Michigan Genealogical Council

Western Michigan Genealogical SocietyGot Ancestors?! 2023 with Katherine R. Willson
2023-10-21 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Katherine R. Willson (Dexter, Michigan) is an engaging & dynamic genealogy lecturer at local, regional, and national events; a full-time researcher for private clients; and a genealogy educator for 20+ years. She is the founder and Past President of the Virtual Genealogical Association, past President of the Michigan Genealogical Council, past board member for the Association of Professional Genealogists, and a course coordinator and instructor at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Katherine authored The Genealogist’s Guide to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as the Genealogy on Facebook list, a catalog of 17,000+ genealogy/history links on Facebook, found at SocialMediaGenealogy.com.
The sessions to be presented throughout the day are:

Our European Ancestors’ Voyage to America
Resources for Genealogical Research in Foreign Countries
40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names
Adding a Genealogical Codicil to Your Will

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

Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan 45th Annual Genealogy Seminar - Day 2
2023-10-21 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E. Maple Rd, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Day 2 is Webinar or In-person at the American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E. Maple Road, Troy, MI.
In-person registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch with Polish food. In-person seating is limited.
Includes live presentations with Q&A, a syllabus, and door prizes. Attend either day or both days — Open to the public.
Inaccuracies, Errors, and Conflicts of Information in Polish Vital Records and How to Resolve These Problems by Daniel Bućko
The Genealogical Value of Royal and Government Estate Inventories by Daniel Bućko
The Chene Street History Project by Dr. Karen Majewska
Hamtramck’s Polonia by Dr. Karen Majewska
For an informational flyer and online registration, visit the society website.
Registrations paid by check must be postmarked by October 5.
Online registration closes on October 10.

Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan 45th Annual Genealogy Seminar - Day 1
2023-10-14 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom webinar, MI
Includes live presentations with Q&A, a syllabus, and door prizes. Attend either day or both days — Open to the public.
Day 1 is Webinar Only.
Polish DNA: Stories It Reveals and the Ways to Use It for Genealogical Purposes by Eryk Jan Grzeszkowiak
Changing Places, Changing Borders: Overcoming Geographic Challenges by David Obee
For an informational flyer and online registration, visit the society website.
Registrations paid by check must be postmarked by October 5.
Online registration closes on October 10.

MGC Board meeting - October 2023
2023-10-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Virtual – Zoom only
MGC Board meeting – October 12, 2023 at 9:00 am
Virtual via Zoom

Resources and Services of the Library of Michigan with Adam Oster
2023-09-14 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Forum, Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, Michigan, 48912
Come discover the resources and services of the Library of Michigan. Learn about both the physical and digital collections of your state library as well as the variety of services available for libraries, historical organizations, and family history researchers throughout our great state.
Register for the delegate meeting.

MGC Board Meeting
2023-09-14 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) | Comission Room, 5th Floor, Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, Michigan, 48912

KVGS Research Trip to DC
2023-09-10 00:00 - 2023-09-16 23:59 (America/Detroit)
Several Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society members are desperate to get to DC for some research. The society has designed an independent trip for any genealogists who would like to go along.

This is an INDEPENDENT research trip: make your own travel arrangements (drive, fly, train). Get our group discount at the Arlington Court Suites Hotel (Group GENEALOGY 2023). The discounted rate ends on August 13. Metro or Uber with other researchers to the research facility of your choice – DAR Library, NARA (National Archives in both Washington, DC and College Park, MD), Library of Congress – or other research facilities – your choice.

We’ll get together for meals, discuss what we are researching, answer questions, and share transportation.

More information is available here:

The flier is on the KVGS website (www.mikvgs.org) and has details and links to help you register for the trip, at the hotel, and for research days at the National Archives. Be sure to read it.

Our website (www.mikvgs.org), under the Research tab on the left side, includes details and brief videos to orient you to the three research sites.

July 5 Zoom meeting for questions (registration link is HERE).

Arlington Court Suites Hotel (https://www.arlingtoncourthotel.com/) The phone number is on the flyer. Works best if you telephone the hotel so you can give the GENEALOGY 2023 group info.

