March 2026 Program

The next meeting will be Saturday, March 14, 2026

4th Annual Workshop – America at 250: Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors

Zion- Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion IL

Featuring Scott Norrick

Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Tuesday, January 20, 2026,

7 P.M. Zoom

“From Ulster to North Carolina – The Scots-Irish Settlers”

Presented by Luana Darby

Many Americans can trace their ancestry back to the North Carolina Scots-Irish. We will focus on who these people were, where they came from in the British Isles and where they settled in the New World. Where to find repositories and records of this unique population will also be covered.

Luana is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild, the National Genealogical Society and the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (IFSHWE). She has served as past president and director of the Utah Genealogical Association and currently serves on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists and as a director of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. In January 2015, she joined the faculty of BYU-Idaho as an online family history instructor teaching genealogical analysis and genealogy as a business course.

NOTE: LCIGS and Zion Genealogical Society Members will receive the Zoom link and handout a few days in advance.

Non-members, please register by email at LCIGS1170@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link and handout.

Meeting February 17, 2026

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

7:00 pm CT on Zoom

“Newspaper Research: The Dailies, Weeklies, and Beyond”

Presented by Paula Stuart Warren

Newspapers are one of the most important research sources. Too often genealogists use only the “generic” newspapers in their research. The ethnic, cultural, college and university, organizational, neighborhood, cultural, foreign language, and religious newspapers are often overlooked. Many of these have been indexed, though it may take some extra detective work to locate the indexes. This session presents details on the tremendous amount of information to be found in the usual newspapers and also these “other” newspapers and on how to locate them and any indexes. Visuals and the handout material show what these may hold for genealogical research, list some of the many superb guidebooks available, and identify both logical and unexpected repositories holding these newspapers. Learn how to locate the newspapers all over the U.S. and wring more information from them. Examples will also make you aware of newspaper indexes, both published and unpublished, and massive microfilming projects.

Paula is an internationally recognized genealogical educator, researcher, and consultant focusing on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, and analyzing records. She is a long-time coordinator and instructor for the GRIP Genealogy Institute. She is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, a former officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and has been a Board-Certified Genealogist since 1988.

NOTE: LCIGS and Zion Genealogical Society Members will receive the Zoom link and handout a few days in advance.

Non-members, please register by email at LCIGS1170@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link and handout.

Meeting, Tuesday, October 14, 2025

7 p.m., Zoom Only

“Are You Searching for Your Biological Family?

Presented by Kate Penney Howard

This lecture explores the intersection of adoption and genetic testing, covering how DNA analysis is changing the landscape of adoption and family relationships. Key topics include the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, its impact on adoptees searching for biological relatives, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic privacy and unexpected discoveries.

The lecture also discusses how DNA testing is influencing adoption practices, including its use in international adoptions and in identifying genetic health risks. Additionally, it examines the psychological and emotional effects on adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families when previously unknown genetic connections are revealed.

Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.

NOTE: LCIGS AND Zion Genealogical Society Members will receive the Zoom link and handout.

Non-members need to register by email at LCIGS1170@gmail.com and pay a fee of $10 to receive the Zoom link and handout. Payments may be made via PayPal here: www.PayPal.Me/LakeCountyGenealogy

Meeting August 14, 2025

Thursday, August 14, 2025

ZOOM and In Person, Cook Memorial Library, 7:00 PM
413 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville, IL

“A Genealogist’s Primer on Fraternal Organizations”

Presented by Katherine Andrew

So, your ancestor was buried in an I.O.O.F. cemetery, had a masonic symbol on their tombstone, or you were given a bunch of buttons and pins that you do not know the meaning behind? In this class we will talk about some of the most popular fraternal organizations that our ancestors were members of, the records that they left behind, and dispel the rumors and myths behind them.

Katharine Korte Andrew is a professional genealogist, author, and educator. She holds a BA in Germanic Studies and Political Science, and a Master of Library and Information Science. She specializes in German-speaking, Midwestern USA, Quaker, women’s history, and institutional genealogy. She is the owner of KKA Genealogy LLC, Executive Director of the Hinsdale Historical Society in Hinsdale, Illinois, and Managing Editor of the National Genealogy Societies’ NGS Monthly. Based in Chicagoland, but at home anywhere, Katharine helps people from all over the world and from all walks of life connect with their heritage.

