Family history enthusiasts will have comprehensive access to genealogical expertise when Wellington County Museum and Archives hosts its Genealogy Fair on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day-long event brings together renowned experts, specialized resources, vendors, and hands-on learning opportunities designed for researchers at every skill level.

“Many people don't know where to start when researching their family history," said Karen Wagner, Archivist at Wellington County Museum and Archives. "This fair connects our community with professional guidance and research tools that can transform a frustrating search into meaningful discoveries about their heritage."

The fair addresses a gap in local genealogical education by providing direct access to techniques and tools typically available only through expensive courses or distant conferences. Five distinguished speakers will share their expertise across diverse genealogical topics: 

• Manuel R. Sanhueza, Regional Manager of FamilySearch International, will demonstrate how to maximize the popular FamilySearch platform for family history research. 
• Emily Benedict, Conservator at Wellington County Museum and Archives, will provide essential guidance on preserving precious family documents and materials for future generations. 
• Susan Arness, PLCGS Certificate, with Perth Hill Genealogy: House and Family Research, will unlock the potential of ONLAND.ca, showing attendees how land records can reveal surprising family discoveries. 
• Catharine Wilson, F.R.S.C., retired University of Guelph professor and Director of the Rural Diary Archive, will explore how historical diaries can illuminate family stories and daily life of past generations. 
• Tracy Cain, educator and performer, will present on Black Canadian History in Wellington County, highlighting often-overlooked narratives in local genealogical research.

Vendor Marketplace

Seven vendors will offer specialized books, research services, and expertise in niche genealogical areas, including British Home Children research, Scottish ancestry, and local Wellington County connections through the Wellington County Branch of Ontario Ancestors.

Registration 

Pre-registration is required due to limited capacity at wellington.ca/form/genealogy-fair. The $20 registration fee includes access to all presentations, vendor interactions, and museum resources. Lunch will be available for purchase on-site.

Participants are encouraged to bring specific research questions and family information to maximize their experience with experts and vendors.

The following is a press release written by the (U.S.) National Archives and Records Administration:

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum 

500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, MO 64050

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT

July 30, 2025, marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of Medicare and Medicaid—a key milestone in American life and public health.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this critical legislation at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, with President and Mrs. Truman seated at his side. It was a nod to Truman’s determined fight for national healthcare. Although unsuccessful during his presidency, President Truman created the blueprint for legislation in 1965. It’s a living legacy currently enjoyed by every American citizen.

To celebrate this “sweet” milestone, Museum visitors can enjoy complimentary Betty Rae’s ice cream and celebration cupcakes, while they last (1-3 p.m.).

In the galleries, get up close and personal with historic artifacts, including pens used to sign Medicare into law and Medicare cards #1 and #2, personally issued to Harry and Bess Truman by President Johnson. Artifacts will be on display throughout the day; the presentation will take place at 11 a.m.

All events listed in the calendar are free unless noted

The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B) and other genealogy experts will meet for New York’s largest statewide family history conference this September.

This year’s theme is Echoes of New York and will feature livestreamed presentations in Kingston, New York, as well as on-demand sessions to watch at your own pace. All in-person programs will be livestreamed and subsequently made available on demand. 

From the essentials needed for navigating New York research to understanding immigration and migration patterns to accessing the myriad records for tracing ancestors, the conference offers a rich array of sessions to help participants hone their skills.

The livestreamed portion of the conference will be held on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston (272 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401). Special activities for in-person registrants will be held on September 18 and September 19 in Kingston (see more details in the full program and schedule below).

All the conference programming and sessions will be available to registrants for on-demand viewing from September 3rd through November 16, 2025.

What to Expect:

More than 20 of the top voices and experts in the genealogy field will lead sessions and answer your questions, including Skip Duett, Annette Burke Lyttle, Pam Ricciardi Paschke, D. Joshua Taylor, Jane E. Wilcox, and more.

More than 35 sessions and events (13 in person/livestreamed and 23 on demand), all for less than $10 a session.

A rich array of programming — whether it’s mastering the basics or refining research to break through brick walls — on a variety of topics like accessing arrival, court, marriage, military, and probate records; using DNA tools; exploring connections between different states; finding maiden names; and much more.

Plus, networking and learning opportunities with the wider genealogy and family history community.

You can learn more and register here.

Read more about genealogy in New York State. 

