Northern Illinois Genealogical Conference
Saturday, July 12, 2025
8:30 am - 3:30 pm CDT
In-Person at McHenry County College
McHenry County College (MCC), 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
8:30 am - 3:30 pm CDT
In-Person at McHenry County College
McHenry County College (MCC), 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Conference Registration
Registration begins March 1 and ends on July 5, 2025.
This conference will be held in-person at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL (sessions will not be recorded).
Country Inn & Suites in Crystal Lake has a limited number of rooms at a rate of $16o. The Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake is fully booked.
- Early registration (before June 1) - $70
- All attendees cost per person (before July 5) - $75
- Registration at the door (after July 5 - no guarantee of lunch) - $80
This conference will be held in-person at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL (sessions will not be recorded).
Country Inn & Suites in Crystal Lake has a limited number of rooms at a rate of $16o. The Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake is fully booked.
Speakers
Peggy Clemmons Lauritzen, AG
Presenter, Institute Lecturer, and Author
Peggy Lynn Clemens Lauritzen, AG, FOGS has been involved in genealogy since before her birth.
My parents were excellent genealogists, and instilled the same love of history and family in me and my three sisters. One of my favorite pictures is of my mother on her way to do cemetery research four days before my birth.
My roots run deep into the South, where I am Accredited. They involve the states of Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and some areas of Pennsylvania. I love the area of Appalachia, and have written several Legacy QuickGuides that you may purchase from the site: familytreewebinars.com/peggylauritzen
You may also follow my columns in Reminisce Magazine.
Presenter, Institute Lecturer, and Author
Peggy Lynn Clemens Lauritzen, AG, FOGS has been involved in genealogy since before her birth.
My parents were excellent genealogists, and instilled the same love of history and family in me and my three sisters. One of my favorite pictures is of my mother on her way to do cemetery research four days before my birth.
My roots run deep into the South, where I am Accredited. They involve the states of Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and some areas of Pennsylvania. I love the area of Appalachia, and have written several Legacy QuickGuides that you may purchase from the site: familytreewebinars.com/peggylauritzen
You may also follow my columns in Reminisce Magazine.
Maureen Brady
Researcher, National Speaker
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian and computer educator, has forty years experience with family history research. She has traced her Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued Chicago and the Midwest, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebecois, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to genealogical societies, libraries, conferences and workshops throughout the U. S., including presenting for the Ohio Genealogical Society 2024 and 2025 Conferences, and the Brigham Young University Library family history webinar series.
She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and a life member of the Aberdeen and Northeast Scotland Family History Society, and the Ohio, Chicago and McHenry County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies.
Researcher, National Speaker
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian and computer educator, has forty years experience with family history research. She has traced her Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued Chicago and the Midwest, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebecois, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to genealogical societies, libraries, conferences and workshops throughout the U. S., including presenting for the Ohio Genealogical Society 2024 and 2025 Conferences, and the Brigham Young University Library family history webinar series.
She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and a life member of the Aberdeen and Northeast Scotland Family History Society, and the Ohio, Chicago and McHenry County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies.
Tina Beaird
International Speaker and Author
Tina Beaird is the owner of Tamarack Genealogy and is the
Genealogy/Local History Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library. She lectures nationally on military research, Scottish records, and archival preservation. She is a First Vice President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society and a board director for the Oswegoland Heritage
Association. Occasionally, Tina finds time to research her own family tree, which she has been pursuing for over 30 years. A rabid baseball fan, Tina has visited 25 out of 30 Major League Ballparks and can’t wait to finish the last five.
International Speaker and Author
Tina Beaird is the owner of Tamarack Genealogy and is the
Genealogy/Local History Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library. She lectures nationally on military research, Scottish records, and archival preservation. She is a First Vice President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society and a board director for the Oswegoland Heritage
Association. Occasionally, Tina finds time to research her own family tree, which she has been pursuing for over 30 years. A rabid baseball fan, Tina has visited 25 out of 30 Major League Ballparks and can’t wait to finish the last five.
Debra Dudek
Researcher, Speaker, and Author
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. She holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review Editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, an executive board member of the Illinois State Historical Society, website coordinator for the Chicago Chapter NSDAR, and is the author of the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.
Researcher, Speaker, and Author
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. She holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review Editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, an executive board member of the Illinois State Historical Society, website coordinator for the Chicago Chapter NSDAR, and is the author of the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.
Schedule
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8:30 – 9:00 am
9:00 – 10:00 am 10:00 – 10:30 am 10:30 – 11:30 am 11:30 – 1:00 pm 1:00 – 2:00 pm 2:00 – 2:30 pm 2:30 – 3:30 pm 3:30 |
Registration
1st Session Break 2nd Session LUNCH. Please visit vendors and choose door prizes. 3rd Session Break. Be sure to check out door prizes. 4th Session END OF DAY Thanks for coming!! |
Sessions
PEGGY LAURITZEN CLEMMONS
Finding Substitutes for Foreign Records
As valuable as vital records are to us, there are many times when they just aren't available. Summary: Some states began recording official vital records later than others. Others have suffered record destruction through burned courthouses, war, rodents, and mildew. What can be used as a substitute?
