Directory of Members

Analyzing Your Research

The gates to many research “brick walls” may often be opened by a thorough analysis of the records.  Using examples of typical research documents, this presentation will demonstrate how clues for further research are often found “between the lines”.

British Resources at Find My Past

Find My Past (findmypast.com) is a comprehensive website with an ever-growing list of databases and images for British family history research.  This presentation will include a review some of those resources, as well as search techniques and a case study of a British soldier of the Napoleonic era.

Chicago Area Research

Chicago area family history research can be a challenge due to historical events and the physical size of the area and population.  This presentation will demonstrate strategies for tackling the challenges of Chicago area research and review record availability, repositories and online resources.

The Family History Research “Circle”:  The Internet, FamilySearch Centers, Social Networks, Libraries, and On-Site Research
Today’s family history researcher has access to a wide variety of resources, including the Internet, libraries, and local repositories – the Family History Research “Circle”.  Using actual research examples, Maureen Brady will demonstrate how a successful research strategy can be developed by building on the strengths of each part of the “circle”.

Family History Research in Illinois & Wisconsin

The families which came to Illinois and Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments.  The records which were created by, and about, them reflect that variety, both in type and availability.  This presentation will first examine the similarities between Illinois and Wisconsin family history resources, and then look at the unique records of each state, including ethnic, religious and governmental archives and repositories.  The discussion will also include a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest”, and how that history has impacted the records which were created.

Family History Research in the British Isles

The British Isles can be considered as the “mother” country of the United States.  Since the founding of Massachusetts Bay and Jamestown, millions of English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish have come to the American shores to hopefully find a better life.  This presentation will review the history of British migration to North America and then examine online resources for researching British family history.

Family History Research in the Dairy State

The families which came to Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments.  The records which were created by, and about, them reflect that variety, both in type and availability.  This presentation will examine the research resources of Wisconsin, including ethnic, religious and governmental archives and repositories, as well as a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest”, and how that history has impacted the records which were created.

FamilySearch – The Digital Age

FamilySearch^®, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides family history researchers with access to original digitized historical records from around the world and indexes linked directly to many of those records.  Even experienced researchers often do not know how to locate FamilySearch’s full digitized records collections.  This presentation will provide an overview of the digital records collection and suggest search strategies for locating the historical records.

Fill in Your Family Tree – Family History Research for Beginners

Have you been bitten by the genealogy “bug”?  Do you wonder how to get yourself started on the trail of your ancestors?  If so, come learn the basics of family history research.  This presentation will outline the 5 steps of genealogy research, look at accepted record keeping formats and review some of the more popular websites.  All genealogy researchers, from beginner to experienced, will benefit from this program.

The First Frontiersmen:  The Scots-Irish

Some refer to them as Ulster Scots, others as Scots-Irish.  Whatever their name, they are the U. S. descendants of those who were “planted” in the Ulster province of Ireland in the 17^th century and subsequently immigrated to the American frontier.  Their famous sons include Daniel Boone and Andrew Jackson, and we see their cultural influence in square dancing and country music.  This presentation will review the history of the Scots-Irish and suggest resources for researching their family histories.

Following the British Diaspora

From the 17th century, the people of the British Isles have looked for opportunities throughout the expanding British Empire and the Commonwealth.  This presentation will provide a brief overview of the major movements beyond the British Isles, suggest some key research websites and trace one family's movements from Scotland to the far points of the compass.

Irish Family History:  The Essentials

Learn to be successful with your Irish family history research.  This presentation will discuss how Ireland’s history affects the records and their availability, help for deciphering the layers of Ireland’s land divisions and place names and the best websites for locating the records.

 The Jones Family:  A Chicago Irish Story

Chicago area family history research can be a challenge due to historical events and the physical size of the area and population.  Using a case study of a Chicago Irish family that fled the Great Famine and settled in pre-Fire Chicago, this presentation will demonstrate strategies for tackling the challenges of Chicago area research and review record availability, repositories and online resources.

"Little Egypt":  Southern Illinois Research

After the American Revolution, the counties of southern Illinois were opened to settlement inland from the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.  Those early settlers very often migrated from across the Appalachian range and along the Ohio River, most often moving from Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and southern Indiana.  They were followed by miners from the British Isles seeking the better opportunities this newly opened land offered.  This presentation will look at the settlement of "Little Egypt" and discuss resources and strategies for successful research in this region of Illinois.

The Old Northwest:  Researching the Great Lakes States

The Territory Northwest of the Ohio River was created in 1787 and lasted until 1800.  From it, five states were formed:  Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.  This presentation will review the history of the "Old Northwest" and suggest research strategies for the territorial period, as well as for each of the subsequent states.

Optimizing Your Searches on the Internet – It’s More Than Ancestry and FamilySearch^®

Learn how your online research can be “jump started”, or significantly expanded, by utilizing Cyndi’s List, Chronicling America, Find My Past, Fold3, and other “broad coverage” websites.

Quaker Family History Research

Members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) began immigrating from England, Wales and Germany in the late 1600s.  By 1700, the Society had gained considerable influence in most of the New England and Middle-Atlantic colonies.  During the 18^th century, many Quakers followed other frontier groups, migrating to the southern colonies.  Following the Revolution, many Quakers left the southern states and migrated primarily to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Canada.  This presentation will focus on the types of records kept by the Society of Friends and how to access those records online, through the Family History Centers and various other libraries and archives.

The Québécois – French-Canadian Research

The French explorers began arriving in North America in the early 17^th century and the record keepers were not far behind.  This presentation will include a brief review of the settlement of French North America and discuss the record sources, their availability and the major websites for researching the Québécois.