The following is a press release written by the (U.S.) National Archives and Records Administration:

Dining & Diplomacy Presidents have long used dining events to foster diplomatic ties. Have you ever wondered what is served at these events?  Dining and Diplomacy, an online exhibit from the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, utilizes original menus and photographs to illustrate the wide range of social events hosted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the White House, Camp David, and Prairie Chapel Ranch. White House residence staff prepare desserts for a social lunch honoring President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. NAID: 193426476 From the Stacks: The Spruce Division In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, the Germans ruled the skies. America and the other Allies desperately needed a reliable supply of airplanes, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest had just the thing to help: wood, specifically Sitka spruce. To this purpose, the U.S. Army Signal Corps Aviation Sector took control of the logging industry in the Northwest and created the Spruce Production Divisionto manage it. The division was headquartered in Vancouver, WA, and by Armistice Day, had nearly 30,000 soldiers assigned to the division. These soldiers served their country far from the battlefields of Europe, and their work changed the course of the air war. 5,000 soldiers worked and lived at the Vancouver Spruce Mill. (National Park Service photo) The Great Transcription Challenge Two years ago, NARA set an audacious goal to transcribe the more than 2.5 million pages found in the Revolutionary War Pension Files by America’s 250th on July 4th, 2026. In our first year, Citizen Archivists transcribed 65,000 pages. During the project’s second year, record transcription saw exponential growth, and we’ve been so excited to see the stories of America’s first veterans as they have been uncovered. We invite you to help transcribe these records to unlock the details and stories found within these rich records.  New to the Citizen Archivist program? Learn how to register and get started. Be sure to review the video How to Transcribe in the National Archives Catalog, our tutorial Get Started Transcribing and how-to videos on the Resources page. The stories of over 80,000 men and women who lived through the American Revolution are waiting to be told. Will you help us tell them? More National Archives News Contact the National Archives: public.affairs@nara.gov

Wondering where to watch the new series "Naming the Dead" this summer?We've got you covered.

"Naming the Dead" premieres Aug. 2 on National Geographic and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Across the United States, more than 50,000 bodies remain unidentified—un-mourned and unnamed, but not forgotten. NAMING THE DEAD, a riveting new six-part investigative series from National Geographic, brings these untold stories to light.

The series follows the groundbreaking work of the DNA Doe Project, a trailblazing nonprofit that uses genetic genealogy to help law enforcement crack the country's most confounding cold cases.

With unprecedented access to active investigations, NAMING THE DEAD captures the relentless pursuit of truth by a dedicated team of genealogists, detectives, coroners and journalists. Each episode plays out as a high-stakes mystery, where the clues are fragmented, the timelines span decades, and the emotional stakes couldn't be higher. Through distant DNA matches, fragile paper trails, and sheer determination, these forgotten victims are finally given what they deserve: a name, a history, and a chance at justice.

Blending cutting-edge science with deeply human storytelling, NAMING THE DEAD is a gripping testament to the power of identity and the people who refuse to let the lost be forgotten.

The Wellington County Museum and Archives is inviting residents to dig into their roots with a full day dedicated to uncovering family histories, exploring local heritage, and learning how to preserve the past for future generations.

The Genealogy Fair takes place Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum in Aboyne, offering access to expert speakers, hands-on tools, and resources for everyone from first-time family historians to seasoned researchers.

"We’ve held a genealogy fair in the past, before the pandemic, and we really felt it was time to bring it back," said Karen Wagner, Archivist at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. "There’s an Ontario-wide genealogy event hosted by Ontario Ancestors, but we wanted something more local, something that gives our community direct access to helpful speakers and resources."

The event will feature five expert presentations, each focused on a different aspect of genealogy and family history research. Topics range from free online search tools to rare archival materials and techniques for preserving family heirlooms.

Among the featured speakers is Manuel Sanhueza, Regional Manager of FamilySearch International, who will walk participants through how to make the most of FamilySearch.org, a free international genealogy platform that also includes Ontario-specific data.

Local conservator Emily Benedict, who works at the museum, will give practical advice on how to preserve family treasures, everything from old letters and photographs to digital images and sentimental objects like handmade furniture or wedding dresses.

Susan Arness, a certified genealogist, will offer a session on using ONLAND.ca, a free platform containing Ontario land registry records that can reveal where ancestors lived and how long they stayed on a particular property.

Retired University of Guelph professor Catharine Wilson will highlight the Rural Diary Archive Project, which digitizes personal diaries from Ontario’s past to offer a day-to-day look at what life was really like. Wagner says those entries can add "color and flavor" to family stories and help researchers connect names and dates with real-life experiences.

Finally, educator and performer Tracy Cain will present on Black Canadian history in Wellington County, spotlighting the contributions of families who settled in areas like Peel Township (now part of Mapleton) in the mid-1800s. 

"These are often overlooked narratives in local genealogical research and they’re an essential part of our shared history," Wagner said.

