DGS Calendar of Events: 2025-2026
Here is a full listing of our 2025-26 Programs. Save the dates…and register!
Members
No more registering through Eventbrite! We have simplified the process and made it so easy for you.
- Log in to your DGS account.
- Access this Events page.
- Click the registration link for the program you want to attend and complete the registration process.
- You’ll know you’re in the right place if ‘Zoom’ is displayed at the top left of the registration page.
Note: You must be logged into your DGS account to obtain the member registration link. The member registration link lets you bypass registration through Eventbrite.
Non-Members
Click the registration link for the event you want below and complete registration through Eventbrite.
- Free to Non-Members.
Keep scrolling down for more information on the speakers and their programs.
A calendar of local events from the Bucks County Genealogical Society is available here. Click on “Comprehensive Calendar of area genealogical events.”
Programs are supported by a gift from
Margaret Gause Bramble and Edward L. Bramble.
The speakers list for the 2025-2026 season is now complete.
Events are subject to change. Registration links are available for all events.
Saturday
20 Sep
20 Sep
2026
‘Forgotten Family: Pauper Records and Genealogy at the Delaware Public Archives’ with Joseph SullivanThe Delaware Public Archives contains a wealth of resources for genealogists, covering centuries of vital records, wills, deeds, and much more. However, many researchers encounter dead ends, in which a family member seems to drop off the face of the earth. No birth record, no property records, no will or probate. How then do we find these forgotten family members? Pauper records can be indispensable resources for filling these gaps, as they document the Delaware residents that history was most likely to forget: the poor, illegitimate children, unwed mothers, and others. This presentation will guide you through the evolution of public welfare and poor relief in Delaware, the types of records that are available to genealogists for research, and how to access these records at the Delaware Public Archives.
Non-Members: Registration Link
Joe Sullivan is the Welcome Center Supervisor and a Reference Archivist with the Public Services team at the Delaware Public Archives. He holds a bachelor’s in history and political science from Bridgewater College, serves as support staff for the Delaware Heritage Commission, and was a recipient of the 2023 Council of State Archivists Rising Star Award. Mr. Sullivan has worked on a variety of programs for the Delaware Public Archives, including topics such as the use of pauper and almshouse records for genealogy and Delaware’s role in the Revolutionary War.
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Non-Members: Registration Link
Joe Sullivan is the Welcome Center Supervisor and a Reference Archivist with the Public Services team at the Delaware Public Archives. He holds a bachelor’s in history and political science from Bridgewater College, serves as support staff for the Delaware Heritage Commission, and was a recipient of the 2023 Council of State Archivists Rising Star Award. Mr. Sullivan has worked on a variety of programs for the Delaware Public Archives, including topics such as the use of pauper and almshouse records for genealogy and Delaware’s role in the Revolutionary War.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
18 Oct
18 Oct
2025
‘Beyond the Brick Wall: Strategies for Pre-1850 U.S. Research’ with Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL™Research’ with Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL™Researching in the United States prior to 1850 presents unique challenges. Records contain less information, are seldom indexed, and can be difficult to find. In this class, we will introduce strategies for identifying relationships prior to 1850 and demonstrate advanced research skills, record analysis, and evidence correlation. Attendees should have some experience researching ancestors in the U.S. post-1850.
Non-members: Registration Link
Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL™ is an Accredited Genealogist® and Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ with expertise in the United States Gulf South region. She is a full-time United States and Canada Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and an adjunct faculty member at Salt Lake Community College where she teaches online classes in genealogy research and accreditation. Julia is the owner and managing member of Anderson Genealogical Research, LLC based in Orem, Utah and is the conference chair for the Utah Genealogical Association. She currently serves as a commissioner on the board of ICAPGen.
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Non-members: Registration Link
Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL™ is an Accredited Genealogist® and Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ with expertise in the United States Gulf South region. She is a full-time United States and Canada Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and an adjunct faculty member at Salt Lake Community College where she teaches online classes in genealogy research and accreditation. Julia is the owner and managing member of Anderson Genealogical Research, LLC based in Orem, Utah and is the conference chair for the Utah Genealogical Association. She currently serves as a commissioner on the board of ICAPGen.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
15 Nov
15 Nov
2025
‘Colonial Origins and DNA’ with Kate Penney Howard.