Direct flights to DC (attached to this email).

NARA information: Schedule your visit soon – only 45 researchers each day. A link is on the flyer.

Plan Your Visit to the National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/research/start/plan-your-visit.

Email info@mikvgs.org if you still have unanswered questions. Please put WASHINGTON, DC, in the subject line.

MGC Board Meeting
2023-07-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-06-08 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit)
Virtual – Zoom only

2023 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar
2023-06-23 13:00 - 2023-06-24 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Library and History Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, Michigan, 48912
Each summer, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The Abrams Foundation generously supports the event in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.

For this year’s event, we are pleased to offer this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. Participants can attend sessions either online or onsite. We are delighted to host Drew Smith, who will join us on-site here in Lansing and through Zoom to our virtual attendees.

For the complete schedule of events and speaker bios.

On Saturday, onsite attendees can preorder a lunch option from Grand Traverse Pie for an additional $13.

MGC Delegate Meeting
2023-06-23 10:00 - 11:45 (America/Detroit) | Forum at the Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, Michigan, 48915
Our July delegate meeting has been rescheduled to kick off the 2023 Barbara J Brown Family History Seminar featuring Drew Smith. Please note the different day and start time. Drew will be onsite in Lansing.

Using Trello for Project Management

Drew currently uses Trello to manage a volunteer project to research individuals buried in a forgotten cemetery. See how Trello may be a solution for your society’s project management needs.

This meeting will be held onsite in Lansing and virtually via Zoom.

Managing Society Digital Projects
2023-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom meeting – registration required
An MGC Continuing Education Program.

Zoom meeting – registration requiredManaging Society Digital Projects with Kris Rzepczynski of the Archives of Michigan and Shelby Nelson of the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society.Sharing about the process of large and small digital scanning processes, equipment needed, process management, and volunteer use.We estimate it to be about 1 hour, with a Q&A discussion. We welcome ANY interested society members to attend!

MGC Delegate Meeting
2023-05-11 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI, 48912, United States
Hiring a Genealogy Speaker with Judy Nimer Muhn

How to find a good speaker, make arrangements for their speaking engagement, contracting, and handouts.

This will be a hybrid meeting, societies and delegates may participate onsite in Lansing or from a distance using Zoom. Please encourage your Program Team to attend.

This session will be onsite in the Forum at the Michigan Library and Historical Center and virtually on Zoom.

MGC Board Meeting
2023-05-11 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) | Comission Room, 5th Floor, Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, Michigan, 48912
This will be an onsite meeting in the Commission Room, also available on Zoom for distance board members.

MGC Board Meeting
2023-04-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-12-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-11-10 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-10-13 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-09-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-08-11 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) | Virtual Zoom meeting, MI

MGC Delegate Meeting
2023-03-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Forum at the Michigan Library & Historical Center, 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, Michigan, 48915
This will be a hybrid meeting. In addition to the in-person component at the Michigan Library & Historical Center, this meeting will be virtual using Zoom webinars.

Preparing for the Future: Connecting with Younger Researchers with Lauren K. PeightelLearn about newer trends in research, shifts in content interest, and perspectives to consider when trying to better connect with a growing younger membership, and increasing opportunities for meaningful internships, research work, and speaking. Through the experiences of a professional millennial, we’ll explore harmful stereotypes in the field and learn more about generational values and communication styles, leaving us with a stronger sense of hopeful possibility.

LAAAGS 2023 Genealogy Conference
2023-02-25 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
An experience featuring research strategies and highlighting important resources through the lens of researching African American ancestors. Break out sessions include: Genealogy 101, Newspaper Research, Military Research, and Using DNA in genealogy.Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nakia Parker, MSU Assistant Professor of History, will present “Black Histories on Native Lands: The Legacies of Slavery and Indian Removal in the United States.”A closing panel discussion will answer questions from the audience on how to navigate the research to find answers.

