The KDGS has some great programs lined up for the coming year! Of course, these are all free to our KDGS Members but non-members will have to pay to attend where indicated (prices vary). Most of the main presentations will be followed by our short “Bite-size” talks – see topics below. Due to our limitations on Zoom, KDGS Members and non-members all need to register for these programs for which we are charging a fee to non-members. To register, see the registration form link below or at the description of each meeting (Registration Required). Our meetings start at 7pm but please sign into Zoom by 6:50pm – thank you! REGISTRATION FORM
Accessing Ancestry: The Roots, The Branches, and The Trees
Are you getting everything you can from Ancestry? Are you using the advanced search parameters? Are you using all the tools and materials available to you? Or do you just scrape the surface of the website? We will do a deep dive into Ancestry’s site to make sure you are extracting every last bit of useful material for your research.
Date: Monday, February 5, 2024
Presenter: Cyndi Ingle
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $20; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 43 years, is the creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized CyndisList.com. Cyndi is an expert in using technology for genealogy, research in the United States and bringing together traditional methodology with organization, computers, software, and the Internet. She is an internationally-known guest lecturer, and she has authored numerous articles and three books. Cyndi is the Executive Director for the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. She is a columnist for the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.
Bite-size: Internet Archives and the Wayback Machine, presenter, KDGS member, Xenia Stanford
Analyzing Historic Family Photographs
Old family photographs connect you with your family history, offering invaluable insights into your ancestors’ lives. However, identifying and deciphering the clues hidden within them can be frustratingly difficult at times. This session will guide you through a methodical approach to unraveling the mysteries hidden within your vintage family photos.
First, you’ll learn how to create research-quality digital copies. Then, to identify the parts of the photograph that provide clues about who is in it, as well as where and when it was taken. You’ll also learn some great approaches for organizing and analyzing your photo collection that will uncover clues your eyes may have missed!
Date: Monday, March 4, 2024, 7pm – Zoom log on open 6:40pm
Presenter: Mark Thompson
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://kdgs.ca/2024/march-2024-general-meeting/
Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and the Vice President of the Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS). He is also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. On top of his lifelong love of photography, Mark has inherited thousands of historic photographs from family members. He loves researching his own photo-collection as well as helping his clients preserve, catalog and research their own photo collections. Mark consults and speaks regularly on a wide range of genealogy-related topics, although specializes in DNA research and personal family archives. To see what Mark is working on these days, check out his blog at MakingFamilyHistory.com.
Bite-size: Peel’s Prairie Provinces, presenter KDGS member, Beverley Brooks
Tips for Breaking Brick Walls
Every genealogist at some time while researching runs up against brick walls. Brick walls are when a research question such as finding the parents of an ancestor cannot be answered. There are simple techniques to help break through these walls. Lisa will share those techniques with us.
Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Presenter: Lisa Gorrell
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Lisa Gorrell has been seriously researching her family for more than twenty-five years. It was the birth of her daughters that began the journey connecting the past and the future generations. One trip to Sutro Library to use microfilm of the 1920 census and finding her grandfather’s family got her hooked. Lisa is currently a board member with the Contra Costa Historical Society & volunteer at their archives at the History Center in Martinez, and a past-president of the Contra Costa County Genealogical Society and past-recording secretary of the California Genealogical Society. She is the tour leader with CGS’s research trip to Salt Lake City. A Certified Genealogist, Lisa enjoys giving genealogy presentations and writing about her family on two blogs.
Bite-size: Gravestone Clues, presenters KDGS members, Bob Hayes and Heather Clifton
Think Like an Archivist: Finding Genealogy Records in Libraries & Archives
- Finding research portals
- Using finding aids
- Crafting effective search strategies
- Finding genealogy records in archives
- Visiting archives in person
- Requesting records not yet online
Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Presenter: Nancy Loe
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Nancy Loe is a genealogist and has worked professionally in libraries and archives for four decades. She holds dual Master’s degrees from The Catholic University of America in American History and in Library Science with a specialization in archives administration and was fortunate to be able to intern twice at the Smithsonian Institution. Nancy has managed academic special collections and archives in California. She has appeared on PBS’s American Experience and California’s Gold as well as the Travel Channel. Nancy has presented at numerous conferences. Including RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society and has given presentations internationally.
Bite-size: Adobe Express for Genealogy, presenter Gord Hotchkiss