2026 MGC Fall Family History Event
featuring Kelli Jo Bergheimer, M.S.M.
2026 MGC Fall Family History Event featuring Kelli Jo Bergheimer, M.S.M.
Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI
Saturday, November 14, 2026 — 9 AM – 4 PM
The Michigan Genealogical Council is proud to announce the 2026 Fall Family History Event, featuring Kelli Jo Bergheimer, in collaboration with our partners, the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan.
Overview
Join us for a fun-filled Fall Family History Event with Kelli Jo Bergheimer on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Lansing or virtually! Kelli will be joining us live in Lansing!
Presented in-person or virtually on Zoom.
Cost:
Early-bird: $55.00 (on or before November 4, 2026)
Regular: $65.00 (after November 4, 2026)
Optional printed syllabus for in-person attendees only: $7.50 (must be ordered before November 10.
Join us for these exciting topics.
9:00 am – 9:15 am – Welcome and Introductory remarks – MGC President, Judy Nimer Muhn; Archives of Michigan Staff; and Library of Michigan Interim State Librarian, David Votta.
9:15 am – 10:15 am – How to Organize and Pass On Your Family History – Kelli Jo Bergheimer
Wouldn’t you like to leave clear instructions for your family and friends on how to save your accumulated family history? You have spent thousands of hours organizing, digitizing, searching, compiling, and archiving your family story. Don’t let that effort be lost! Come to this session and leave with the beginnings of a preservation plan.
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Basics of Library & Archive Research – Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan
Preparing in advance for a visit to an archives or library can save countless hours of research time. This program will explore tips, strategies, and other things to look for to help maximize your next onsite visit.
11:45 am-12:45 pm – What Are You Missing For Your Family Groups? A Plan For After an Archive Visit – Kelli Jo Bergheimer
Pausing to analyze what documents and records might be missing for our family groups is an important efficiency step in our research process. Learn some tips and organizational techniques for gap analysis, tracking what’s missing, and developing an action plan to find it.
12:45 pm–1:30 pm – Lunch – complimentary for onsite attendees
1:30 pm-2:30 pm – Beyond the Family Tree: Creative Programs and Engagement Ideas for Family History Communities – Adam Oster, Library of Michigan
Explore creative and practical ways to bring family history to life through engaging programs, dynamic outreach, and thoughtful community partnerships. Discover adaptable ideas that libraries, genealogical organizations, and families can use to inspire future generations of researchers. Learn new strategies to promote collections and highlight the importance of capturing our stories before they are lost to time.
2:45 pm-3:45 pm – Move From Files and Piles to a Biographical Sketch – Kelli Jo Bergheimer
You have collected records and worked on compiling data for your ancestors, but will those piles of papers and documents tell the stories? Writing a biographical sketch can take many formats. Learn some options of how to write biographical sketches and how AI tools might help you get a jump start.
3:45 pm-4:00 pm –Closing Remarks – Judy Nimer Muhn, MGC President
Bios
Kelli Jo Bergheimer, MSM
Kelli Jo Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, author, and international genealogical speaker. Kelli holds a bachelor’s in biology, a master’s in education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a master’s in business management. Kelli runs two small businesses – Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel and Genetics, Genealogy, and You, a DNA interest group. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, lives in Ohio, and leads the APG-Great Lakes Chapter.
Adam Oster, Library of Michigan
Adam Oster is the Community Engagement Librarian for the Library of Michigan. Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Grand Valley State University with a minor in Political Science and Secondary Education Certification. He also has a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University. Adam’s interests include genealogy and local history research.
Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan
Kris Rzepczynski is a Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, where he specializes in family history and Michigan research. Kris has worked in the genealogical community for almost 25 years. He is a former Vice President of Membership for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a Past President of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society.
FAQs
All attendees will receive the Zoom link a few days before the event. Even if you plan to attend in person, plans can change at the last minute. If that happens to you this year, we don’t want you to miss any sessions while you wait for a Zoom link due to a change in plans.
 FAQs—In-Person Attendees
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
On Saturday, free parking is available on-site adjacent to the building.
What can I bring to the event?
You may bring a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or paper to take notes.
We recommend a sweater or light jacket because session rooms may fluctuate in temperature throughout the day.
Be sure to bring your questions and enthusiasm, too!
Can you accommodate my special diet?
We cannot take special lunch orders. If you have dietary restrictions, please feel free to bring your own lunch.
Photography and audio or video recording of presentations are prohibited without the presenter’s advance consent.
Will handouts or a syllabus be available?
A couple of days before the Fall Family History Event, all attendees will receive an email with a link to the downloadable syllabus (handouts).
On-site attendees can purchase an optional printed paper syllabus for $7.50. You must order the printed syllabus with your registration.
Is there a Friday evening lock-in connected with this event?
Yes, there is a lock-in on Friday evening at the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan. The Lock-In begins with pizza and pop from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
The Archives of Michigan and Library of Michigan will be open to registered Lock-In attendees from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Registration is initially limited to attendees. If space remains the week of the Fall Family History Event, the Archives of Michigan may open registration to all. The Archives of Michigan is handling Lock-In registrations, and the registration link will be included in the confirmation email to attendees.
Do I have to bring my confirmation to the event?
Only if you are not the registered attendee or did not receive an email confirmation that you are registered.
FAQs—Virtual Attendees
Will presentations be available for later viewing?
No, these sessions will not be recorded. The event will be available live, in real-time only.
Is it OK if the name on my registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
Please let us know before the event day if someone else will use your registration. Email seminar@mimgc.org with this information.
What software is required to attend this webinar?
This webinar uses the Zoom Webinar platform. For the best experience, use the Zoom viewer app.
What do I need to attend virtually?
You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone to attend virtually.
No camera or microphone is required for attendees who will be in view and listen mode.
We will handle questions to the presenter via the Q&A and chat screens built into the Zoom platform.