General Meetings
Currently all General Meetings are ONLINE
Our general meetings are free and open to the public. We typically meet on the second Thursday of each month at McHenry County College in Building A, Room A215. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, we are currently unable to meet in person. Therefore, our general meetings will be online using Zoom until further notice. Please register to attend our meeting and you will receive a link to attend online. You will need a computer with an Internet connection, or a mobile device with the Zoom app installed. You do not need to create an account with Zoom to attend our meetings.
By attending our meetings, you agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct to ensure a positive experience for all participants.
By attending our meetings, you agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct to ensure a positive experience for all participants.
Upcoming Meetings
Finding and Using Digitized Manuscript Collections for Genealogical Research
February 10, 2022 – Annette Burke Lyttle
Via Zoom REGISTER HERE
Manuscript collections can contain genealogical gems. Letters, diaries, photographs, histories, and many more information-packed wonders reside in repositories around the world. Many repositories are digitizing parts of their collections and making them available online, so we don’t have to visit the repository to access the information we’re looking for, but finding these collections can still be a challenge. Learn how to search for online collections, use finding aids to determine their usefulness for our research, and locate amazing records.
Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. She was a faculty member for "Exploring Quaker Records in America" at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh in June 2020 and course coordinator for "From Sea to Shining Sea: Researching Our Ancestors' Migrations in America" for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy in January 2021. Annette is a member of the board of directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists and editor of The Florida Genealogist.
Previous Meetings
Story of Richmond Illinois Settler - William McConnell
January 13, 2022 – Michelle Wilson & Rommy Lopat
William McConnell was Richmond’s first settler when he arrived in 1837. This is the story of how northern Illinois developed and how we researched McConnell’s life to create the 200 page coffee-table-style book “Montelona Farm” about McConnell, Richmond, and the settlement of northern Illinois.
Rommy Lopat is a longtime northern Illinois resident, garden writer and house historian. She is the current owner and loving custodian of McConnell’s 1852 home. Michelle Bray Wilson is a CAGGNI past president and co-founder of CAGGNI’s DNA special interest group.
Fold3.com
November 11, 2021 – Caron Brennan
We will review the resources available on Fold3.com, including available military and government documents digitized from the National Archives, Library of Congress, and other institutions, not previously available on-line. Also includes is a tour of the tools available on the site and how to use resources found on the site.
Caron belongs to several local and regional genealogy groups as well as being a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is currently Society Liaison for the Illinois State Genealogical Society; Facilitator for the Chicago Region of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and Webmaster for the Chicago Genealogical Society. She previously held Board positions at the Illinois State Genealogical Society, the Chicago Genealogical Society and CAGGNI (the Computer-Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois). Caron Primas Brennan blogs as Your Cousin Caron.
November 11, 2021 – Caron Brennan
We will review the resources available on Fold3.com, including available military and government documents digitized from the National Archives, Library of Congress, and other institutions, not previously available on-line. Also includes is a tour of the tools available on the site and how to use resources found on the site.
Caron belongs to several local and regional genealogy groups as well as being a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is currently Society Liaison for the Illinois State Genealogical Society; Facilitator for the Chicago Region of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and Webmaster for the Chicago Genealogical Society. She previously held Board positions at the Illinois State Genealogical Society, the Chicago Genealogical Society and CAGGNI (the Computer-Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois). Caron Primas Brennan blogs as Your Cousin Caron.
Virtual Genealogy Escape Room*
October 14, 2021 – Thomas MacEntee
Imagine you are trapped in an archive and the only way out is to solve a series of genealogy research puzzles. Are you up to the challenge? Based on the popular escape room concept, Genealogy Escape Room turns the typical webinar format upside down! Each registrant will receive a Case Review File used to solve a series of online research tasks BEFORE the live webinar takes place. The webinar is the 'reveal" where a step-by-step review of each puzzle, task and clue leads you to the final "key" to open the door. Genealogy methodology concepts will be summarized before announcing who escaped first!
What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get me, Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional who’s also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, marketer, network builder and more.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High-Definition Genealogy. Currently Thomas shares many of his articles and videos for free at GenealogyBargains.com!
