German Genealogy Resources & Free Webinar

Check these out if you have German ancestors. 

German Genealogy Collective The Place for German Genealogy, The tools you need for German Genealogical Success

9 Amazing Websites for Occupations in German Genealogy Blog Article by Katherine Schober

Free Live Webinar with Katherine Schober - 5 German Records You May Be Missing (and the Secrets They Could Reveal)

Choose from three live sessions next week – November 3, 4, or 5! Register below to save your spot and join us at the time that works best for you. Live Session Dates: Tuesday, November 3 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT Wednesday, November 4 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT Thursday, November 5 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT Link to sign up: https://mailchi.mp/germanologyunlocked/german-records What if some of the biggest clues to your German family history are hiding in records you’ve never heard of? While church and vital records are often our go-to sources, there’s a whole world of lesser-known German documents that exist - records that might hold the key to your next big breakthrough! What You'll Discover in This Free Webinar: 5 overlooked German record types that could open up new avenues for your family history research. Surprising details about your ancestors and their everyday lives that traditional records may not reveal. Where to find these documents, including helpful websites, databases, and German archives. How to break through research roadblocks by using lesser-known sources to uncover family connections and fill in missing details. Whether you're just getting started or have been researching your German ancestors for years, you'll walk away excited and confident, with new sources and strategies to help move your research forward. Let's go! Join us live at 1:00 PM ET on November 3, 4, or 5 and find out what you’ve been missing! View your timezone here. Don’t miss this chance to untangle the confusion and unlock new family history discoveries. Sign up now!

Gen Friends Saturday Seminar - Diseases our Ancestors Faced & How Those Illnesses Changed Our World

 

Join Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries for our next free Saturday Seminar on November 21, 2026 in person at W.O. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, TX or via Zoom.

Zoom Room Opens at 10:15 am CT

Networking at the Library 10:15-10:40 am CT

Announcements & Program Begins 10:40 am CT

Email newsletter@genealogyfriends for Zoom info. 

This presentation reviews several of the major illnesses our ancestors dreaded but thankfully with which we rarely concern ourselves. We will use historical records including death records as well as modern investigations to tell the story of illnesses and how it impacted the lives of our ancestors and how these illnesses shaped our world today. 

Dr. Gregory C. Gardner is a semiretired physician, medical educator, and rheumatologist with over three decades of experience in clinical practice and academic medicine. He served for more than 30 years as a clinician and educator at the University of Washington and continues to contribute to medical education at the national level. Dr. Gardner also provides specialized rheumatology care to four Native American Tribes in Washington State. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Gardner is passionate about family history and enjoys sharing his research and teaching in this field. Outside of his professional pursuits, he finds joy in traveling with his spouse and spending time with his six beloved grandchildren. 

Handouts and recordings are available for members on our website. Membership is $30 per year and includes a bonus webinar library with presentations by Thomas MacEntee. https://www.genealogyfriends.org/membership.html

We'd love to see you at our next event!

Merging and Separating Identities: Advanced Techniques to Organize, Analyze and Solve

 Research Like A Pro Institute is offering a course coordinated by Jan Joyce, CG, CGL, AG - Merging and Separating Identities: Advanced Techniques to Organize, Analyze, and Solve. https://familylocket.com/product/merging-and-separating-identities/ 

Designed for genealogists ready to master the art of identity resolution, Merging & Separating Identities provides hands-on strategies for tackling complex merging and separating cases. This virtual institute course features engaging instruction, real-world case studies, and practical exercises where participants learn to apply analytical tools, mapping, and FAN club techniques under the guidance of course coordinator Jan Joyce.

Class meets weekly for seven weeks on Thursdays from January 7 to February 18 or February 25 (class may not meet on February 18 in which case there will be class on February 25) from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. MT.

Course Objectives

Implement a comprehensive Merging and Separating Identities Process to resolve cases, including:

1. Collect and Organize Evidence Systematically – Learn systems to organize large quantities of data, maximize that data to build identity dossiers, and correlate the information to resolve or support the resolution of complex cases.
2. Apply Proven Resolution Methods – Implement timelines, mapping, FAN club analysis, and other methodologies to merge or separate identities with confidence.