Union Missionary Baptist Church, 500 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Lansing, Michigan, 48915

MGC Delegate Meeting
2023-01-12 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom webinar, MI
Importance of Communications in Societies with Cynthia GrostickAre you a member of your society’s board? Do you hold a committee position? If so, one of the most important tools you have is communication. Unfortunately, not every society and/or member communicates. People tend not to join societies that rarely or don’t communicate. Lack of communication can be at best frustrating and at worst ……… Join us in January to learn about the importance of communication and learn some effective ways to communicate with your membership.

2022 MGC Fall Seminar featuring LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson
2022-11-12 08:45 - 17:00 UTC
Get your ticket

Download Flier

In partnership with the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Genealogical Council is proud to have LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson as our 2022 Virtual Fall Family History Seminar featured speaker on Saturday, November 12.
We offer our seminar virtually again this year. That means that you can participate in the sessions from the comfort of your home -no worries about driving, parking, waiting in lines for the restroom, or lunch.
Registration is required and includes all four sessions with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, one session each from the staff of the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, and a downloadable syllabus.
Join us for these exciting topics.
8:45 – 9:00 am: Zoom sign in and Help for Attendees
9:00-9:15 am: Welcome and remarks Rozlyn Kelly, MGC President, Mark Harvey, Archives of Michigan State Archivist, and Adam Oster, Library of Michigan
9:15-10:15 am: Planning Research-LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson Planning Research will discuss the development of a sound research plan, the first step in the thorough research required by the Genealogy Proof Standard.
10:30-11:30 am: Strengthen Your Analysis: Transcribing and Abstracting-LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson Strengthen Your Analysis: Transcribing and Abstracting will discuss the ability to craft transcriptions and abstracts, an essential skill that is needed to accurately interpret handwritten records.
11:45 am-12:45 pm: Wills, Thrills and Chills: Digging into Probate Records-Kris Rzepczynski, Senior Archivist, Archives of MichiganWills, Thrills and Chills: Digging into Probate Records will provide an overview of probate records, the different types of records created, including wills, inventories, and calendars, the family history content to be discovered, and where to find them online and onsite. An update on the Archives of Michigan’s digitization efforts will also be given.
12:45 am – 1:15: pm Lunch Break
1:15 -2:15 pm: Meeting Standards for Narrative Genealogies, Lineages, and Pedigrees-LaBrenda Garrett-NelsonAn understanding of generally accepted formatting options is helpful in presenting information about family relationship and successive generations.
2:30 – 3:30 pm: An NGSQ Case Study: DNA Corroborates Oral Tradition-LaBrenda Garrett-NelsonThe case study that won the NGSQ 2020 Award for Excellence illustrated the information needed to make sound decisions on when DNA tests can or should be used in genealogical research, and how to meet DNA-specific Genealogy Standards.
3:45-4:45 pm: African American Newspaper Resources at the Library of Michigan-Mindy Babarskis, Michigan Collection Reference Librarian, Library of MichiganDiscover the range of digital and physical African American newspaper resources available at the Library of Michigan. Research tips and tricks for utilizing these resources will be presented along with interesting examples of what can be discovered.
4:45 – 5:00 pm: Closing Remarks – Rozlyn Kelly
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Bios
LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson
LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, earned a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, and both a Law degree and a Master of Laws degree from New York University. She enjoyed a 35-year career as a tax lawyer before her 2013 retirement as a partner from the big four accounting firm of Ernst & Young, and is now a full-time genealogist focused on teaching and writing. She lectures frequently on standards and the proper documentation of genealogical work and proof arguments. She was elected as a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® in 2016, and will end her third term as BCG President in October 2022. LaBrenda also serves as the Registrar General of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a national lineage society that honors ancestors who were enslaved in the United States.
In 2021 LaBrenda was elected as the 170th Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (ASG), the field’s honorary scholarly society. The ASG was founded in 1940 and is limited to fifty life-time members; election is based on the quality of a genealogist’s published work As explained in an ASG press release, LaBrenda “has a twenty-year record of writing family history, first as a dedicated amateur while practicing law, and then, since her retirement from that profession, as an authoritative writer and genealogical educator. Her compiled genealogical scholarship in journals such as National Genealogical Society Quarterly focuses on African-American families during and after enslavement, including combining DNA match evidence with traditional documentary evidence in a notoriously difficult field. Her educational publications include a guide to researching African-American family history in Laurens County, South Carolina, where she has roots—a primer with important methodological lessons applicable nationally—and an authoritative guide to genealogical research in the state of Alabama. For more information see her website https://www.LabGarrettGenealogy.com.
Mindy Babarskis
Mindy Babarskis is the Michigan Collection Reference Librarian at the Library of Michigan. Originally from Oakland County, Michigan, she left for college in Illinois where she received her BA in History from Wheaton College and her MLIS from Dominican University. Before starting at the Library of Michigan in 2021, she worked at Florida State University’s Strozier Library, the Kenneth Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas, and at Lansing Community College Library.
Kris Rzepczynski
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 more than 20 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.