October 14, 2021 – Thomas MacEntee
Imagine you are trapped in an archive and the only way out is to solve a series of genealogy research puzzles. Are you up to the challenge? Based on the popular escape room concept, Genealogy Escape Room turns the typical webinar format upside down! Each registrant will receive a Case Review File used to solve a series of online research tasks BEFORE the live webinar takes place. The webinar is the 'reveal" where a step-by-step review of each puzzle, task and clue leads you to the final "key" to open the door. Genealogy methodology concepts will be summarized before announcing who escaped first!
What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get me, Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional who’s also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, marketer, network builder and more.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High-Definition Genealogy. Currently Thomas shares many of his articles and videos for free at GenealogyBargains.com!
Back to School: Making the Most of School Records
September 9, 2021 – Tina Beaird
Join Tina Beaird to hear 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!
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, genealogical methodology, Scottish records, and archival preservation. She is a governing board director of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, the Northern Illinois Historical League and the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. Tina volunteers her time with several local historical and genealogical societies scanning and indexing historic records. Occasionally, Tina finds time to research her own family tree, which she has been pursuing for over 25 years.
September 9, 2021 – Tina Beaird
Join Tina Beaird to hear 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!
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, genealogical methodology, Scottish records, and archival preservation. She is a governing board director of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, the Northern Illinois Historical League and the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. Tina volunteers her time with several local historical and genealogical societies scanning and indexing historic records. Occasionally, Tina finds time to research her own family tree, which she has been pursuing for over 25 years.
The Happy Invention – The History & Significance of Picture Postcards
August 12, 2021 – Katherine Hamilton-Smith
In America, the first picture postcards were printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago making Illinois the birthplace of the American picture postcard. Since those flowery Victorian originals, uncountable billions of postcards of every aspect of life have been printed, depicting: train stations and bandstands; street views and cartoons; ads for products and services; beauties and freaks; social history both whimsical and dark; and everything in between. An early mention of postcards is in the 1870 diary of a Welsh curate, who called them “a happy invention.”
Katherine Hamilton-Smith is the founding curator the Curt Teich Postcard Archives for the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Ms. Hamilton-Smith was responsible for creating and developing the archives. She managed its growth, working with private collectors and other institutions to create the unparalleled assemblage that was acquired by the Newberry Library in 2016 and is now one of the Newberry’s 11 Core Collections.
August 12, 2021 – Katherine Hamilton-Smith
In America, the first picture postcards were printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago making Illinois the birthplace of the American picture postcard. Since those flowery Victorian originals, uncountable billions of postcards of every aspect of life have been printed, depicting: train stations and bandstands; street views and cartoons; ads for products and services; beauties and freaks; social history both whimsical and dark; and everything in between. An early mention of postcards is in the 1870 diary of a Welsh curate, who called them “a happy invention.”
Katherine Hamilton-Smith is the founding curator the Curt Teich Postcard Archives for the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Ms. Hamilton-Smith was responsible for creating and developing the archives. She managed its growth, working with private collectors and other institutions to create the unparalleled assemblage that was acquired by the Newberry Library in 2016 and is now one of the Newberry’s 11 Core Collections.
40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names
June 10, 2021 – Katherine R. Willson
40+ possible sources to consult when searching for a female ancestor’s maiden name. Discussion will include search tips for locating these sources.
Her genealogy interests began as an 8-year-old Junior Girl Scout working towards a “My Heritage” badge, and her passion was fueled when, after college, both her mother’s and father’s relatives gave her binders containing generations’ worth of family information. Her passion for genealogy combined with practical and creative strategies keeps Katherine’s audience fully engaged and actively participating in her energetic and entertaining presentations. Participants leave with the tools necessary to do their own research, as well as the inspiration to do it!
June 10, 2021 – Katherine R. Willson
40+ possible sources to consult when searching for a female ancestor’s maiden name. Discussion will include search tips for locating these sources.
Her genealogy interests began as an 8-year-old Junior Girl Scout working towards a “My Heritage” badge, and her passion was fueled when, after college, both her mother’s and father’s relatives gave her binders containing generations’ worth of family information. Her passion for genealogy combined with practical and creative strategies keeps Katherine’s audience fully engaged and actively participating in her energetic and entertaining presentations. Participants leave with the tools necessary to do their own research, as well as the inspiration to do it!