In addition to the presentations, a vendor marketplace will feature books, research services, and local genealogical societies, including representatives from the Wellington County branch of Ontario Ancestors. Attendees are encouraged to bring specific family questions and documents to make the most of the fair.

While many resources are increasingly available online, Wagner emphasized the continued importance of archives.

"People are more interested in genealogy than ever before, but there are still many records, especially local ones, that will never be online. That’s why archives matter. That’s why events like this matter," Wagner said.

The museum is also working to digitize local newspapers, one of the most valuable resources for family research. 

"No matter who you are, at some point your name shows up, maybe for a birth, death, school event, or community involvement," Wagner noted.

Pre-registration for the fair is required due to limited space. The $20 fee includes access to all presentations, vendors, and museum resources. Lunch will be available for purchase on-site. To register, visit: wellington.ca/form/genealogy-fair.

2025 ​AGS Genealogical Symposium - Build New Genealogy Skills

Featuring programs by 
Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist

 

Virtual Presentation

and ​Erick Montgomery

Executive Director- Historic Augusta and Past President AGS

In Person and Virtual Presentation

Saturday, August 16, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST (sign in at 9:45)  

Join the program virtually from home  
or participate in person at Brandon Wilde
Georgia Room— 4275 Owens Rd, Evans, GA 30809

Hosted by Brandon Wilde, the Augusta Premier Retirement Community

Registration Fee 
Virtual Program at Home:  $34.00
Attend the Virtual Program at Brandon Wilde, with Lunch: $49.00
Registration Deadline: August 11, 2025

Programs

Session 1: 
​Erick Montgomery  
​Finding Our Fathers (and Mothers): Using Artificial Intelligence in Genealogical Research

Artificial Intelligence is constantly in the news, but how can it assist genealogists in furthering family history research and in breaking down brick walls? Gain a very basic understanding of what AI is and how it can aid in your genealogical research. Specific step-by-step instructions will be demonstrated for using the new “FamilySearch Labs” tool to search their massive collection of digitized records that are freely available online. The handout will include an illustrated guide to ensure easy access when you try it on your own after the symposium.

Session 2: 

Judy G. Russell
​GENEALOGY & LEGAL RECORDS
NARA Mythbusters: 

​Your Family IS in the Archives

“All the military records were burned in the fire.” “There isn't any birth, marriage, or death information in federal records.” “There aren't any details about ordinary families at the National Archives.” These kinds of myth-statements stop genealogists from breaking down all kinds of brick walls using the wealth of information in NARA records. Join the Mythbusters with the treasures the National Archives holds for your family.

Session 3:

Judy G. Russell

GENEALOGY METHODOLOGY

When Worlds Collide: Resolving Conflicts in Genealogical

Records

Genealogical Proof Standard says to resolve conflicts in data... but like so many things that sound good, it’s easier said than done. What exactly are we supposed to do when we encounter conflicting evidence? What are the basic types of evidence conflicts and the methods – and tips and tricks – we can use to resolve them?

Session 4:

Judy G. Russell

GENEALOGY METHODOLOGY

Linking the Generations with Court and Land Records 

It’s the single biggest issue genealogists face: how do we connect one generation to the next with evidence we can rely on? Vital records are excellent documentation, but they often don’t exist for the time and place we’re researching. That’s when we have to find workarounds to make sure we’re not simply putting people into family lines because they share the same names. Using court and land records, we can often find the evidence we need to link the generations accurately.

Judy G. Russell, JD, CG®, CGL(sm), FUGA

Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist®, is a genealogist with a law degree. She writes, teaches, and lectures on a wide variety of genealogical topics, providing expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. A Colorado native with roots deep in the American south on her mother’s side and entirely in Germany on her father’s side, she holds a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark. Before she retired, she worked as a newspaper reporter, trade association writer, legal investigator, defense attorney, federal prosecutor, law editor, and, for more than 20 years, as an adjunct member of the faculty at Rutgers Law School.

She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, and numerous state and regional genealogical societies. Named a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association in 2025, she received the 2015 UGA Silver Tray Award and the 2017 Award of Excellence from the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, where she now serves as a member of the NGSQ editorial board.
An internationally-known lecturer and course coordinator and faculty member at numerous genealogical institutes, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. Her award-winning blog appears at The Legal Genealogist® website (https://www.legalgenealogist.com).

