2024 Meeting Topics

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Please Note: Club Members can download the presentations and handouts when avalable from the Presentations and Handouts page.

Nov 2024

U.S. Civil War History and Genealogy Research with Robert M. Willbanks IV. A historical overview with a discussion on the effect of the Civil War on families and a review of the military at the time. [Handout] 

Oct 2024

German Migration to the United States: Historical Roots and Routes with Amy Urman. 

Amy is a professional genealogist, licensed private investigator, researcher, and lecturer with more than 25 years of genealogy teaching and historical research. Amy discussed the how, why, and when large numbers of Germans emigrated to America. [Handout]

Our Tips and Tricks presentation was a review by Erik Riswick on the history of changing boundaries in Europe affecting where German people lived (and may have left) [Germany-Historical Timeline-Presentation] and by Vicky Ferraresi on how to find where your German family lived in Europe. [Germany-Research Tips-Presentation]

Sept 2024

Evaluation of Evidence with Janna Larson on how to avoid pitfalls and develop a genealogy you can trust. Ms. Larson is a professional genealogist and the owner of Janna’s Genealogy Services. She has been an avid genealogist since 1981 and holds a B.A. degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ms. Larson has been a member of the Family History Society of Arizona since 1982 and has held many offices in the Society.

Our Tips and Tricks presentation was by Polly Wimberly on Using FamilySearch to Develop Timelines. 

May 2024

Genealogy Starts with You (Writing Your Stories) with Jan Whalen, focusing on four modes/skills that enable one to fit into the dynamic world of genealogy. Jan shared her method for selecting vital stories that make up one’s legacy. Her perspective is the result of 15 years of book “projects,” and she brought examples to be used as references for sharing one’s work. Her session was informative, interactive, and uplifting. 

Our Tips and Tricks presentation was by Jolene Beard on Strategies for Finding Your Missing Female Ancestor. [Presentation]

Apr 2024

The Jewish Connection with Emily H. Garber. An archaeologist by training (B.A. and M.A.), Emily Garber has been researching her Jewish family heritage since 2007 and holds a certificate from Boston University’s Genealogical Research program. She is a family history researcher, writer, and speaker, and owns Extra Yad Genealogical Services, [Handout]

Our Tips and Tricks presentation was by Vicky Ferraresi on Using JewishGen—the Global Home for Jewish Genealogy. [Presentation]

Mar 2024

The McClelland Irish Library and Irish-American Research with Tom Jenney. The library, in downtown Phoenix, has a wealth of genealogical resources available to people digging for their roots—especially their Irish and Irish-American roots. Tom shared family secrets he uncovered as part of his own genealogical searches!

Our Tips and Tricks presentation was by Kevin Campbell who spoke on Irish Immigration and Irish Records. [Presentation] [Handout]

Feb 2024

US Land Records for Genealogical Research Purposes with Suzanne Young Brayer. Suzanne is an educator, historical researcher, and avid genealogist with more than 30 years’ experience. She graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in history and education from Arizona State University. She reviewed the survey systems in the U.S.; locating Patents and Warrants, U.S. deed books, and other land records; how to locate an ancestor’s land deed, homestead grant, and other land on a map; find homestead applications, plat maps, bounty land warrants, and more. [Handout]

Our Tips in Tricks presentations were with Chris Pelikan on the “British Colonial Migration to America” [Presentation] [Handout] and with Jolene Beard on “I Want to Join the DAR”, 

Jan 2024

Research on US GenWeb.org with Judy Husk and Using Vital Records with Denise Beeson.