Voting Records: Genealogy’s Best Kept Secret
May 13, 2021 – Pam Vestal
Looking for a date of birth or death? When and where your ancestor became a citizen? Where he disappeared to or where he came from? Voting records may have the answer. These often-overlooked gems can be packed with genealogical information, and you won't believe what they can tell us about our ancestors!
Pam Vestal is a full-time genealogist and lecturer in Oregon whose research extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest, with clients all over the U.S. and research that reaches beyond our borders. From family histories to house histories, she tailors her work to the unique needs of each client, but as a professional writer, she specializes in digging into the genealogical facts to tell the ancestors' stories.
May 13, 2021 – Pam Vestal
Looking for a date of birth or death? When and where your ancestor became a citizen? Where he disappeared to or where he came from? Voting records may have the answer. These often-overlooked gems can be packed with genealogical information, and you won't believe what they can tell us about our ancestors!
Pam Vestal is a full-time genealogist and lecturer in Oregon whose research extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest, with clients all over the U.S. and research that reaches beyond our borders. From family histories to house histories, she tailors her work to the unique needs of each client, but as a professional writer, she specializes in digging into the genealogical facts to tell the ancestors' stories.
Allied with the Allies
April 8, 2021 – Debra Dudek
Debra will examine the abundant resources, service files, and information for service men and women who served in Canadian, UK, Australian, and French forces during World War 1. The lecture will also examine Red Cross records and resources in the US and abroad.
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. Ms. Dudek specializes in British genealogy, World War I research, and emerging technology topics. An alumna of Olivet College (Olivet, Michigan) and the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland). Ms. Dudek holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a Masters in Information and Library Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies.
April 8, 2021 – Debra Dudek
Debra will examine the abundant resources, service files, and information for service men and women who served in Canadian, UK, Australian, and French forces during World War 1. The lecture will also examine Red Cross records and resources in the US and abroad.
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. Ms. Dudek specializes in British genealogy, World War I research, and emerging technology topics. An alumna of Olivet College (Olivet, Michigan) and the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland). Ms. Dudek holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a Masters in Information and Library Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies.
Family History Research in Illinois & Wisconsin
March 11, 2021 – Maureen Brady
The families who came to Illinois and Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments. The records that were created by, and about, they reflect that variety, both in type and availability. This presentation will first examine the similarities between Illinois and Wisconsin family history resources and then look at the unique records of each state, including ethnic, religious, and governmental archives and repositories. The discussion will also include a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest”, and how that history has impacted the records that were created.
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian, and computer educator have more than thirty years’ experience with family history research. She has traced her own Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued the Chicago area, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebec, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to Illinois and Wisconsin genealogical societies, libraries, conferences, and workshops, including presenting at the 2002 National Genealogical Society Conference in the States and the 2016 & 2017 Central Florida Family History Conference.
March 11, 2021 – Maureen Brady
The families who came to Illinois and Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments. The records that were created by, and about, they reflect that variety, both in type and availability. This presentation will first examine the similarities between Illinois and Wisconsin family history resources and then look at the unique records of each state, including ethnic, religious, and governmental archives and repositories. The discussion will also include a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest”, and how that history has impacted the records that were created.
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian, and computer educator have more than thirty years’ experience with family history research. She has traced her own Scottish roots back to the end of the 17th century and beyond, and has also pursued the Chicago area, the trans-Allegheny U.S., Quebec, Irish and Swedish research. Maureen has made numerous presentations to Illinois and Wisconsin genealogical societies, libraries, conferences, and workshops, including presenting at the 2002 National Genealogical Society Conference in the States and the 2016 & 2017 Central Florida Family History Conference.
Explore U.S. Church Records: Find Family
February 11, 2021 – Jacquie Shattner
Church records contain surprises, not just baptisms, marriages and deaths. They provide clues to much more, including town of origin and immigration information, how active families were in their church, and their financial situation. Churches predate government, and often have information on under-represented people; women, minorities, immigrants, and young children. Learn how to identify your ancestor’s place of worship, access surviving records and solve problems such as maiden names and overseas birthplaces.