Registration is required: https://cooklib.org/event12608352

Meeting, March 11, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

7 p.m., ZOOM Only

“Voting Records: Genealogy’s Best Kept Secret”

Presented by Pam Vestal

Looking for a date of birth or death? The date and court of naturalization? Where your ancestor disappeared to, or where he came from? His political outlook? Even what kind of house he lived in? Voting records may have the answer. These often-overlooked gems can be packed with genealogical information, and you won’t believe what they can tell us about our ancestors!

Pam Vestal is a full-time genealogist and lecturer in Oregon whose research extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest, with clients all over the U.S. and research that reaches beyond our borders. From family histories to house histories, she tailors her work to the unique needs of each client, but as a professional writer, she specializes in digging into the genealogical facts to tell the ancestors’ stories. An illustrated genealogical biography makes a wonderfully personal way to honor them. Whether lecturing to professionals or newcomers to the field, she welcomes the opportunity to share what she has learned through genealogical coursework, conferences and years of on-site and online research.

Note: Registration is required. To register and get Zoom settings,
email LCIGS1170@gmail.com. Members will also will be emailed a handout.

Updated Meeting September 10, 2024

IN-PERSON MEETING: VERNON HILLS VILLAGE HALL

1^st floor conference room, 290 Evergreen, Vernon Hills, IL

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 7 p.m.

“Mining the Treasures of Family Search“

Presented by Maureen Brady

Family Search’s resources are much more than records and using the Research Wiki. This presentation will review the little used options of Family Search, such as the Digital Library, Genealogies, Family Search Labs and Activities.

Maureen Brady is a former school librarian and computer educator. She has over 25 years’ experience with family history research, is a professional genealogist and owner of Bare Roots Genealogical Services. Maureen has made numerous presentations to Illinois and Wisconsin genealogical societies, libraries, conferences, and workshops, as well as presenting at the 2002 National Genealogical Society Conference. She is the staff trainer of the Crystal Lake and Buffalo Grove, IL Family History Centers and is a member of many genealogical and family history societies in the U.S. and Scotland.

Meeting August 8, 2024

IN-PERSON and ZOOM: COOK MEMORIAL LIBRARY

THURSDAY, August 8, 2024, 7:00 PM

Researching Your World War II Ancestry

Presented by Jenny Warner:

In this presentation we will cover Compiled Service Records, Pensions, Draft Registrations, and any other related genealogical material.

Jenny has been doing genealogy research for 42 years. I’m a member of many Lineage Societies including Presidents and First Ladies, NSDAR, LGAR, DUVCW, NSDU, NSDOAF, National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, National Society of New England Women, and National Society of Dames of the Court of Honor. I’m also a member of many Genealogical Societies on the local, state, and national level. They include the National Genealogical Society, New England Historical and Genealogical Society, and Illinois State Genealogical Society to name a few.

I love sharing my knowledge of family history. I also like helping people learn about their heritage. I speak on many topics including lineage societies. My favorite genealogy topics to talk about are anything military and research in New England and Pennsylvania areas.

Registration Required at https://cooklib.org/events

Meeting July 9, 2024

IN-PERSON or ON ZOOM

AT COOK MEMORIAL LIBRARY

July 9, 2024, 7 p.m.

“OLD NORTHWEST – GREAT LAKE STATES”

Presented by Maureen Brady

The territory Northwest of the Ohio river was created in 1787 and lasted until 1800. From it 5 states were formed: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Review the history and suggest research strategies for the territorial period.

Registration Required at: https://cooklib.org/events

Meeting, Tuesday, April 9, 2024

ZOOM ONLY Meeting

“30 Types of Maps useful for Genealogy”

Presented by Margaret Kapustiak

The past is not hidden; we see it every day, though we often do not even know it. Maps can unlock details about your family or lead you to new resources. We’ll explore various kinds of maps; look at details included and not included and offer suggestions on locating maps for Europe and the USA, particularly the Midwest. You may want to share with the group your breakthroughs or most helpful maps that you have used.

Peg is a Florida resident, formerly of the south Chicago area. She has lectured for 23 years and is the author of one book and 48 research articles. She has served as President or Board Member of 13 different professional or Historical/Genealogical organizations, both in the US and Internationally. She has lived in London, Hong Kong & Singapore.

Note: Zoom information will be sent prior to the meeting.