“Using Timelines to Break Down Brick Walls”

Presented by Ginger Frere

Learn how to use timelines, simple and complex, to solve genealogical problems, analyze evidence, and determine avenues for future research.

Ginger Frere, MLIS, MBA, is a professional researcher who provides a variety of research services to authors, professional historians, film makers and individuals interested in genealogy. Her primary research interests include Chicago history and the creation of online tools for genealogists. She was one of the driving forces behind the development of ChicagoAncestors.org.

“Internet Sources for Czech Genealogy”

“The Latest News in Chicago Vital Records”

Presented by Dan Niemiec

Dan’s coming back again to tell us about some new tips in searching through Chicago Vital Records.

Dan Niemiec has given over a hundred presentations locally for nearly two decades and has spoken at several national conferences. He has written a monthly genealogy column for “Fra Noi” (pronounced Frah-Noy) for over 15 years. Over a period of nearly 30 years, he has traced his ancestor lines in Italy back to the mid1600s and Poland to the mid1700s. By tracing the descendants of his ancestors to the present day, he has found, so far, approximately 87,000 relatives.

“Researching Pennsylvania Records”

Presented By Jennie Warner

Do you or your spouse have Pennsylvania ancestors and don’t know where to start? Pennsylvania has many resources available to you. We will discuss the many resources available to you online and in paper form.

Jennie has been doing genealogy research for 42 years. She is 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. She us also a member of many Genealogical Societies on the local, state and national level, including National Genealogical Society, New England Historical and Genealogical Society, and Illinois State Genealogical Society.

Jenny holds offices in many local lineage groups and genealogical societies. She is the current President of the DuPage County Genealogical Society, Incoming Chapter Regent of John Butler Chapter, NSDU, Incoming Vice President of Chicago Colony of National Society of New England Women and Incoming Treasurer of the Genealogy Speakers Guild.

She is a Genealogical Speaker, and speaks on many topics including lineage societies. Her favorite genealogy topics are anything military and research in New England and Pennsylvania areas.

 

The Connection between North Western Germany

and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

Presented by Dan Jungclas

Explore the connection as to why so many Germans emigrated from North Western Germany to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

With 30 plus years of expertise behind him, Dan’s belief is that The Ancestry Guy’s extensive knowledge & research expertise will empower one with an objective approach & perspective to discovering one’s roots, heritage and family history. Dan began the journey himself at the young age of 26. Dan’s experience and expertise offers one opportunity to pursue their own journey through comprehensive exploration research & preservation.

Knowledge of more than just the basics of genealogy, Dan is familiar with vital, census, church, land, tax, emigration, immigration & naturalization records. Recognizing that each family is unique, Dan knows all too well that one’s journey will demand and must receive highly individualization attention. Dan specializes in a number of areas related to but not limited to Cincinnati, OH, Northern Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan and other areas of the USA as well as the National Archives, the Great Lakes, the Midwest, the US Civil War, WWI, WWII, and German Genealogy.

Central Europe Made Easy – Merci Napoleon!

Presented by Jacquie Schattner

Explore websites both European and American to locate family in the countries where Napoleon ruled (France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Northern Italy, and surrounding areas). Find church, census, military, maps & civil records. Links to over 40 websites both US and European and how to use them. (Recently updated with many new overseas websites.)
Jacquie has been actively researching her family’s ancestors since 1996. She volunteered at the Family History Center in Schaumburg for 15 years, teaches genealogy for Districts 211 and 214, beginning genealogy at area libraries and is active in several genealogy societies, including NWSGS. Jacquie received her B.S. degree from the University of Illinois. She is a retired school secretary, allowing her free time to pursue new information. Living in Palatine, she has been happily married for 37 years, has three grown children, and two sons-in-law and six adorable grandchildren.

 

Meeting March 10, 2020

First Frontiersmen: Scot’s & Irish

Presented by:  Maureen Brady

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.

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 co-director of the Crystal Lake, IL Family History Center and is a member of many genealogical and family history societies in the U.S. and Scotland.

Meeting February 11, 2020

The Ellis Island Experience

Presenter:  Dan Niemiec

From 1892 until 1954, Ellis Island was the primary screening point for European immigrants entering the United States.  About 100 million Americans are descended from the 12 million who came through Ellis Island.  The unpleasant ordeal of the multi-week voyage was bad enough, but the ordeal of Ellis Island was likened by one writer to “the nearest Earthly likeness to the final day of Judgement”.  Dan Niemiec will help you understand what your grandparents wouldn’t tell you about the experience they went through and survived.

Bio: Dan Niemiec has given over a hundred presentations locally for nearly two decades and has spoken at several national conferences.  He has written a monthly genealogy column for “Fra Noi” (pronounced Frah-Noy) for over 15 years.  Over a period of nearly 30 years, he has traced his ancestor lines in Italy back to the mid1600s and Poland to the mid1700s.  By tracing the descendants of his ancestors to the present day, he has found, so far, approximately 87,000 relatives, none of whom will friend him on Facebook!  Let’s hope the next 30 years is as much fun as the first 30!

January 14, 2020

Warrants & Patents & Deeds, OH MY!

Presented by Dan Hubbard, PhD.

You may think that land records are the “scariest” records in genealogy but it doesn’t take much courage to find much more in them than that your ancestor owned some land. We will look at some of the treasures you can find in land records, the process of acquiring and selling land and the documents produced. We will also look at the ways that your ancestors’ land was specified- metes and bounds system and the rectangular survey system.

Bio: Dr. Daniel Hubbard lives in Libertyville and is past President of the Lake County Genealogical Society.  He is a former particle physicist and now a full-time professional genealogist and writer as well as owner of Personal Past.  His research concentrates on American, Canadian and Swedish records. He a member of the Nordic Family Genealogy Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago. Information about his presentations is at Products and Services on his website / blog, Personal Past Meditations. Librarians who have attended Dan’s presentations say he would be a very entertaining speaker, as well as thoroughly knowledgeable. Dan@thepersonalpast.com.