Michigan Genealogical Council

INDEPENDENT Washington DC Research Trip with Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society
2025-09-21 - 2025-09-27
Join other genealogists for research in our nation’s capitol – and bring along your non-genealogist friends who would like to tour DC and the area!
Visit the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society website for additional details, a flyer, and helpful pre-trip resources the society offers before the trip.

Vital Records in Michigan--Past, Present, and Future with Jeff Duncan
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:45 (America/Detroit) | Zoom meeting – registration required
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 preserve these important records.
Bio: Jeff Duncan, PhD, has been Michigan’s State Registrar since 2019. Prior to that, he had 22 years in vital records, health statistics, and informatics at the Utah Department of Health, where he served as a statistician, director of Utah’s Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics, and Director of the Health Informatics Office. He has been a long-time board member of the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) and is currently serving as the association’s president.

MGC Board Meeting
2025-09-11 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-08-14 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-10 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-06-12 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-05-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-10 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-13 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-13 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) and 1 more date | Virtual Zoom, MI
Vitual monthly Board meeting

National Genealogical Society Organizational Membership Services and Resourceswith Kate Smith
2025-07-10 11:00 - 12:45 (America/Detroit) | Virtual – Zoom only
This session will provide an overview of organization membership with NGS and how it works along with some direction for locating resources on the NGS website and time for questions. If there is time and interest, NGS individual membership and the different purpose and benefits it has can also be covered.

Genealogical Society of Monroe County 45th Annual Spring Seminarfeaturing Adam Oster and Jeff Mason
2025-05-10 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Detroit) | Monroe County Community College, Audrey M Warrick AdministrationN & STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, MI, 48161
The 45th annual GSMC seminar is on May 10th, 2025. Join us for four one-hour-long lectures related to genealogy. There will also be door prizes, exhibitors, and vendors.
Adam Oster is the Community Engagement Librarian for the Library of Michigan. He will speak on “Yearbooks, alumni lists, and other school-related records” and “Michigan County Poor Farms”.
This year, we have a food truck with “The Big Jerrowski” selling their delicious comfort food.
The afternoon presentations will be by Jeff Mason. Jeff is an experienced genealogist and speaker. His topics will be: “Breaking Down Brick Walls & Reviving Dead Ends” and “Death & Taxes – 2 Things You Cannot Afford to Miss – A Genealogical Perspective”.
Join us for a day of learning and connecting.
For additional information and registration, visit the GSMC website or download their flyer.

2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar featuring Kelvin L. Meyers
2025-05-09 13:00 - 2025-05-10 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI, 48912, United States
Every year, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown. We are delighted to be hosting Kelvin L. Meyers, who will join us onsite in Lansing and via Zoom.
The Archives of Michigan is pleased to continue offering this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. In addition, the Archives of Michigan will offer the following additions to this year’s seminar:

A free pre-seminar session on military records on Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. (for online access, please register separately).
A continental breakfast for onsite attendees on both Friday and Saturday at no additional charge.
Lunch for onsite attendees on both Friday and Saturday at no additional charge.
Extended research hours in the Archives of Michigan reading room.
Recordings of seminar sessions available to registrants for 30 days following the event.

Register now for the 2025 Barbara J Brown Family History Seminar!
Registration fee: $55
Download the flyer.
The Archives of Michigan is excited to welcome Kelvin L. Meyers as this year’s featured speaker! Kelvin Meyers is a fifth generation Texan and professional forensic genealogist since 1996.
Kelvin is a frequent speaker to genealogical societies and family associations throughout the United States. Kelvin works with several mineral companies in Texas researching heirs throughout the US and the world to holding in Texas and specializes in southern brick wall problems for clients.
Kelvin currently serves as the President of the Forensic Genealogy Special Interest Group of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and in 2016, published Research in Texas for the National Genealogical Society’s Research in the States series.
The Dallas Genealogical Society awarded Kelvin the Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Distinguished Service Award in December of 2018. Kelvin is also a fellow of the Texas State Genealogical Society.

Introduction to Forensic Genealogy with Kelvin L Meyers
2025-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Forum at the Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, Michigan, 48915
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 the forensic genealogist as an expert witness will also be discussed.
This delegate meeting is a complimentary kick-off session for the 2025 Barbara J Brown Family History Seminar. You can attend in person in Lansing or virtually via Zoom.
May is our annual meeting, when we elect officers and approve the 2025-26 budget.

