Directory of Members

Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Eastern European genealogical research, writing your family history, and using the Internet to trace female and immigrant ancestors. She grew up in Duquesne, Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1987 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997. Lisa is the author of eleven books, including The Family Tree Polish, Czech and Slovak Genealogy Guide, and the award-winning Three Slovak Women, and hundreds of magazine articles.  Lisa is a contributing editor for Family Tree Magazine and works as an online educator and writing coach through her website Research Write Connect. She also developed the Eastern European Research Certificate Program for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies Lisa is a frequently invited speaker for national conferences, genealogical and historical societies, and webinars. An avid genealogist for more than 30 years, Lisa also chronicles her family history adventures on her blog, ">The Accidental Genealogist.  Visit Lisa's website for more information.

Recipient of the 2002 Mary Zirin Prize, Association for Women in Slavic Studies Honorable Mention
2004 Write Your Memoir Contest Third Prize "The Family Tree" Newsletter Contest
June/July 2004 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, Honorable Mention

Eastern European Research (esp. Slovak)
Writing Your Family History
Finding Your Female Ancestors
Immigrant Cluster Communities
Genealogy on the Internet/Genealogy & Technology
Specialty Research (Ellis Island, 1930 Census)
Organizational Techniques

• Confessions of a Genealogist
• Write Your Family History Step by Step
• Tracing Your Immigrant Ancestors
• Researching Your Roots in the 21st Century
• The Evidence: Following Online Clues to Solve your Family History Mysteries
• 20th Century Desperate Housewives
• Virtual Reunion: Connect Your Family Online
• Crossing the Pond: Techniques for Finding Your Elusive Eastern European Ancestors
• Demystifying Eastern European Research
• Find Your Slovak Roots Online
• Murder, Mayhem and Town Tragedy
• The "A" Article: Writing for Genealogy Magazines
• Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors in the Ellis Island Database
• Silent Voices: Telling the Stories of Your Female Immigrant Ancestors
• Three Slovak Women: Telling the Story of One Slovak-American Family Using Oral & Social History
• 365 Ways to Discover Your Family History
• Identifying Immigrant Cluster Communities

Currently accepting virtual speaking engagements

Will Supply laptop

Lisa's books are available for purchase at her lectures
Will develop new lectures upon request
Will travel to some U.S. locations; contact for particulars
Audio/video taping negotiable
No home housing, please

2019 Conferences

RootsTech Salt Lake City

RootsTech London, UK

MyHeritage Live, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International, Lincoln, NE

Indian River Genealogical Society, Vero Beach, FL

Northwest Genealogy Society, Arlington, WA

Midwest Roots, Indianapolis, IN

Ohio Genealogical Society, Mason, OH

Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree, Burbank, CA

San Diego Genealogical Society, San Diego, CA

Salt Lake Christmas Tour, Salt Lake City, UT