• Embracing Change: Charting a Direction for Genealogical Societies with Curt Witcher

    Virtual - Zoom only

    This presentation will provide a general overview of the changes that are affecting genealogical societies and organizations, present some of the challenges that those changes bring, and offer some strategies for charting a course for success. Curt will be joining us virtually.

  • Building an Educational Plan for your Society with Cari A. Taplin, CG

    Virtual - Zoom only

    Most genealogical societies foster education in the field of genealogy. Having an education program outside the monthly meetings can build membership, develop volunteer relationships, and give greater education opportunities to members. This lecture will share ideas on developing a strong education program for societies. Cari will be joining us virtually.

  • Organizing and Identifying Photograph Collections with Ari Wilkins

    Michigan Library & Historical Center 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI, United States +1 more

    Organizing and Identifying Photograph Collections We all have mounds of old unidentified family photos sitting in boxes. This lecture will offer step-by-step direction in organizing, preserving and cataloguing these precious collections for future generations. Learn how to identify, digitize and share collections using family trees and social media. This is our annual meeting. Please note ... Read more

  • Preparing for the Future: New Realities for Genealogical Societies with D. Joshua Taylor

    Zoom webinar MI

    This session delves into the evolving role of genealogical societies amidst technological advancements, changing demographics, and shifting societal trends. Topics of discussion include recognizing present realities, essential board governance issues, insights to engage newer generations, and strategies to foster community involvement. Together, we will explore ways to equip your society for the challenges and opportunities ... Read more

  • Researching Your Family’s History at the Archives of Michigan with Kris Rzepczynski

    Zoom webinar MI

    An introduction to the Archives of Michigan, this program will explore the genealogical collections available there, including original source records, published resources, and online tools at Michiganology. One of the larger family history collections in the United States, the Archives’ holdings emphasize Michigan, the Great Lakes states, New England, the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as ... Read more

  • Ancestral Origins and DNA with Angie Bush, MS

    Forum at the Michigan Library & Historical Center 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, Michigan

    There has long been caution in genealogy circles about ethnicity estimates and their reliability. However, the science behind ethnicity estimates is solid, and there is much you can learn from them. We will explore the science behind the estimates and how best to contextualize and interpret the results. We will also discuss situations for which ... Read more

  • Your Most Powerful Legacy is Your Story Brief with Sunny Jane Morton

    Virtual - Zoom only

    Family history begins with YOUR history. Learn from the author of Story of My Life: A Workbook for Preserving Your Legacy what stories you have that are worth telling–and several inspiring reasons to write them. Review different kinds of memories, why some memories are more vivid than others, and how to flesh them out. Learn ... Read more

  • Veteran Bounty Land Records with Jan Alpert

    Virtual - Zoom only

    The Veterans Bounty Lands Project is the newest digitization project with the National Archives and Records Administration being sponsored by the genealogical community. Just over $1,000,000 of the $2.5 millions needed has been raised to date from FamilySearch, DAR, and other large contributors. The project will digitize over 360,000 bounty land files from the Revolutionary ... Read more

  • Introduction to Forensic Genealogy with Kelvin L Meyers

    Forum at the Michigan Library & Historical Center 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, Michigan

    This course will give the participant an overview of forensic genealogy and the role of the genealogist in these types of cases. We will discuss some of the major types of cases in which a forensic genealogist may be involved, such as guardianship, oil and gas, unidentified and unclaimed persons, and probate. The role of ... Read more

  • Vital Records in Michigan–Past, Present, and Future with Jeff Duncan

    Zoom meeting - registration required
    Virtual Event

    This presentation will focus on the history, current state, and future plans for Michigan's birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Attendees will learn how Michigan vital records system evolved historically and the impact of that evolution on records availability and access in the present day. Attendees will also learn of plans to digitize, modernize, and ... Read more

  • The Changing Face of Genealogy with Curt Witcher, MLS, FUGA, IGSF

    Forum, Michigan Library & Historical Center 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, Michigan

    This presentation highlights that changes that have taken place in 21st century genealogy — who is engaging in family history and family heritage pursuits, how the newcomers are coming to the field, what technologies they are deploying, and what their expectations are regarding their experience. It is meant to be a thought-provoking presentation to inspire ... Read more