Waterford Genealogical Society2025 Genealogy Seminar
2025-04-26 13:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Waterford Township Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Dr, Waterford, MI, 48329
Co-sponsored with the Waterford Township Public Library (WTPL), it was formerly called the lock-in and now occurs during regular library hours.
Check-In: 12:30 P.M.
Welcome/Announcements: 12:45 P.M.
Classes: 1:00 P.M. – 5:45 P.M.
FREE Wi-Fi
If you have a laptop or tablet with wireless capabilities, you are welcome to bring it and have access to all the Library’s databases: Ancestry-LE, My Heritage-LE, FamilySearch.org, and American Ancestors—NEHGS.
Bring a USB flash drive to save information.
WTPL is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library
Pre-registration is requested. Click here for additional information and a mail-in registration.

2025 Lansing FamilySearch Seminar
2025-04-26 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Detroit) | Lansing FamilySearch Center, 431 E Saginaw, East Lansing, MI
The Lansing Family Search Seminar, a cornerstone of the Mid-Michigan genealogical community since 2002, offers a comprehensive learning experience. Our presenters share their expertise in a wide array of topics, including Michigan-specific resources, DNA analysis, historical records, international research, and essential skills like story writing, AI-assisted research and digitizing family photos. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced researcher, you’ll find valuable insights and practical guidance. Join us to connect with your heritage. Check out this registration guide: Registration Guide.
You can find biographies and course descriptions at this site: 2025 Lansing FamilySearch Seminar Information Site.
Register here.

Veteran Bounty Land Records with Jan Alpert
2025-03-13 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Detroit) | 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 War through the Mexican War and commemorate the 250th Anniversary of American’s Independence. Jan’s presentation will explain how genealogical societies can participate and join the 250th Celebration.

RootsTech
2025-03-06 10:00 - 2025-03-08 18:00 (America/Denver) | Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Join the world’s largest family discovery event • 6–8 March 2025 • Plus an on-demand learning library available anytime • Brought to you by FamilySearch.
Attend in person in Salt Lake City or online.

Your Most Powerful Legacy is Your Story Brief with Sunny Jane Morton
2025-01-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | 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 tips for researching gaps in your memories, how to turn a memory into a good story, what to leave out and several ways to share your stories.

MGC Board meeting
2024-12-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-14 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-10-10 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Virtual – Zoom only

2024 MGC Fall Family History Eventwith Angie Bush, MS
2024-11-16 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI, 48912, United States
The Michigan Genealogical Council, with our partners the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, proudly present Angie Bush for a one day seminar, Saturday, November 16, 2024 in-person in Lansing or online with Zoom Webinars.
Angie Bush, MS is a research team manager with AncestryProGenealogists in Salt Lake City. Her team specializes in U.S. research, Canada, and Irish and Scottish immigration to North America. Angie has been interested in her genealogy since she was very young. After college, she spent several years working in biotech while continuing to pursue her genealogy hobby. With the growing popularity and introduction of autosomal DNA testing in 2012, she decided to combine her two loves into one career. Her favorite type of research involves solving decades-old “brick walls” using a combination of traditional records and genetic evidence. She is a popular speaker and presenter and enjoys attending conferences where she can connect with others who share her passion for genealogy.
Eric Kennedy is the Law Reference Librarian for the Library of Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Michigan State University. Eric also has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University. Prior to joining the State Law Library, Eric has worked in both academic and corporate libraries. He was the Reference and Administrative Services Librarian at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s Brennan Law Library, the Access Services Librarian at Wayne State University’s Arthur Neef Law Library, and a Reference Librarian at the law firm of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn.
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.
Join Angie, Eric, Kris, and MGC for these exciting topics.
9:15-10:15 am
Is DNA the Tool For You? with Angie Bush
DNA has helped many genealogists make breakthroughs in their research that they never thought possible. But these breakthroughs are only possible because the research question was one that DNA could help to answer. Learn about the types of questions DNA can help you answer, and the types of questions DNA can’t help with.
10:30-11:30 am
Navigating the 1890 Gap: Research with State Census Records
with Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan
Given the near-total loss of the 1890 U.S. Census, state census records frequently serve as an effective substitute. This program will explore these underutilized resources, focusing primarily on the available schedules from across the United States from that time period.
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
The Best DNA Tools with Angie Bush
There are several tools provided by the testing companies and a plethora of third-party tools developed by others to help you make sense of your results. Learn which tools are most valuable and how to use them to successfully make sense of your DNA results.
1:30-2:30 pm
Michigan Legal Research with Eric Kennedy, Library of Michigan
Michigan Legal Research using both print and online resources to find primary legal authority: cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and ordinances. The presentation will also include the Special Collection of Michigan Legislative History resources.
2:45-3:45 pm
Practical Applications and Case Studies with Angie Bush
In the final session of the day, we will share case studies and real-life examples of how DNA test results were integrated into complex family history questions. We will talk about how DNA validates information in historical records and how to correlate genetic and historical evidence to solve challenging mysteries.
This one-day event is one you will want to attend!
Purchase ticket online
Flyer and mail-in registration form
To see the latest MGC events, please go to the mimgc.org Event Calendar.