Erick Montgomery, Executive Director– Historic Augusta, Past President– AGS  

Erick Montgomery is the Executive Director of Historic Augusta, Inc., a position he has held since 1989. Historic Augusta is an organization dedicated to the preservation
of historic sites and structures in Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area, providing technical assistance and consultation on historic rehabilitation and restoration. Genealogically, he has been an avid family historian since childhood and has published genealogical and historical articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ), The American Genealogist (TAG), Augusta-Richmond County History, the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly (APGQ), and the Franklin County (Tennessee) Historical Review. He formerly served as President of the Augusta Genealogical Society and was once President of the Savannah Area Genealogical Association. To advance his research skills, he has attended the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) several times over the years, as well as other genealogical conferences, seminars, and workshops. 

AGS Genealogical Symposium - Augusta Genealogical Society

Click the above link to register online.  

A flyer and a registration form are also attached. 

The following is a news release from the city of Pocatello.

The Marshall Public Library is excited to announce an upcoming oral history event designed to help residents begin their journey into family history and personal storytelling. The event will take place Tuesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Community Room.#@#_WA_-_CURSOR_-_POINT_#@#

The Library will welcome Idahocemetery, a nonprofit organization based in Pocatello that specializes in assisting individuals with genealogy and preserving oral histories. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to start a family tree, record and preserve family stories, and schedule future one-on-one sessions with Idahocemetery volunteers for personalized guidance.

“It’s never too early or too late to begin exploring your roots,” said Jack Garrett, Library Specialist at Marshall Public Library. “We’re proud to partner with Idahocemetery to offer this valuable resource to the community.”

IdahoCemetery is “a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing memorial services for the improvement of communities, historical preservation, cemetery revitalization and family history research in the state of Idaho,” its website says.

The event is free and open to all ages. Whether you’re a beginner in genealogy or looking for ways to preserve cherished family memories, this event will provide the tools and support to get started.

For more information, contact Marshall Public Library at (208) 232-1263 or visit the website.

There’s a lot of summer still ahead, but the hot and humid weather brings on thoughts of crisp fall days. The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society is contacting participants for the three day Darlington Event — “Night (and Day) at the Museum, 2025,” Sept. 19-21.

As in the past there will be historical re-enactors from the Fur Trade Era, and the Civil War Era, displays of ancient artifacts, hands- on activities, and specific historically significant figures from Lafayette County’s past. Everyone that has participated in the past is encouraged to contact the Museum at 608-776-8340, or Barb at 608-482-2483 to make sure they are on the contacts list for coordinating efforts for this year’s event.  

The Society has arranged for live music on Saturday with The First Brigade Band in the afternoon, and The Blackbridge Boys in the evening. There will be food vendors including the Darlington Optimists, The Lions Club, and Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato, and there is room for more.  

It is challenging to communicate with county schools being close to the start of a new school year, but LCHGS will reach out to all the schools with the opportunity to have some hands-on local history education on Friday, Sept. 19.  The event can enhance Wisconsin history education and inspire students. LCHGS can pay school transportation expense thanks to a grant from Wiegel Strong Foundation.

This is a free event. Free to attend and free to participate. Crafters, food vendors, and charitable organizations looking to publicize their efforts or raise funds for their causes, are all welcome with no fee. Contact the Museum or Barb to make sure your space is reserved.

Although it is “free,” there are expenses to make this happen. LCHGS is grateful to the Darlington Community Fund, Woodford State Bank, and Apple River State Bank for financial assistance. Any other area businesses or people that would like to contribute are encouraged to send donations to the Museum at 525 Main Street, Darlington.

For additional information call 776-8340 or 482-2483.

The Milton Historical Society announced the opening of a new research center with an educational family tree workshop on July 12 at the historic society on Union Street. The new resource space is devoted to helping researchers looking for historical information or working on family history research. The research center includes library books (some rare, some local and some specific to Milton history), online family tree databases, printers, laptops and trained volunteers to lead researchers through their history questions.

To mark the opening of the research center, the historical society hosted a family tree workshop on July 12 led by CJ Gail, a summer intern and history student from Trinity College in Ireland. Gail is studying in the U.S. this summer to gain a new perspective on history research from a different cultural view.

The family tree workshop introduced participants to the basics of genealogy research including how to get started, what resources and websites to use and how to stay organized. The workshop also introduced a new monthly workshop series on different historical research topics. One of the upcoming workshops will be on historic home research.

The research center is open to the public by appointment only. Fees for research are by donation and determined by the level of research. The space is intended for a pure educational use and is not affiliated with any regulations or restrictions. The new research center will help individuals research their personal or local history with confidence.

The Milton Historical Society is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. For research appointments or to register for an upcoming workshop, please call 302-684-1010 or email visit@historicmilton.org. For more information, visit miltonhistoricalsociety.org.