Past Society Events - 2026
To learn more about joining the Society and accessing our library of past event webinars and podcasts, visit our membership page.
January 10, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm ET - Location: Zoom Webinar
Resources for Genealogical Research in Other Countries (CANCELED - WILL BE RESCHEDULED)
Katherine Wilson
Explore the rewarding but sometimes tricky world of researching family history outside the United States. Learn how to find free resources and use practical strategies for tracing immigrant ancestors, from sorting out name changes and spelling variations to understanding foreign records and dealing with shifting borders and place names.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Katherine R. Willson of Dexter, Michigan is an engaging & dynamic genealogy lecturer at local, regional, and national conferences; an educator teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced genealogy classes in Michigan since 2001; the author of The Genealogist’s Guide to Grand Rapids, Michigan (published in 2018 by The In-Depth Genealogist), and a professional researcher for private clients. Her research specialties include solving difficult genealogical problems in the Great Lakes region (including Michigan Territory’s pre-statehood settlers), 19th century social reform movements, and America’s westward expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries.
*Registration Required. Society members only. Not a member? Learn more about joining today!
February 14, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm ET - Location: Zoom Webinar
Breaker Boys and Spinner Girls – Child Labor Laws and Their Records
Judy Russell
Modern labor laws protecting the health and safety of children are a relatively recent development. By exploring the evolution of these statutes and the documentation they generated, we can recover the lost stories of the youngest workers in our family trees—tracing their difficult journeys through mills, mines, and factories.
Don't miss Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist, as she explores this compelling history. Learn how to locate and integrate these unique records to add depth and context to your genealogical research.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Judy G. Russell is a genealogist with a law degree who writes and lectures on topics ranging from using court records in family history to understanding DNA testing. An internationally-known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®.
*Registration Required. Society members only. Not a member? Learn more about joining today!