 

 Course Description

Merging and separating identities is a critical part of genealogical research and a fundamental challenge in the field. Discerning identities among individuals who share names, locations, birth years and other descriptors is a prevalent challenge for researchers of all levels. The course focuses on the scenarios including: same name and one location, same name and multiple locations, different names and  multiple locations.

Every session in the course will provide techniques and examples to help organize, analyze and solve M/S cases. Sessions will enhance each student’s proficiency identifying and gathering descriptors and resolving cases through:

• Identity Profiling – Systematically gather and organize descriptors including biographical, geographical, social, and familial characteristics to build comprehensive identity dossiers.
• Research Methodologies – Select and implement proven analytical methods such as timeline construction, onomastic analysis, geographic mapping, FAN club identification, contextual research, and negative evidence collection.
• Analytical Tools – Utilize spreadsheet techniques, visualization methods, and emerging technologies to correlate data, identify patterns, and resolve complex identity questions.

 

Identity resolution challenges are among the most complex issues facing genealogical researchers, as evidenced by the extensive literature devoted to the subject. This course addresses these challenges through a multi-faceted learning approach:

• Foundational Instruction – In-depth presentations covering theory, methodology, and practical application techniques.
• Applied Case Studies – Analysis of real-world examples that demonstrate successful problem-solving strategies and decision-making frameworks.
• Interactive Workshops and Exercises– Structured exercises providing hands-on experience with identity correlation and analysis methods.
• Common Data Set – A small group of records is used for pre-course preparation and classroom application, enabling students to practice techniques before, during, and after instruction.

 

Anticipated Target Audience

Intermediate / High Intermediate / Advanced

Designed for intermediate and advanced genealogists, this course offers the opportunity to learn and practices techniques that will help students to master identity resolution. Participants will refine analytical techniques, deepen their understanding of genealogical methodology, and develop the skills necessary to confidently resolve difficult merging and separating cases.

Prerequisites

The course integrates traditional and cutting-edge methodologies, from offline paper-and-pen techniques to digital tools including Microsoft Excel for data organization, AirTable for advanced data management and visualization, and artificial intelligence platforms for enhanced data gathering and analysis. Basic Excel familiarity is recommended to maximize course benefits.

Pre-course work is optional but strongly recommended. Students receive the Common Data Set and detailed instructions one month prior to the course. Participants typically invest 10-20 hours in preliminary analysis before the first session.

Technical Support Requirements

• Spreadsheet Proficiency – Students should have familiarity with spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets, or AirTable). The course focuses on applying spreadsheet functions for identity resolution rather than teaching spreadsheet basics.
• NGS Membership – Recommended for access to the comprehensive Literature Review database, which includes articles from National Genealogical Society Quarterly and National Genealogical Society Magazine.
• Database Access – FamilySearch (free) and Ancestry subscriptions provide access to the curated record set used for pre-course preparation and classroom exercises.

 

Course Materials

Rather than a standard syllabus, students receive a comprehensive toolkit of practical resources including fillable templates, reference guides, and analytical tools designed for immediate application and long-term use in genealogical research.

Recordings

Recordings of the sessions will be available for 14 days after the course has ended.

RootsMagic 12 is here!

RootsMagic 12 has been released and is on sale through October 31.

Upgrade for $19.95 and Purchase for $29.95

Some of the improvements are:

• New Family Tree View - one person in the middle with ancestors above and descendants below
• Sources Made Simpler - 18 templates based on Evidence Explained Version 4
• On this Day - List of births, marriages, and deaths in your tree that happened on today's date
• Additional AI Prompts in the AI Prompt Builder
• New Charts - Hourglass Fan Tree and Bow Tie Charts

Link for more info and to purchase

RootsTech 2027 Registration is Now Open

The world's premier family discovery event - 4-6 March 2027. Join in-person in Salt Lake City or online.

Why attend RootsTech 2027? It will be a celebration of the joy of connection: a family discovery event, an on-demand learning library, a way to grow closer to the people, places, and stories that matter most. 

Online - 200+ new online sessions, inspiring keynote sessions, connect with other RootsTech attendees, discover the latest family history technologies, and learn from a community of industry experts. 

In-person - Early bird pricing $99 for 3 day pass - 225+ exclusive sessions only available in Salt Lake City, 200+ exhibitors/sponsors in the Expo Hall. 

Link to Register https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/

 

Genealogy Lock-In - October 16, 2026

 This will be the event's 25th year, featuring eight lectures.   