MGC Delegate meeting
2022-11-10 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom webinar, MI
Websites & Social Media for Societies with Laura Hedgecock

Learn simple strategies and best practices that your society can use to communicate more effectively with members, would-be members, and the community at large.

The 2022 Lucy Mary Kellogg Award will be presented at our November 10 Delegate meeting.

Register

44th Annual Genealogy Seminar (PGSM)
2022-10-15 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Detroit) | Virtual Zoom, MI
Save the date! 44th Annual Genealogy Seminar presented as a webinar by the Polish Genealogical Society of MichiganOpen to the public

Includes four live presentations with Q&A, a syllabus, and door prizes:

“Love, Loss, and Exile: The Moments that Define Us” presented by Anna Kucewicz, Sheffield, England“Searching for Your Elusive Prussian Ancestors: A Case Study” presented by Stephen Wendt, Ohio, USA“Genealogy in Ukraine: Discover Online Resources” presented by Michelle Chubenko, New Jersey, USA“Eastern European Ancestry in Bukowina and Galicia” presented by Michelle Chubenko, New Jersey, USA

More details and online registration will be available soon!For more information about PGSM, visit https://pgsm.org.

GotAncestors?! 2022 (WMGS)
2022-10-15 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Detroit) | Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Save the date for our GotAncestors?! 2022 Annual Fall Conference of WMGS Western Michigan Genealogical Society

David E. Rencher, AG®, CG®, FUGA, FIGRS, is employed as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1980 with a B.A. in Family and Local History. A professional genealogist since 1977, he is one of the rare few who have earned both credentials:Accredited Genealogist® with ICAPGen in Ireland research (1981) and Certified Genealogist® with the Board for Certification of Genealogists (2006). He serves as the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and the British Institute. He is a past president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the Utah Genealogical Association. David is a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association and the Irish Genealogical Research Society, London. He serves as adirector on the board of the National Genealogical Society.

Session Topics are:Out of the Ashes-Irish Genealogical CollectionsColonial Research Strategies: Overseas RecordsMethodology for Source and Archives ResearchProven Research Strategies the Transcend Geo-Political Boundaries
This will be an in-person conference.Park Congregational Church10 E Park Pl NEGrand Rapids, MI 49503

For additional information and registration opening soon at: http://gotancestors.com/

MGC Delegate meeting
2022-09-08 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom webinar, MI
The New NGS: Keeping the Promise to Support and Benefit Societies with Cheri Hudson Passey.

Register to attend.

After the merger with the Federation of Genealogical Societies, NGS is working hard to keep the promise of providing benefits, education, and support to member societies and organizations.Learn about the available resources and how we are working to provide help with issues that face society today.

Cheri Hudson Passey is a professional genealogist, instructor, writer, speaker, and Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC owner. She is the host of the YouTube genealogy chat show GenFriends and is a genealogical researcher subcontracted by Eagle Investigative Services, Inc., for the US Army Past Conflict Repatriations Branch. She is treasurer of GeneaBloggers and National Genealogical Society Vice-President of Society & Organization Management.

2022 Barbara J Brown Family History Seminar with Dr. David McDonald
2022-07-08 13:00 - 2022-07-09 17:00 (America/Detroit)
2022 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar!
Dr. David McDonald will be the featured speaker this year. Each July, the Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar is co-sponsored by the Archives of Michigan and Michigan Genealogical Council.
For additional details, speaker bios and registration information.
