Lectures We Offer

Our lectures can be delivered virtually or in person, allowing you to choose what works best for your group. Each lecture includes a 50‑minute presentation and concludes with a 10‑minute question‑and‑answer period to encourage discussion and deeper understanding.

Basic Research Methodology


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Just starting out in genealogy or want to fine tune your existing methodology?  Learn how to go from a blank piece of paper to the start of an exciting adventure in genealogy.

This foundational presentation will equip you with the methods and organization skills to connect your dots—saving time, avoiding dead ends, and uncovering breakthrough discoveries.

  • Find Your First Dot – Start by documenting what you know and identifying the key facts that will guide your research
  • Organize Your Dots – Master the essential forms and tools to keep your information clear and avoid retracing steps
  • Draw the Line – Set focused research objectives and step-by-step plans to connect your dots efficiently
  • Check Each Connection – Evaluate sources with the 5 Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) to ensure your dots are accurately linked
  • See the Bigger Picture – Verify findings and plan your next move so your family history comes together smoothly
Checking Your Tree — Strengthen Your Research


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Hitting those genealogical brick-walls?  Perhaps it is time to check your tree for possible clues and those pesky assumptions. Tips and hints are provided on what to look for and what to do next.

Beyond the checklist, you will discover the hidden goldmines of genealogical information, exploring records often overlooked: Court Records, Land Deeds, and Institution Records (Hospital/School). Learn about additional tools—from gazetteers to original records—to transform your research from a collection of guesses into proven facts.

  • Errors in names and places (phonetic spelling, boundary changes)
  • Misunderstood historical contexts (obsolete job titles, confusing relationships)
  • Errors in dates (calculations, estimated versus actual records)
  • The impact of human error (in indexes and record collection)
Finding Your Ancestors: Mastering U.S. Federal Census Research


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Every ten years, the U.S. Federal Census captures a snapshot of families across the nation—names, ages, occupations, and connections that bring history to life. In this engaging class, we’ll explore how to turn those snapshots into stories and use census clues to connect your family’s generations.

Whether you’re new to genealogy or ready to dig deeper, you’ll leave with practical tools to make your census searches faster, smarter, and more rewarding.

  • Locate census records through online sites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org
  • Use search strategies that overcome misspellings, missing data, and indexing errors
  • Build family timelines and track ancestors through multiple decades
  • Read between the lines, understanding what the census really tells you
Canadian Census and Vital Records – A Snap Shot


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With only 10 provinces and 3 territories, finding census and vital records in Canada can still be a challenge. Let us look at where we can find these records at the local, regional, and national level, and what content may be available to further your research.

Learn where to locate key sources—such as Library and Archives Canada, provincial archives, and specialized collections like Drouin and Tanguay—and understand how record availability varies across provinces and time periods.

You’ll come away with a clear sense of what records exist, where to find them, and how to use them effectively to uncover your family’s Canadian story.

Discover the records that connect your family’s past to Canada’s history.

French-Canadian Roots: Essential Sources and Tools for Genealogical Research


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Discover how to trace your French-Canadian ancestors with confidence! Uncover your family’s story in Québec and beyond using key records, research tools, and expert strategies to help you.

  • Use church and civil registration records for births, marriages, and burials
  • Locate and interpret Québec census returns from 1666 through the 19th century
  • Explore notary records for wills, marriage contracts, and land transactions
  • Research “Dit” names and variations in French-Canadian families
  • Find and use local and regional genealogical societies
  • Navigate online databases and websites for French-Canadian research
Unlock Secrets of Your British Ancestors!


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Dig into the heart of British family history with a look at how to find, interpret, and analyze parish records.

This session focuses on methodology, not just history—giving you the skills to track ancestors through centuries of baptisms, marriages, and burials.

  • Identify the right parish and locate its surviving records
  • Use online databases, gazetteers, and maps to expand your search
  • Decode tricky entries and spot hidden family clues
  • Build a research workflow that saves time and avoids duplication
Your Family Tree Research Team - Collaborating with Others


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Ever feel like you’re the only one in your family digging through old records and mystery photos? You’re not! Genealogy may start as a solo passion, but it becomes even more powerful when you collaborate.

Think of it like forming your very own research dream team — cousins who share family stories, fellow researchers who love the hunt, and others who hold the missing puzzle pieces. Working together doesn’t just save time — it multiplies discoveries.

  • Find trustworthy partners and build connections online
  • Share data and sources without chaos
  • Manage joint projects and keep your research organized
  • Handle conflicting evidence gracefully
  • Turn your teamwork into a lasting family legacy
For Family or Money? Publishing Your Genealogical Work


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You’ve spent years uncovering your ancestors’ stories—now it’s time to bring them to life. This lecture explores how to turn genealogical research into a polished, published work.

  • Identify the goals and audiences for genealogical publishing.
  • Choose between personal, academic, and commercial publishing paths.
  • Develop a structured approach to writing and organizing genealogical material.
  • Evaluate different publishing platforms and formats.
  • Understand copyright, privacy, and ethical considerations.
  • Plan effective ways to promote and preserve their published work.
Taming Your Genealogy Library


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Tired of losing track of your genealogy books and notes? Learn how to catalog your collection, discover thousands of free digitized titles, and find new releases and rare volumes online. Perfect for genealogists ready to organize, expand, and make the most of their research library.

Whether your genealogy books are stacked up on shelves, stored in boxes, or scattered across your computer, this session shows you how to bring order to the chaos.

  • Organize and catalog their personal genealogy library using free or low-cost online tools
  • Access major digital genealogy libraries to discover thousands of fully digitized local histories and family books
  • Search smarter using WorldCat and Google to locate books in nearby libraries and archives
  • Find new, used, and hard-to-find titles through publishers, booksellers, and society book sales
  • Preview and purchase new releases from major genealogical publishers and magazines
  • Contribute to the genealogy community through volunteer programs
Has It Been Done Before? Finding, Verifying, and Preserving Existing Genealogical Research


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Every family story is part of a larger tree — but before you spend hours reinventing the wheel, learn how to discover and connect to the research that may already have been done.

In this lecture, we’ll explore how to find, verify, and preserve earlier genealogical work. You’ll learn where to look for family histories, published stories, photographs, and community connections that can add depth and context to your own tree.

  • Locate existing family and local histories in libraries and online archives
  • Verify facts and separate solid sources from shaky claims
  • Explore visual and contextual materials that bring ancestors to life
  • Preserve online discoveries before they disappear