Lectures

I enjoy sharing the elements of genealogy research with others! All of my lectures can be presented virtually via webinar and in person. Below is a sampling of lecture topics. I am always developing new presentations and would be happy to discuss creating a program that fits the needs and interests of your group. If your genealogical society, library or group is interested in a lecture, please contact me to discuss topics, fees and availability. APG Chapters, scroll to the bottom of the list below to see topics for professionals.

To see where I will be speaking in 2025, check out the list of Upcoming Lectures.

New Presentations!

  • Maximize Your Census Research – Census records are one of the most utilized records in our genealogy research containing important and valuable information about our ancestors. This program will discuss the background of these records, what is available in different census years, special enumerations and schedules, plus strategies and tips for effective searches.
  • Ancestry.com: Getting the Most Out of a Comprehensive Website – Known as the go-to website for genealogy research, this multifaceted site has a wealth of resources and tools. Learn how to improve your searches, take advantage of the card catalog, utilize the family tree feature, plus tips and suggestions to level up your genealogy research and get the most out of your subscription.
  • Using Spreadsheets (Excel) to Plan & Organize Your Genealogy Research – Learn the power of using spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) with your genealogical research. This program will cover their use in research planning, checklists, data organization and analysis, and presentation of research with descendant and pedigree charts.

Mix and match any of the programs to create a full-day genealogy lecture series!

  • Cluster and Collateral Research (FAN Principle) for Genealogical Problem Solving – Expanding our research beyond our direct ancestors can be the key that opens doors to unknown family. This lecture will cover strategies for researching our ancestor’s collateral relatives and community to help reconstruct families and solve genealogical problems.
  • Familysearch.org: Getting the Most of a Free Genealogy Resource – One of the largest free genealogy websites, FamilySearch.org contains a massive global collection of records and resources. This program will tour the site as well as provide search tips and techniques for navigation of the main components (searching and browsing records, digital library, research wiki, and family trees).
  • Finding Female Ancestors – Researching the women in our family can be problematic. Our female ancestors left very few records making it challenging to determine a maiden name or family of origin. This program will cover strategies and record groups that can advance your research and help to uncover female ancestors as well as learn more about their lives.
  • Genealogical Timelines for Organization, Analysis and Problem Solving – In researching our family, we gather extensive amounts of records and information to be compiled. Timelines are a tool that allows us to organize our data, and to visually identify patterns, gaps, themes, and relationships. This program will provide examples of genealogical timelines (migration patterns, research gaps, specific record type, historical perspective, etc.) as well as suggestions on creating timelines in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Introduction to Genealogy: Discovering Your Family History – Interested in researching your family history, but don’t know where to begin? Have you searched for your family but need some instruction on how to proceed? This program offers an overview of key genealogy records and resources, as well as tips and techniques for getting started on discovering your family stories.
  • Military Records for Genealogical Research – Records created about military service are an important resource in our genealogical research, providing valuable details about our ancestors and families. This program will provide an overview of U.S. military records for both veterans and for those ancestors who did not serve in the military. Emphasis will be on a survey of military resources available and where to search for records.
  • Organizing Your Genealogy Research – Whether you are new to genealogy or have been researching for years, it is easy to become overwhelmed by records, notes, articles, copies, downloads, photos and more. This program will provide strategies, suggestions, and tips to help you organize your research process as well as your paper and digital files.
  • Using Historical Newspapers in Genealogical Research – Before Facebook and Twitter, the local paper was the place to get the scoop on your neighbors. Historical newspapers are indispensable to genealogy research and learning about your ancestors and their community. This program will highlight the importance of this resource as well as the range of details that can be discovered, including how and where to access digitized US newspapers, plus search techniques and tips.

For Professionals:

  • Smarter Not Harder: Creating Systems for Your Genealogy Business – “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” (James Clear)  Professional genealogists, whether full-time, part-time, lecturers, and/or society leaders, have much to manage including their time, tasks, and information. This lecture will help participants determine why, where and how to create systems which will empower them to work more effectively and joyfully.
  • HoneyBook for Genealogists – Looking for a better way to manage contracts, invoices and projects? Learn how HoneyBook, a client relationship platform, can organize your business in one place. This program highlights the key features of HoneyBook that are most useful for genealogists. It also mentions other features (lead management, testimonial requests, Chrome extension for Gmail, logos and branding) and upgrade options for integration with QuickBooks, Calendly, Canva, Slack, Zoom and more.