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 2015, we will begin meeting at The Pointe, located at 5650 NW Hwy in Crystal Lake. (Next to Target)
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.
Cook County’s Social Worker for the Unclaimed Dead
Rebeca Perrone – May 10, 2018
Rebeca Perrone, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s first indigent coordinator, handles 700+ cases a year in her role as a Social Worker for the dead. Using a list of names of unclaimed remains, Rebeca searches for potential next of kin, hoping to reunite them with their loved ones. Her stories reflect how basic genealogy techniques can be used to find living relatives.
Originally from Algonquin, after studying sociology and criminal justice at Loyola University, Rebeca worked for the Indiana Department of Child Services, investigating abuse and neglect claims. She longed to be a detective but not a police officer, so she decided to change jobs and search for living relatives of the unclaimed indigent, so that they might help arrange for a dignified burial.
Rebeca Perrone – May 10, 2018
Rebeca Perrone, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s first indigent coordinator, handles 700+ cases a year in her role as a Social Worker for the dead. Using a list of names of unclaimed remains, Rebeca searches for potential next of kin, hoping to reunite them with their loved ones. Her stories reflect how basic genealogy techniques can be used to find living relatives.
Originally from Algonquin, after studying sociology and criminal justice at Loyola University, Rebeca worked for the Indiana Department of Child Services, investigating abuse and neglect claims. She longed to be a detective but not a police officer, so she decided to change jobs and search for living relatives of the unclaimed indigent, so that they might help arrange for a dignified burial.
GOOGLE for Genealogy
Tina Beaird – June 14, 2018
Google can be a useful tool for genealogical research. Utilizing services like Google news, Google maps, and Google books can make you feel like Indiana Jones. But be wary, Google has some traps and pitfalls as well. Tina will discuss ways to get the most out of Google so you can find your holy grail.
Tina Beaird is owner of Tamarack Genealogy and the Genealogy/Local History Librarian at a midsized Chicagoland public library. She provides lectures extensively on military research, genealogical methodology, Scottish records, and archival preservation
Tina Beaird – June 14, 2018
Google can be a useful tool for genealogical research. Utilizing services like Google news, Google maps, and Google books can make you feel like Indiana Jones. But be wary, Google has some traps and pitfalls as well. Tina will discuss ways to get the most out of Google so you can find your holy grail.
Tina Beaird is owner of Tamarack Genealogy and the Genealogy/Local History Librarian at a midsized Chicagoland public library. She provides lectures extensively on military research, genealogical methodology, Scottish records, and archival preservation
2018 MCIGS Summer Genealogy Conference
McHenry County College - July 7, 2018
McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (MCIGS) is sponsoring an all-day conference for genealogists and family historians on Saturday, July 7, 2018. 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. Click here for more information and to register.
McHenry County College - July 7, 2018
McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (MCIGS) is sponsoring an all-day conference for genealogists and family historians on Saturday, July 7, 2018. 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. Click here for more information and to register.
Probate
Ann Wells – August 9, 2018
While probate is actually the court process of determining if a will is valid or invalid, today it generally means the process by which the will is carried out, or in the case of no will, how the estate is handled. These records can be one of the most important group of records for genealogists.
Ann has served on the board of a number of genealogy societies. She is a past president of MCIGS and has also served on the boards of the Illinois State Genealogy Society, British Interest Group of Illinois/Wisconsin, International Society for British Genealogy and Family History and is currently on the Nunda Township Cemetery Board.
Ann Wells – August 9, 2018
While probate is actually the court process of determining if a will is valid or invalid, today it generally means the process by which the will is carried out, or in the case of no will, how the estate is handled. These records can be one of the most important group of records for genealogists.
Ann has served on the board of a number of genealogy societies. She is a past president of MCIGS and has also served on the boards of the Illinois State Genealogy Society, British Interest Group of Illinois/Wisconsin, International Society for British Genealogy and Family History and is currently on the Nunda Township Cemetery Board.
What’s New at FamilySearch?
Maureen Brady – September 13, 2018
FamilySearch gathers, preserves, and shares genealogical records worldwide. It offers free access to its resources and service online at FamilySearch.org. The website is constantly changing, so Maureen will share the latest developments concerning FamilySearch’s features, historic records, classes/webinars, and more.
Maureen Brady is a former school librarian and computer educator. She has over 25 years experience with family history research, is a professional genealogist and owner of Bare Roots Genealogical Services
Maureen Brady – September 13, 2018
FamilySearch gathers, preserves, and shares genealogical records worldwide. It offers free access to its resources and service online at FamilySearch.org. The website is constantly changing, so Maureen will share the latest developments concerning FamilySearch’s features, historic records, classes/webinars, and more.
Maureen Brady is a former school librarian and computer educator. She has over 25 years experience with family history research, is a professional genealogist and owner of Bare Roots Genealogical Services
What’s New on the Internet for Genealogists?
Caron Primas Brennan – October 11, 2018
There are new genealogy sites on the Internet every day. This fast-paced presentation is a review of popular, new, little known, and perhaps unusual genealogy resources on the internet to help you in your research.
Recording Secretary for the Chicago Genealogical Society for 2017-2018 and the Recording Secretary for the Illinois State Genealogical Society for 2018-2019. When not working at her day job, researching her own family tree or making genealogy presentations, Caron may be researching for others or writing for her blogs!
Caron Primas Brennan – October 11, 2018
There are new genealogy sites on the Internet every day. This fast-paced presentation is a review of popular, new, little known, and perhaps unusual genealogy resources on the internet to help you in your research.
Recording Secretary for the Chicago Genealogical Society for 2017-2018 and the Recording Secretary for the Illinois State Genealogical Society for 2018-2019. When not working at her day job, researching her own family tree or making genealogy presentations, Caron may be researching for others or writing for her blogs!
Resources Available through Ancestry.com Library Edition
Jane Haldeman – November 8, 2018
Ancestry.com, one of the largest genealogy sites, offers a wide variety of resources for the genealogist. This continually evolving website can be personalized to suit the needs of the researcher. Jane will discuss tips and tricks for using the library version of Ancestry.com, including ideas for easy navigation and successful searches. Jane graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Theater. Combining her passions for genealogy and theater she now lectures on technology as it applies to genealogical research. Ms. Haldeman developed and owns "It's Relative”, a genealogical service business that provides lectures, workshops, research, and consultations.
Jane Haldeman – November 8, 2018
Ancestry.com, one of the largest genealogy sites, offers a wide variety of resources for the genealogist. This continually evolving website can be personalized to suit the needs of the researcher. Jane will discuss tips and tricks for using the library version of Ancestry.com, including ideas for easy navigation and successful searches. Jane graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Theater. Combining her passions for genealogy and theater she now lectures on technology as it applies to genealogical research. Ms. Haldeman developed and owns "It's Relative”, a genealogical service business that provides lectures, workshops, research, and consultations.
You can also check out our calendar for more upcoming genealogical programs in the area.