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).
Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake will give a discounted rate for attendees ($109). Call 1-800-465-4329 (1-800-Holiday) and give them the event name: McHenry County Genealogical Society, Code: MDG.
- Early registration (by June 1) - $70
- All attendees cost per person $75
- $80 at the door (no guarantee of lunch)
This conference will be held in-person at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL (sessions will not be recorded).
Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake will give a discounted rate for attendees ($109). Call 1-800-465-4329 (1-800-Holiday) and give them the event name: McHenry County Genealogical Society, Code: MDG.
Speakers

Peggy Lauritzen Clemmons
The Legal Genealogist
Peggy bio
The Legal Genealogist
Peggy bio

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
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. Maureen is also active in the Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, Southern Illinois and Lake County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies, the British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois, and the Scottish Genealogical Society of the Chicago Scots.
International Speaker and Author
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. Maureen is also active in the Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, Southern Illinois and Lake County (Illinois) Genealogical Societies, the British Interest Group of Wisconsin & Illinois, and the Scottish Genealogical Society of the Chicago Scots.

Debra Dudek
Researcher, Speaker, and Author
Debra Dudek bio
Researcher, Speaker, and Author
Debra Dudek bio
Schedule
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 (downstairs) 2nd Session LUNCH (downstairs). Please visit vendors and choose door prizes. 3rd Session Break (downstairs). 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
Reviewing vital records common to the British Isles.
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
Reviewing vital records common to the British Isles.
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
Back to School: Making the Most of School Records
Tax records are going to be found within multiple jurisdictions from federal to local, and they will be equally as varied. Learn how they can work for you.
Military Genealogy Online: From the Revolutionary War to Today
Many religious publications published death notices and related items decades before such information could be found with any regularity in secular newspapers. Learn how to use and what you might find.
Sensational Deaths and How to Find Them
This lecture employs a problem-solving approach utilizing social history, female research and family analysis to identify the parents of Elizabeth Stith, the ancestor “from nowhere.” This case study allows you to see the Genealogical Proof Standard at work.
Unlocking the Treasures Within Midwest Archives and Repositories
Many early diseases killed thousands of people. Learn what those diseases were and how they impacted your ancestors.
Back to School: Making the Most of School Records
Tax records are going to be found within multiple jurisdictions from federal to local, and they will be equally as varied. Learn how they can work for you.
Military Genealogy Online: From the Revolutionary War to Today
Many religious publications published death notices and related items decades before such information could be found with any regularity in secular newspapers. Learn how to use and what you might find.
Sensational Deaths and How to Find Them
This lecture employs a problem-solving approach utilizing social history, female research and family analysis to identify the parents of Elizabeth Stith, the ancestor “from nowhere.” This case study allows you to see the Genealogical Proof Standard at work.
Unlocking the Treasures Within Midwest Archives and Repositories
Many early diseases killed thousands of people. Learn what those diseases were and how they impacted your ancestors.
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
All sandwiches will be on a baguette accompanied by greens, pickle, chips, cookie. 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 veggie.