealogist® credentials to help would-be applicants choose their path.
AI Workshops – each workshop is purchased separately at $40/each
9:00 – 11:00 am — LLM Prompt Mastery for Genealogists — Robert Cameron Weir · Intermediate · Bring a laptop/iPad with a paid LLM login
1:30 – 3:30 pm — Gemini Notebook (formerly Notebook LM) for Genealogists: Organizing Research with AI — Linda Debe · Novice · Bring a laptop/iPad and a few PDFs of your research
9:00 – 11:00 Intermediate Level, LLM Prompt Mastery for Genealogists Robert Cameron Weir
Required: Bring a laptop or iPad with a login to a paid LLM account
Learn to produce more useful and reliable outputs from AIs like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We’ll review how LLMs work and see the difference a good prompt can make. You’ll learn and practice many powerful prompt techniques, such as scaffolding, one-shot/few-shot, Chain of Thought, and ReACT. You’ll also learn how to add guardrails to prevent invented details and flag uncertainty.
1:30 – 3:30 Novice Level, Gemini Notebook (formerly Notebook LM) for Genealogists: Organizing Research with AI Linda Debe
Required: Bring a laptop or iPad, with access to several PDFs you’d like to research.
Discover how Google’s NotebookLM can transform your genealogy workflow. In this one-hour session, learn how to upload research materials, analyze complex documents, generate summaries, and connect evidence using AI-powered notebooks. Perfect for genealogists managing large collections of records, this presentation demonstrates practical strategies for organizing sources, uncovering insights, and accelerating family history research.
Panel Discussion
5:00 – 6:00 pm — Panel Discussion: Innovation Meets Responsibility – $25/person
Blaine Bettinger and Mark Thompson discuss AI and ethics in genealogy.
Wednesday Meals – Open to All
The Maine Buffet Lunch – $54/person
11:30 am – 1:00 pm served during the midday break
Maine Blueberry Salad (gf)(veg); Seafood Chowder, Haddock with Newburgh Sauce (gf), Brown Sugar & Maple Marinated Sirloin Steak Tips (gf), Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese (veg), Baby Red Potatoes with Butter and Parsley (veg)(gf), Chef’s Choice of Vegetable, Maine Blueberry Cake (veg).
Maine BBQ Buffet Dinner – $69/person
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Garden Salad, Beef Brisket with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce, BBQ Oyster Mushrooms (v) (gf), Cheddar Mac & Cheese (veg), New England Baked Beans (v) (gf), Coleslaw, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Corn Bread (veg).
Morning & Midday Tours
10:00 am – 12:00 pm — Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour ~1.5 miles · $45/person · Limited to 20
1:30 – 2:30 pm — Tour of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House · Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street · $10/person · Limited to 12
10:00 am – 2:00 pm — Open House: Maine Irish Heritage Center · 34 Gray Street (~10 minute walk from the hotel) · Free
Portland Hidden Histories Walking Tour
10 am to 12 pm approximately 1.5 miles
$45 per person Maximum of 20
Both a fantastic historical overview of Portland, and an exploration into previously hidden stories, award-winning tour guide Dugan Murphy will delve into intriguing — and too often untold — stories of people from all backgrounds and identities. Get ready for an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales shared by a trusted public historian on a walk-through downtown, the Old Port, and working waterfront.
Tour of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House
1:30 pm one-hour private tour
Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street Portland
$10 per person Maximum 12 people
Within its walls lived four generations of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of New England and the United States. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time. Virtually all of the household items and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families.
Open House at the Maine Irish Heritage Center
34 Gray Street Portland
From 10 am – 2 pm
About a 10-minute walk from the conference hotel
Explore their historic building on a guided tour, browse their genealogy resources and library, and take a peek at their digital research station. Meet with their team of experienced genealogists to ask questions about the work they do here at the Center and learn how to schedule a future research appointment to continue your journey. Free Entry!
This is not a NERGC organized event, arrange your trip to the open house that best fits your schedule.
Ready to Join Us?
All Wednesday events are booked through the conference Registration page.