From overbearing privacy laws to poor funding to archives, genealogists’ access to the historical records we need are always under threat. Learn why genealogists need to take an active role in fighting for records access, what genealogists have already been doing, and what we can do going forward!

Quilts with inked or embroidered names are referred to as signature quilts or friendship quilts. These quilts were used as gifts and fundraisers. Today these quilts are being used to tell stories of families and communities. In this presentation we will explore the history of signature quilts, how to research them, and repositories that collect them. Quilts are more than a bed covering, they also can be a genealogical source.

Two genealogists began a conversation over lunch and ideas began to tumble around as they approached a common research dilemma from two different angles. It wasn’t long before they discovered these two valuable sites that led to valuable discoveries in their research. Those metal signs you see on old buildings or the metal historic markers by the side of the road may offer clues to the lives of your ancestors.

Pedigree triangulation is a game-changer for tackling genealogical brick walls, especially in the challenging pre-1850 era. This presentation offers a comprehensive look at this key methodology, illustrated through a real-life case study of proving the father of a woman’s 1828 birth. Learn to create genetic networks, group DNA matches, and apply key pedigree triangulation steps to break through long-standing brick walls. Discover practical strategies for integrating DNA analysis with documentary evidence, constructing revealing family trees, and creating clear genealogical diagrams.

Have you ever wondered what your ancestors’ lives were like beyond the names, dates, and places? While these fundamental details form the backbone of genealogical research, they often fail to capture the imagination of family members who aren’t as passionate about genealogy. The key to engaging your relatives and bringing your ancestors to life lies in incorporating social and community history into your family narratives. While time travel remains the stuff of science fiction, we can carefully reconstruct the historical context in which our ancestors lived. In this session, Robyn describes approaching social history by using conventional genealogical records in new ways, and using unconventional genealogical records. This session includes multiple examples of how to incorporate our findings into our writing for more creative storytelling. By embracing social history and looking beyond traditional genealogical facts, we can create compelling narratives that bring our ancestors to life. This approach not only enriches our understanding of family history but also captivates the interest of relatives who might otherwise remain indifferent.

Overwhelmed with too many paper documents and digital files? Learn to organize these so that you’ll quickly find just the one you need.

Explore the cutting-edge world of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) and their applications in family history in this innovative webinar. You’ll learn about the various GPT models available, how they can be utilised to enhance your genealogical research, and the benefits they offer in terms of efficiency and creativity. The session will also provide a guide on how to create your own GPT tailored to your family history needs, from data preparation to fine-tuning the model. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to AI, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to leverage GPTs in uncovering and preserving your family’s stories.

Janice loves researching scoundrels and black sheep – they leave behind such wonderful records! This webinar looks at seven types of records family historians rarely use: police records, criminal court records, jail records, coroner’s records, church disciplinary records, divorce records and juvenile reformatory records.

Understand original steps in getting from event – birth, marriage or death to an index; how online services impact searches; how to obtain inexpensive certificates. Access procedures and costs for obtaining birth, marriage and death certificates in England and Wales has changed radically in the last few years. Positively, the reduced costs make it such there is no excuse for not getting all birth and death certificates. Negatively, people are losing sight of what they are actually searching to get the certificate. – Learn the original process of getting from an event to a listing within an index (local or national). – Learn what rules and laws changed the above processes over time. – Understand differences between original and new indexes. – See the impact of which versions of the indexes are being searched by the different online services. – Learn how to purchase, and quickly obtain birth and death certificates. – See the different versions of the certificates that can be currently purchased. – Learn alternatives for obtaining cheaper marriage records.