Directory of Members

Michael Cassara leads a bit of a double life. As a leading casting director for theatre and film, his work has been seen worldwide - providing casting services for over 400 musicals, plays and movies since 2003. Genealogical research, however, is Michael's absolute passion and he has been tracing his Italian, Irish and German ancestors for over 25 years. His genealogy blog, DigiRoots.net, chronicles his adventures in genealogy. As a speaker, Michael has presented numerous times at RootsTech, the largest family history event in the world - and he has also given talks at the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) Professional Management Conference, the New York State Family History Conference, and Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) conference. He regularly speaks throughout the NYC/tri-state area, and worldwide.

Michael is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYGBS), the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), and the Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG). He holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University (OL19) and is a graduate of the ProGen study group (ProGen 43).

• • Italian and Sicilian genealogy
  • Digital organization and methodology
  • New York City research
  • New Jersey research

Cemetery Crowdsourcing
Cemeteries frequently provide genealogists with clues that exist nowhere else. In recent years, even the most remote cemeteries have become accessible to researchers worldwide, thanks to the internet. This talk explores the future of cemetery research - including BillionGraves, FindAGrave, and other apps - and highlights different strategies and approaches to make the most out of cemetery research.

One-Name Studies: What Are They and How Can They Help Your Research?
A One-Name Study is "in-depth research on all occurrences of a single surname". In this talk, Michael explores the different types of one-name studies/surname projects, including the latest software and methodology as well as DNA/technology.

Putting Things in Their Place: Paying it Forward in the Digital Age
Have you ever found an old photograph, scrapbook, or family keepsake from someone *else's* family, and wondered how you might track down a descendant? This talk explores the many fascinating ways in which people are doing just that - helping to preserve our unique heritage and return things to where they belong!

21st Century Italian Genealogy
There has never been a better time to do Italian genealogical research! With more and more records now online, this talk provides a strong overview for the beginning researcher, while including some lesser-known resources that will be of interest to even the most advanced researchers.

Looking for something else? Michael is happy to create a custom lecture/seminar for your group.

Keywords: Italy, technology, immigration, deltiology, Sicily

• Develops new lectures upon request
• Supplies master copies for handouts, or brings them pre-printed
• Supplies computer with pre-made slides
• Requires projector (unless arranged in advance) and requires screen appropriate for room size
• Require audio for audience/room size (preferably lavaliere microphone)
• No home housing

• Ohio Genealogical Association - 2021 virtual conference (3 talks) (upcoming)
• RootsTech - 2021 virtual presentation (upcoming)
• Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) - 2020 virtual conference
• New York State Family History Conference 2020 - NYSFHC@Home
• RootsTech 2019 - "Surname Studies: Follow That Surname"
• RootsTech 2016 - "Cemetery Crowdsourcing"
• RootsTech 2015 - "21st Century Italian Genealogy"
• RootsTech 2014 - "Putting Things In Their Place: Paying it forward in the digital age"
• Westchester County Genealogical Society
• Italian Genealogical Group
• Greater Cleveland Genealogical Society
• Central Jersey Genealogical Club
• Monmouth County (NJ) Genealogy Society