Jacquie has volunteered at the local Family History Center for 15 years, and teaches genealogy at local high schools, and area libraries. She is active in several genealogy societies. She is a retired school secretary, allowing her free time to pursue new information.
February 11, 2021 – Jacquie Shattner
Church records contain surprises, not just baptisms, marriages and deaths. They provide clues to much more, including town of origin and immigration information, how active families were in their church, and their financial situation. Churches predate government, and often have information on under-represented people; women, minorities, immigrants, and young children. Learn how to identify your ancestor’s place of worship, access surviving records and solve problems such as maiden names and overseas birthplaces.
Jacquie has volunteered at the local Family History Center for 15 years, and teaches genealogy at local high schools, and area libraries. She is active in several genealogy societies. She is a retired school secretary, allowing her free time to pursue new information.
Warrants, Patents & Deeds, Oh My
January 14, 2021 – Dan Hubbard
ou may think that land records are the “scariest” records in genealogy but it doesn’t take much courage to find much more in them than that your ancestor owned some land. We will look at some of the treasures you can find in land records, the process of acquiring and selling land and the documents produced. We will also look at the ways that your ancestors’ land was specified-metes and bounds system and the rectangular survey system.
Daniel Hubbard is a full-time professional researcher. Inspired by family stories he began to seriously conduct family history research at about 11 years of age. Daniel combines his skills in technology, genealogy, and complex research, the organizing large amounts of information, writing, editing and book design to assist clients with their family history projects.
January 14, 2021 – Dan Hubbard
ou may think that land records are the “scariest” records in genealogy but it doesn’t take much courage to find much more in them than that your ancestor owned some land. We will look at some of the treasures you can find in land records, the process of acquiring and selling land and the documents produced. We will also look at the ways that your ancestors’ land was specified-metes and bounds system and the rectangular survey system.
Daniel Hubbard is a full-time professional researcher. Inspired by family stories he began to seriously conduct family history research at about 11 years of age. Daniel combines his skills in technology, genealogy, and complex research, the organizing large amounts of information, writing, editing and book design to assist clients with their family history projects.
Telling the Story with Maps: Maps of Early Illinois and Where to Find Them
November 12, 2020 - Ginger Frere
Maps can convey immense detail. They can provide the names of places, distances, topography, geographical features, migration routes, land ownership, boundaries and political jurisdictions. Maps allow us to see the physical relationship between places and they can help us answer questions – how did our ancestors get from one
place to another? Where might they have gotten married? Maps can help us tell a story – Here’s where our ancestors lived in relation to the Great Chicago Fire.
Ginger Frere, MLIS, MBA, is a professional researcher who provides a variety of research services to authors, professional historians, film makers and individuals interested in genealogy. Her primary research interests include Chicago history and the creation of online tools for genealogists. She was one of the driving forces behind the development of ChicagoAncestors.org. In addition to researching, Ginger is a frequent speaker in the Chicago-land area and a regular instructor in Chicago’s Newberry Library Adult Education seminar program. She is also a Newberry Scholar-in-Residence.
November 12, 2020 - Ginger Frere
Maps can convey immense detail. They can provide the names of places, distances, topography, geographical features, migration routes, land ownership, boundaries and political jurisdictions. Maps allow us to see the physical relationship between places and they can help us answer questions – how did our ancestors get from one
place to another? Where might they have gotten married? Maps can help us tell a story – Here’s where our ancestors lived in relation to the Great Chicago Fire.
Ginger Frere, MLIS, MBA, is a professional researcher who provides a variety of research services to authors, professional historians, film makers and individuals interested in genealogy. Her primary research interests include Chicago history and the creation of online tools for genealogists. She was one of the driving forces behind the development of ChicagoAncestors.org. In addition to researching, Ginger is a frequent speaker in the Chicago-land area and a regular instructor in Chicago’s Newberry Library Adult Education seminar program. She is also a Newberry Scholar-in-Residence.
Try-it Illinois: An Overview
October 8, 2020 – Tina Beaird
During October and November, the state of Illinois makes available hundreds of paid databases. This trial is to give libraries and residents the opportunity to try these resources to test which might be useful to add a paid subscription. With hundreds available it can be overwhelming. Tina Beaird will showcase those most useful for genealogy and history research. Come and learn how to make the most of this 2-month opportunity and decide which products to recommend for your library.