When: October 16, 2026 - 9:00 to 5:50 CT

Where: W.O. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd., Plano or via Zoom

Registration is now open - https://plano.libnet.info/event/16733665

9:00 -  9:50 Building Your Digital Family History Archive | Difficulty: Intermediate

EvaAnne Johnson, Genealogy & Local History Librarian at Wilmette Public Library

While we are researching our family tree, we often collect a lot of digital files - from downloaded records and emailed documents to scanned photographs and mobile screenshots. What should we do with all these digital files, and how can we keep them organized? This presentation will cover the basics of digital preservation and outline practical steps for creating a well-structured Digital Family History Archive to safeguard your genealogy work.

 

10:00  -   10:50 Researching Your Scottish Ancestors | Difficulty: Intermediate

Erika A. Ward, PGCERT (Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies)

Do you have ancestors who emigrated from Scotland? Are you unsure of which records exist, how to use them, or where to find them? This class explores the rich landscape of Scottish historical sources- including census, church, civil, and immigration/emigration records- to help you uncover the stories hidden in your Scottish heritage.

 

11:00  -   11:50  Cluster Research, or Discovering You're Related to the Whole Block | Difficulty: Intermediate

Jessica M. Trotter, Genealogy Presenter and Researcher

As Aristotle noted, "Man is by nature a social animal"-he has family, society, and throughout history he has moved with them. This session includes tips, tricks, and examples of how researching the neighborhood and other associates of your ancestors can further your own research.

 

11:50 12:30 Lunch Break

12:30  -   1:50  Unlocking Your Roots: Starting Your Genealogy Journey | Difficulty: Beginner

    Barbara Coakley, Genealogy Researcher, Speaker, Author

Learn how to start your genealogy journey or update your skills using a repeatable research process. Begin with what you already know, frame your research question, explore essential records, and organize your discoveries.

 

2:00  -  2:50 Beyond the Family Tree: An Introduction to Oral History for Genealogy | Difficulty: Beginner

Adrienne Cain Darough, MLS, CA Assistant Director and Clinical Associate Professor, Institute for Oral History 

Genealogy often begins with documents, but it becomes powerful through storytelling.  This presentation explores   the fundamentals of oral history and how intentional interviewing can uncover context, culture, and connections that traditional records may miss. Learn how to plan, conduct, and preserve meaningful family interviews.

3:00  -  3:50 Texas & Southern Genealogy Resources at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History | Difficulty: Beginner

Margaret Schlankey, Assistant Director for Public Services, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, UT

The Briscoe Center has a vast collection of resources helpful to genealogists with roots in Texas and the American South. This presentation will go over what's available and how to access them.

 

4:00 - 4:50 Researching Your Revolutionary War Soldier: A Case Study |                        Difficulty: Intermediate

Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA, President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc.

A Revolutionary War ancestor can be a goldmine of information if you know where to look. This lecture aims to examine types of service, compiled military service records, pension applications, settled accounts, and where other documents can be found using a step-by-step methodology in a case study.

5:00  -  5:50 Gen Z + Genealogy: Getting the Younger Generation Interested in Genealogy Research | Difficulty: Beginner

Carl Smith, MLIS, Manager of the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus 

Do you have a passion for family history but are worried about who carries the genealogical torch after you? Join in for a special presentation on Gen Z + Genealogy where we'll discuss tips and tricks on how to foster understanding, communication, and participation with the younger generations, and ideas to better market genealogy to different age groups in ways that can increase interest in the topic all around.

September 19, 2026 Free Saturday Seminar: From Parlor to Platform: Women's Clubs & Organizations as Genealogical Sources

 

Join Genealogy Friends on Saturday, September 19, 2026 either in person at W.O. Haggard Library or via Zoom for our next Free Saturday Seminar.  (All Times Central Time)

10:00  Library Doors Open

10:15  Zoom Room Opens

10:15-10:40  Networking at Library & On Zoom

10:40  Announcements

10:45 Presentation Begins 

Discover how the women's club movement of the late 1800s took women from the parlor into hospitals, schools, and civic office - and left behind records that document them in their own right, not through the men in their lives. Includes a case study of a women's organization and tips on where these records survive.  

Email newsletter@genealogyfriends.org for Zoom information.