Following the Money Using Tax Records
Not unlike today, our ancestors were taxed on every turn. Tax records can provide a unique insight into their lives, possessions and coming of age.
Summary: Tax records are widely available throughout the historical blueprint of our ancestors’ lives. Let’s look at some ways they can help us.
Migration Trails Across America
America has been a nation on the move since the first landings in the colonies. From buffalo traces and Native American trails to rivers and canals, Americans found a way to keep pushing “west”.
Summary: This presentation concentrates on the most common means of travel in the New World. Migrations trails and patterns will be discussed, as well as the many rivers and canals that interconnected us as a nation. A case study will be demonstrated showing a “lost” ancestor”.
Quaker Migration Into America
America was and is a “landing place” for many ethnic groups and religions. The Quakers were one of those groups, and were among the most influential.
Summary: Quaker roots begin in England. Soon the “Society of Friends” found themselves at odds with much of the surrounding area, leading them to other European countries and America. With emphasis on the Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio Quakers, this presentation will aid you in looking for clues as to whether your ancestors were Friends.
Finding Substitutes for Foreign Records
As valuable as vital records are to us, there are many times when they just aren't available. Summary: Some states began recording official vital records later than others. Others have suffered record destruction through burned courthouses, war, rodents, and mildew. What can be used as a substitute?
Following the Money Using Tax Records
Not unlike today, our ancestors were taxed on every turn. Tax records can provide a unique insight into their lives, possessions and coming of age.
Summary: Tax records are widely available throughout the historical blueprint of our ancestors’ lives. Let’s look at some ways they can help us.
Migration Trails Across America
America has been a nation on the move since the first landings in the colonies. From buffalo traces and Native American trails to rivers and canals, Americans found a way to keep pushing “west”.
Summary: This presentation concentrates on the most common means of travel in the New World. Migrations trails and patterns will be discussed, as well as the many rivers and canals that interconnected us as a nation. A case study will be demonstrated showing a “lost” ancestor”.
Quaker Migration Into America
America was and is a “landing place” for many ethnic groups and religions. The Quakers were one of those groups, and were among the most influential.
Summary: Quaker roots begin in England. Soon the “Society of Friends” found themselves at odds with much of the surrounding area, leading them to other European countries and America. With emphasis on the Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio Quakers, this presentation will aid you in looking for clues as to whether your ancestors were Friends.
MAUREEN BRADY
Comparison of British Records
While England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are all part of the United Kingdom, the civil registration systems used to record births, marriages, and deaths are very different. This presentation will review and compare each record type and suggest key online search sites.
Fill in Your Family Tree - Family History Research for Beginners/Everyone
Have you been bitten by the genealogy “bug”? Do you wonder how to get yourself started on the trail of your ancestors? If so, come learn the basics of family history research. This presentation will outline the 5 steps of genealogy research, look at accepted record keeping formats and review some of the more popular websites. All genealogy researchers, from beginner to experienced, will benefit from this program.
Quhat's in a Name?
The spelling of individual and family names was often “in the ear of the listener” and was not standardized until well into the 20th century. This presentation will look at the history of names, various naming patterns and research strategies for locating the “right” spelling of a name in various types of records.
The U.S. Census: What It Can Tell You About Your Family
The United States Federal government has taken a census of its population every ten years since 1790. These census records are a “goldmine” of information about our families and can provide vital clues to our family history research. Learn what records were produced, which still exist and how to access them. This presentation will include examples of census records, search strategies for locating them and analysis techniques for “gleaning” the most from these records.
Comparison of British Records
While England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are all part of the United Kingdom, the civil registration systems used to record births, marriages, and deaths are very different. This presentation will review and compare each record type and suggest key online search sites.
Fill in Your Family Tree - Family History Research for Beginners/Everyone
Have you been bitten by the genealogy “bug”? Do you wonder how to get yourself started on the trail of your ancestors? If so, come learn the basics of family history research. This presentation will outline the 5 steps of genealogy research, look at accepted record keeping formats and review some of the more popular websites. All genealogy researchers, from beginner to experienced, will benefit from this program.
Quhat's in a Name?
The spelling of individual and family names was often “in the ear of the listener” and was not standardized until well into the 20th century. This presentation will look at the history of names, various naming patterns and research strategies for locating the “right” spelling of a name in various types of records.
