Upcoming General Meetings
Our general meetings are free and open to the public. We typically meet on the second Thursday of each month. Beginning in January 2019, we will hold our general meetings at McHenry County College, Building B in Breakout Room Room B166-167.
Feel free to show up early for an opportunity to socialize or share your research challenges.
Feel free to show up early for an opportunity to socialize or share your research challenges.
2019 MCIGS Summer Genealogy Conference
July 13, 2019 – McHenry County College
Registration Required
McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (MCIGS) is sponsoring an all-day conference for genealogists and family historians on Saturday, July 13, 2019. The event will take place at McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois. The conference is ideal for all genealogists and family historians, no matter whether you are a beginning researcher or have been searching for years. There will be fabulous door prizes and a number of vendors attending with their society information, book sellers and others. Pricing and registration information will be forthcoming.
July 13, 2019 – McHenry County College
Registration Required
McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (MCIGS) is sponsoring an all-day conference for genealogists and family historians on Saturday, July 13, 2019. The event will take place at McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois. The conference is ideal for all genealogists and family historians, no matter whether you are a beginning researcher or have been searching for years. There will be fabulous door prizes and a number of vendors attending with their society information, book sellers and others. Pricing and registration information will be forthcoming.
An Introduction to WikiTree, the Free Global Family Tree
August 8, 2019 - Marty Acks
WikiTree is a free community of genealogists dedicated to growing an accurate single familytree using DNA and traditional genealogical sources. In this program, you will learn the key features of WikiTree, be shown how you can easily get started on the site, and learn numerous tips and techniques to get the most out of your time on WikiTree.
Marty became a genealogy enthusiast in 1999. He currently volunteers at WikiTree where he contributes to the global family tree, leads multiple surname studies, assists other members and monitors activity as a WikiTree Ranger. Marty also chairs the Technical Subcommittee of the Downers Grove Historical Society. He is a retired computer software industry executive and is also a co-founder of Silvon Software in Westmont, IL
August 8, 2019 - Marty Acks
WikiTree is a free community of genealogists dedicated to growing an accurate single familytree using DNA and traditional genealogical sources. In this program, you will learn the key features of WikiTree, be shown how you can easily get started on the site, and learn numerous tips and techniques to get the most out of your time on WikiTree.
Marty became a genealogy enthusiast in 1999. He currently volunteers at WikiTree where he contributes to the global family tree, leads multiple surname studies, assists other members and monitors activity as a WikiTree Ranger. Marty also chairs the Technical Subcommittee of the Downers Grove Historical Society. He is a retired computer software industry executive and is also a co-founder of Silvon Software in Westmont, IL
What’s New at Family Search
September 12, 2019 – Maureen Brady
FamilySearch gathers, preserves and shares genealogical records worldwide. It offers free access to its resources and services online at FamilySearch.org. The website is constantly changing, so Maureen will share the latest developments concerning FamilySearch features, historic records, classes/webinars, and more.
Maureen Brady has over 35 years’ experience with family history research, is a professional genealogist, and owner of Bare Roots Genealogical Services. Maureen has made numerous presentations to genealogical societies, libraries, conferences and workshops. She is co-director of the Crystal Lake, IL Family History Center, a life member of MCIGS and also is a member of many other genealogical and family history societies in the U.S. and Scotland.
September 12, 2019 – Maureen Brady
FamilySearch gathers, preserves and shares genealogical records worldwide. It offers free access to its resources and services online at FamilySearch.org. The website is constantly changing, so Maureen will share the latest developments concerning FamilySearch features, historic records, classes/webinars, and more.
Maureen Brady has over 35 years’ experience with family history research, is a professional genealogist, and owner of Bare Roots Genealogical Services. Maureen has made numerous presentations to genealogical societies, libraries, conferences and workshops. She is co-director of the Crystal Lake, IL Family History Center, a life member of MCIGS and also is a member of many other genealogical and family history societies in the U.S. and Scotland.
DPO Flow – A Beginner’s Look at Organizing Digital Photos
October 10, 2019 – Caroline Guntur
Join Certified Photo Organizer Caroline Guntur of OrganizingPhotos.net for a closer look at how to best organize your digital photos! You will learn how to designate a digital photo hub (DPH), how to create a consistent file naming convention, and get help on figuring out your workflow. Additionally, you will understand the differences between referenced and managed files, and the learn the importance of backing up. Learning Objectives include: Photo organization 101, Using a Digital Photo Hub (DPH), Managed vs. referenced files, Creating a consistent file naming convention, Figuring out your workflow.
As a Professional Organizer, I help people organize, digitize, and preserve their photos, slides, home movies and other family treasures, so that future generations can enjoy them. Caroline is a Certified Photo Organizer, a Certified Home Movie Specialist, currently pursuing her CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) and CG (Certified Genealogist) certifications. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communication from Hawaii Pacific University, a Master of Arts Degree in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia, as well as an ESL certificate from Cambridge University.
October 10, 2019 – Caroline Guntur
Join Certified Photo Organizer Caroline Guntur of OrganizingPhotos.net for a closer look at how to best organize your digital photos! You will learn how to designate a digital photo hub (DPH), how to create a consistent file naming convention, and get help on figuring out your workflow. Additionally, you will understand the differences between referenced and managed files, and the learn the importance of backing up. Learning Objectives include: Photo organization 101, Using a Digital Photo Hub (DPH), Managed vs. referenced files, Creating a consistent file naming convention, Figuring out your workflow.
As a Professional Organizer, I help people organize, digitize, and preserve their photos, slides, home movies and other family treasures, so that future generations can enjoy them. Caroline is a Certified Photo Organizer, a Certified Home Movie Specialist, currently pursuing her CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) and CG (Certified Genealogist) certifications. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communication from Hawaii Pacific University, a Master of Arts Degree in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia, as well as an ESL certificate from Cambridge University.
Optimizing Your Online Genealogy Research: What's New and How to Find It
November 14, 2019 - Suz Bates
Come learn how to safely and efficiently navigate what is new and save it so you have access to it again. Suz Bates' program will cover social media, blogs, RSS tips and tricks in order to find and organize your online genealogy research.
Suz Bates has been a family history researcher for over 40 years and a private consultant for 20 years. She earned her B.A. in Modern Foreign Language with a minor in History and M.S. in Education. Suz has been a member of various genealogy and history associations, including the National Genealogical Society, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and the NSDAR with local membership in the DuPage County Genealogical Society, the Fox Valley Genealogical Society and CAGGNI. Learn more at https://genealogistsuzbates.weebly.com/.
November 14, 2019 - Suz Bates
Come learn how to safely and efficiently navigate what is new and save it so you have access to it again. Suz Bates' program will cover social media, blogs, RSS tips and tricks in order to find and organize your online genealogy research.
Suz Bates has been a family history researcher for over 40 years and a private consultant for 20 years. She earned her B.A. in Modern Foreign Language with a minor in History and M.S. in Education. Suz has been a member of various genealogy and history associations, including the National Genealogical Society, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and the NSDAR with local membership in the DuPage County Genealogical Society, the Fox Valley Genealogical Society and CAGGNI. Learn more at https://genealogistsuzbates.weebly.com/.
You can also check out our calendar for more upcoming genealogical programs in the area.