Tina is the owner of Tamarack Genealogy and is the Genealogy/Local History Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library. She lectures nationally on military research, genealogical methodology, Scottish records, and archival preservation.
October 8, 2020 – Tina Beaird
During October and November, the state of Illinois makes available hundreds of paid databases. This trial is to give libraries and residents the opportunity to try these resources to test which might be useful to add a paid subscription. With hundreds available it can be overwhelming. Tina Beaird will showcase those most useful for genealogy and history research. Come and learn how to make the most of this 2-month opportunity and decide which products to recommend for your library.
Tina is the owner of Tamarack Genealogy and is the Genealogy/Local History Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library. She lectures nationally on military research, genealogical methodology, Scottish records, and archival preservation.
Comparing the Genealogy Big Four:
Ancestry, FamilySearch, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage
September 10, 2020 - Caron Primas Brennan
Everyone has heard of Ancestry, but there are some other big databases for genealogy research. They all share search capabilities as well as have their own unique merits. Learn “the good, the bad and the ugly” about the Big Four – Ancestry, FamilySearch, FindMyPast and MyHeritage. Learning about these databases will help you target your research. All of them have Library editions (free access) in addition to their subscriptions.
Caron belongs to several local and regional genealogy groups as well as being a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is currently Society Liaison for the Illinois State Genealogical Society; Facilitator for the Chicago Region of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and Web Master for the Chicago Genealogical Society. She also blogs as Your Cousin Caron.
Ancestry, FamilySearch, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage
September 10, 2020 - Caron Primas Brennan
Everyone has heard of Ancestry, but there are some other big databases for genealogy research. They all share search capabilities as well as have their own unique merits. Learn “the good, the bad and the ugly” about the Big Four – Ancestry, FamilySearch, FindMyPast and MyHeritage. Learning about these databases will help you target your research. All of them have Library editions (free access) in addition to their subscriptions.
Caron belongs to several local and regional genealogy groups as well as being a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is currently Society Liaison for the Illinois State Genealogical Society; Facilitator for the Chicago Region of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and Web Master for the Chicago Genealogical Society. She also blogs as Your Cousin Caron.
The Amazing Genealogical Information Available on Social Media*
August 13, 2020 – Bob Allen
Handout available for Members
Some of the most popular social media websites, with over 100 million registered users, include Facebook (and its associated Facebook Messenger), YouTube, WeChat, Instagram, QQ, QZone, Weibo, Twitter, Tumblr, Telegram, Baidu Tieba, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, LINE, Snapchat, Pinterest, Viber and VK, reddit, bbm and more.
Bob has been conducting genealogy research for over 30 years and has been able to identify a number ofancestral lines going back to the US Colonies, the Middle Ages and the Roman Empire.
August 13, 2020 – Bob Allen
Handout available for Members
Some of the most popular social media websites, with over 100 million registered users, include Facebook (and its associated Facebook Messenger), YouTube, WeChat, Instagram, QQ, QZone, Weibo, Twitter, Tumblr, Telegram, Baidu Tieba, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, LINE, Snapchat, Pinterest, Viber and VK, reddit, bbm and more.
Bob has been conducting genealogy research for over 30 years and has been able to identify a number ofancestral lines going back to the US Colonies, the Middle Ages and the Roman Empire.
City Directories: No Town Too Small, No Clue Too Little
July 9, 2020 - Thomas MacEntee
Recorded webinar available for Members
Participants will learn the history of city directories, how important they were to even the smallest town, and how to extract every possible clue for your genealogy research. We’ll cover digital/online directories, how to deal with numbering grid and street name changes, what those “weird codes” mean and more.
Thomas has been involved with genealogy and family history for close to 20 years and for the past two years has dedicated himself professionally to various aspects of the genealogy industry.
July 9, 2020 - Thomas MacEntee
Recorded webinar available for Members
Participants will learn the history of city directories, how important they were to even the smallest town, and how to extract every possible clue for your genealogy research. We’ll cover digital/online directories, how to deal with numbering grid and street name changes, what those “weird codes” mean and more.
Thomas has been involved with genealogy and family history for close to 20 years and for the past two years has dedicated himself professionally to various aspects of the genealogy industry.