The U.S. Census: What It Can Tell You About Your Family
The United States Federal government has taken a census of its population every ten years since 1790. These census records are a “goldmine” of information about our families and can provide vital clues to our family history research. Learn what records were produced, which still exist and how to access them. This presentation will include examples of census records, search strategies for locating them and analysis techniques for “gleaning” the most from these records.
TINA BEAIRD
Unlocking the Treasures Within Midwest Archives and Repositories
The Midwest is blessed with a series of top-notch repositories, museums and archives. Tina will highlight some of types of materials available and the best places to research your Midwest ancestors including Allen County Public Library, Ohio History Connection, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Newberry Library, Mid-Continent Public Library and the Indiana Historical Society.
Sensational Deaths and How to Find Them
Whether your ancestor died from a pandemic, accident, natural disaster or personal tragedy; each of these types of events created their own set of records. Tina will help you dig deeper into your ancestor’s untimely demise by using print resources, media accounts and government records to uncover their story.
Military Genealogy Online: Digital Resources from the American Revolution to Now
Each year new military record collections become available online. Tina will show you where to look and what types of records are available for tracing your ancestor's military service. Records from the American Revolution to WWII will be discussed as well as sources for modern records.
Back to School: making the most of school records in your family tree
Learn about the many ways you can access cool details about your ancestors by using school records like yearbooks, school schedules, teacher’s registers, school newspapers, alumni directories and much more. This is one class you won’t want to ditch.
Unlocking the Treasures Within Midwest Archives and Repositories
The Midwest is blessed with a series of top-notch repositories, museums and archives. Tina will highlight some of types of materials available and the best places to research your Midwest ancestors including Allen County Public Library, Ohio History Connection, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Newberry Library, Mid-Continent Public Library and the Indiana Historical Society.
Sensational Deaths and How to Find Them
Whether your ancestor died from a pandemic, accident, natural disaster or personal tragedy; each of these types of events created their own set of records. Tina will help you dig deeper into your ancestor’s untimely demise by using print resources, media accounts and government records to uncover their story.
Military Genealogy Online: Digital Resources from the American Revolution to Now
Each year new military record collections become available online. Tina will show you where to look and what types of records are available for tracing your ancestor's military service. Records from the American Revolution to WWII will be discussed as well as sources for modern records.
Back to School: making the most of school records in your family tree
Learn about the many ways you can access cool details about your ancestors by using school records like yearbooks, school schedules, teacher’s registers, school newspapers, alumni directories and much more. This is one class you won’t want to ditch.
DEBRA DUDEK
Beyond Ancestry
Not all your research online can be conducted with Ancestry.com. There are many free and budget friendly resources which can assist you in conducting genealogy research on the web. This program covers exciting and evolving websites from across the United States and parts of Europe.
Stories in Stone: Decoding the Sentiment Behind Cemetery Symbolism
Have you ever wandered through a cemetery and wondered about the meanings of the designs carved on old gravestones? The symbols found on headstones usually possess special meanings to those interred in their final resting place. But what do they mean? Take a virtual tour of several cemeteries and find out!
Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalization
Widen your search for birth dates and locations as well as naturalizations from a variety of underutilized resources such as military rosters, consulate applications, voter registrations, cancelled passports, frakturs and much more. This lecture focuses on both digital and physical resources, so bring your research checklist and see if these resources can help you fill in the gaps in your family tree.
Using Fold3 Library Edition
Love it or hate it, Fold3 is cornering the market on American military records online. Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
Beyond Ancestry
Not all your research online can be conducted with Ancestry.com. There are many free and budget friendly resources which can assist you in conducting genealogy research on the web. This program covers exciting and evolving websites from across the United States and parts of Europe.
Stories in Stone: Decoding the Sentiment Behind Cemetery Symbolism
Have you ever wandered through a cemetery and wondered about the meanings of the designs carved on old gravestones? The symbols found on headstones usually possess special meanings to those interred in their final resting place. But what do they mean? Take a virtual tour of several cemeteries and find out!
Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalization
Widen your search for birth dates and locations as well as naturalizations from a variety of underutilized resources such as military rosters, consulate applications, voter registrations, cancelled passports, frakturs and much more. This lecture focuses on both digital and physical resources, so bring your research checklist and see if these resources can help you fill in the gaps in your family tree.
Using Fold3 Library Edition
Love it or hate it, Fold3 is cornering the market on American military records online. Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
Lunch
Breaking Bread Catering & Deli of Crystal Lake will provide lunch
All sandwiches are available with a cookie or fruit, and chips. Drinks will be available. There is a gluten-free option on multi-grain bread. For the sandwich, you can choose between beef, turkey, ham, or you can opt for a Caesar veggie wrap.
All sandwiches are available with a cookie or fruit, and chips. Drinks will be available. There is a gluten-free option on multi-grain bread. For the sandwich, you can choose between beef, turkey, ham, or you can opt for a Caesar veggie wrap.