Free Friday Research Help
2024-11-15 13:30 - 16:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI, 48912, United States
Free Friday Research Help
Volunteers from Michigan Genealogical Council member societies are offering free research help following today’s delegate meeting (November 15, 2024) in several areas, including MGC Pioneer Certificates, general genealogy, DNA, DAR, African American, Michiganology, French Canadian/Acadian, German, and Irish. These 30-minute in-person sessions will be held at the Michigan Library and Historical Center on Friday afternoon to assist researchers between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Help is geared toward using the collections available at the Archives of Michigan and Library of Michigan.
To sign up for your session, visit our Free-Friday Help Reservation page.

Ancestral Origins and DNA with Angie Bush, MS
2024-11-15 11:00 - 12:45 (America/Detroit) | Forum at the Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, Michigan, 48915
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 caution should be used with ethnicity results. We will also learn about the tools each company provides to help you learn more about your ancestral origins.
This is our delegate meeting, which will be open to the public. It will be a hybrid event, held in person in Lansing and virtually via Zoom. Angie will be present on-site in Lansing. Please note that it will be held on a Friday as a kickoff for the 2024 MGC Fall Family History Event. There is no charge for this session.
Register in advance for this webinar.

Western Michigan Genealogical Society Got Ancestors?! 2024 with Judy Nimer Muhn, Ed.M., FSA Scot
2024-10-19 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | The Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville, Michigan
Writer, speaker, blogger, presenter, and researcher. Judy has been researching her family tree from the age of 12, specializing in French-Canadian, Acadian, Native American, Scottish and Michigan, Ontario and Quebec research.
The sessions to be presented throughout the day are:

Researching in Canada: Your Maple Leaf Connection!
Native American, First Nations, Indian: Researching Indigenous Peoples
No Dead Ends: Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks
Seeking A Higher Source: The Resources of Faith Communities

For additional information or to register, please visit the society website, gotancestors.com.

Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan46th Annual Genealogy Seminar
2024-10-19 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights, MI, 48312
The PGSM seminar includes live presentations with Q&A, syllabus, and door prizes. Open to the public.
Speakers and Presentations:
Michelle Chubenko: Building Your Eastern European Ancestral Village
Michelle Chubenko: Discover Your Immigrant Origins
Alex Tolksdorf: How to Engage Family in Genealogy Research
Attend in person or virtually.
For additional information and to register, visit pgsm.org

St. Clair County Genealogy & History Society2024 Hebner Family Memorial Genealogy Seminar
2024-10-05 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Detroit) | Donald E. Dodge Auditorium, 200 Grand River, Port Huron, MI
The St. Clair County Genealogy & History Society, St. Clair County Library—Michigan Room, and the Ottawa Chapter NSDAR present a seminar promoting family and local history at the Donald E. Dodge Auditorium (South and across the street from the back of the Main Library).
Programs oﬀered will help you uncover, research, and preserve your family history.

9:15-9:30 Check-in
9:30-10:45 Bring Out Your Dead, Plagues, Epidemics, and Pandemics – Derek J. Blount, Prof. Genealogist
11:00-11:15 Presentation: Daughters of the American Revolution
11:15-12:30 Why Should I Look at Revolutionary War Records? Melissa Tennant Rzepczynski, Professional Genealogist
12:30-1:45 Lunch Box Lunch can be purchased at registration – please email ahead at rmathieu@sccl.lib.mi.us ($12 Ham or Turkey sandwich, chips & a fruit)
1:45-2:00 Presentation: St. Clair County Library – Michigan Room
2:00-3:30 Wills, Thrills, and Chills: Research with Probate Records Kris Rzepczynski, Senior Archivist and Head of Reference at the Archives of Michigan

For additional information and registration, visit https://sccghs.org/.

Eaton County Genealogical Society Annual Symposium
2024-09-28 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Detroit) | Old Courthouse, 100 W Lawrence, Charoltte, Michigan
Katherine R Willson will be the keynote speaker at this event.
Hybrid (In-person or Virtual via Zoom) Registration via Zoom is required for either.
Lunch Provided (subs w/ choice of ham, turkey, or veggie.)
Door Prizes/Booksale/Silent Auction of Baked Goods.
Jessica Trotter Britain to Canada to Michigan
Lori Fox Newspapers Have A Lot to Tell
Katherine Willson 40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names
Katherine Willson 75+ Free Resources for Filling Out Your Family Tree
Registration Required