Quhat’s In a Nayme?

The spelling of individual and family names was often “in the ear of the listener” and was not standardized until well into the 20^th century.  This presentation will look at the history of names, various naming patterns and research strategies for locating the “right” spelling of a name in various types of records.

Researching Canadian Records

Our neighbor to the north was often the “gateway” for U. S. bound immigrants.  Some families may have lived in Canada for a generation or two before continuing on to the U. S.  This presentation will include a brief overview of Canadian history and immigration, and a review of the major record sources for Canada and the best websites to locate those records.

Researching Religious Records

Since the founding of Penn’s Woods (Pennsylvania), the American Colonies and the U. S. have attracted those who sought religious freedom.  This presentation presents strategies for researching religious records in the U. S., identifies the major repositories and archives and reviews various websites which provide access to religious records.

Rules I Learned Along The Way:  A Case Study

Using her own research as examples, Maureen Brady will present strategies she learned during her decades of family history research.  Though focused on a Chicago Irish family, the strategies are useful to any research plan.

Scottish Family History Research:  Beyond the Basics

Scotland offers a rich variety of records which are closely tied to the history, geography and culture of the country.  This presentation will examine these elements, the wealth of records which were created and how the resources can be accessed, including the Internet.  Emphasis will be “beyond” the usual church, civil and census records.

Scottish Family History Research:  Historical and Geographical Background

Family history research is more successful when it is based on an understanding of the history and geography of the places our families lived.  With an emphasis on the effect on Scottish records, this presentation will present an outline of Scottish history since 1500 and the geographic factors which governed our ancestor’s lives.

Scottish Family History Research:  In Your Own Backyard

Learn the strategies of Scottish family history research, including the historical and geographical background of Scotland, language and naming patterns, record types and the comprehensive collection of records available through the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and the Scotland’s People website.  Discover that much of Scottish family history research can be accomplished “in your own backyard”.

Spotlight on FamilySearch – Family Tree Memories

FamilySearch, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides a system to record your family events, preserve precious photos & documents and provide a record of your family today for future generations.  This presentation will provide an overview of the Family Tree Memories section, and ways to record your family’s story.

Spotlight on FamilySearch -- The Digital Records

FamilySearch, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides family history researchers with access to original historical records from around the world.  This presentation will exam accessing the historical records, as well as the availability of viewing those records from the comfort of your home.

Spotlight on FamilySearch -- The Family Tree

FamilySearch, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides many resources to help you discover your family history, but it also provides a way for you to preserve your family history.  Family Tree is designed as a collaborative record of your family, including photos, documents and audio memories.  Using both the website and mobile apps, Family Tree provides a system to record your family events, preserve precious photos & documents and provide a record of your family today for future generations.

Spotlight on FamilySearch -- The Research Wiki

FamilySearch, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, includes in its resources an ever-growing genealogical "encyclopedia" and research helps.  This presentation will explore the riches of The Research Wiki and suggest strategies for developing your own "knowledge base".

Swedish Family History Research

Swedish church records provide a rich resource for identifying your Swedish ancestors.  This presentation will provide an overview of research strategies for Sweden, including a brief historical overview, naming patterns and customs, finding the Swedish parish, parish records and online resources.

Tapping the Power of FamilySearch^®

FamilySearch^®, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides family history researchers with access to original historical records from around the world, indexes linked directly to many of those records, an ever-growing genealogical “encyclopedia”, instructional videos and much more.  Even experienced researchers often do not know how to tap the power of FamilySearch^®’s many databases and articles.  This presentation will provide a “tour” of the website and suggest search strategies for locating the historical records.

Tennessee Family History Research

Tennessee was one of the first states established after the American Revolution, and it provides a rich body of historical records.  This presentation will offer a brief overview of Tennessee history and how that affects the availability of the records, online resources for Tennessee research and an overview of repositories and archives.

The U. S. Census:  What It Can Tell You About Your Family

The United States Federal government has taken a census of its population every ten years since 1790.  These census records are a “goldmine” of information about our families and can provide vital clues to our family history research.  Learn what records were produced, which still exist and how to access them.  This presentation will include examples of census records, search strategies for locating them and analysis techniques for “gleaning” the most from these records.

Using Newspapers to Fill in the Gaps in a Family Story

Local newspapers provided our ancestors with “all the news that’s fit to print”. Finding those nuggets of information can help break down brick walls or add color to our ancestors’ lives. This presentation will review locating websites with  digitized historical newspapers, as well as search strategies for finding your family’s stories.

What’s New in FamilySearch

FamilySearch, a family history website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, gathers, preserves, and shares genealogical records worldwide.  It offers free access to its resources online at FamilySearch.org.  As the website is very dynamic, this presentation will discuss the latest FamilySearch developments, including new features, historic records, classes/webinars, and more.

You, Too, Can Read Old Handwriting

While today’s family records are most often printed or computer generated, records of the past were handwritten.  As handwriting styles have changed over time, and also differ from region to region, reading these records can be a challenge.  This presentation will offer ideas for “breaking through” the handwriting barrier, including online and printed resources.

Brigham Young University Library Webinar Series

Kentucky State Genealogical Society

Larimer County (Colorado) Genealogical Society

FUTURE ENGAGEMENTS

Oak Park, Illinois, Public Library

North San Diego County (California) Genealogical Society

Northern Waters (Wisconsin) Genealogical Society

Ela Area Public Library (Illinois)

Niles Maine District Public Library (Illinois)

DuPage County, Illinois, Genealogical Society Conference, 2024