Have you ever scrolled down your match list…past known family, to second, third, and fourth cousins, finding yourself in a harsh landscape of distant cousins? We’ll talk about when distant matches can be useful in confirming Colonial ancestors…and when they can be misleading.
Non-members: Registration Link
Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.
Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged throughout.
Kate discovered her passion for teaching during her cancer journey, finding fulfillment in sharing knowledge with fellow genealogists. She approaches her work with integrity, deliberately addressing historical injustices and dispelling common myths in her presentations.
She has spoken at RootsTech, Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, and the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe, in addition to many state and county level organizations.
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Have you ever scrolled down your match list…past known family, to second, third, and fourth cousins, finding yourself in a harsh landscape of distant cousins? We’ll talk about when distant matches can be useful in confirming Colonial ancestors…and when they can be misleading.
Non-members: Registration Link
Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.
Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged throughout.
Kate discovered her passion for teaching during her cancer journey, finding fulfillment in sharing knowledge with fellow genealogists. She approaches her work with integrity, deliberately addressing historical injustices and dispelling common myths in her presentations.
She has spoken at RootsTech, Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, and the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe, in addition to many state and county level organizations.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
17 Jan
17 Jan
2026
‘The American Memory Collection at the Library of Congress’ with Shannon Combs-Bennett.In this presentation, learn about an amazing collection of digital items in the American Memory Collection at the Library of Congress. Accessible from your own home, take a tour of the site and learn how this collection can aid your research.
Non-members: Registration Link
Shannon Combs-Bennett is a Qualified Genealogist (QG) based in Northern Virginia. She is an award-winning author who lectures in the United States and internationally on various genealogical subjects, from genetic genealogy to genealogical methodology. Shannon earned her BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. She was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
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Non-members: Registration Link
Shannon Combs-Bennett is a Qualified Genealogist (QG) based in Northern Virginia. She is an award-winning author who lectures in the United States and internationally on various genealogical subjects, from genetic genealogy to genealogical methodology. Shannon earned her BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. She was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
21 Feb
21 Feb
2026
‘A House Divided: Research in the Civil War. Part I’ with Michael L. Strauss, AG.Sectional differences and ideology tore apart the United States between 1861 and 1865. This lecture separated in two parts is an in-depth examination of the various military records used to search for soldiers, sailors, and marines on both sides during this conflict. Compiled Service Records, Pensions, Draft Registrations, and related genealogical material is covered in this presentation. Civilian records covering the war period are also examined in both segments of this lecture.
Non-members: Registration Link
Michael L. Strauss, AG®, is a professional genealogist and military historian. His expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he has provided testimony as an expert witness. In addition to his courtroom experience, Michael has presented lectures at numerous universities, conferences, and institutes. He has authored several publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, public history writing, blogs, and book reviews, demonstrating his extensive understanding of military history.
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Non-members: Registration Link
Michael L. Strauss, AG®, is a professional genealogist and military historian. His expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he has provided testimony as an expert witness. In addition to his courtroom experience, Michael has presented lectures at numerous universities, conferences, and institutes. He has authored several publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, public history writing, blogs, and book reviews, demonstrating his extensive understanding of military history.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
21 Mar
21 Mar
2026
‘A House Divided: Research in the Civil War. Part 2’ with Michael L. Strauss, AG.This lecture continues and focuses on the other military branches outside of the United States Army; which includes the United States Navy, United States Marines, and Revenue Cutter Service; forerunners of the United States Coast Guard. Their Confederate counterparts in the Navy, and Marine Corps are also lectured on in detail.
Non-members: Registration Link
Michael L. Strauss, AG®, is a professional genealogist and military historian. His expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he has provided testimony as an expert witness. In addition to his courtroom experience, Michael has presented lectures at numerous universities, conferences, and institutes. He has authored several publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, public history writing, blogs, and book reviews, demonstrating his extensive understanding of military history.
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Non-members: Registration Link
Michael L. Strauss, AG®, is a professional genealogist and military historian. His expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where he has provided testimony as an expert witness. In addition to his courtroom experience, Michael has presented lectures at numerous universities, conferences, and institutes. He has authored several publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, public history writing, blogs, and book reviews, demonstrating his extensive understanding of military history.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
18 Apr
18 Apr
2026
‘Reconstructing the Lives of Our Farming Ancestors’ with Annette Burke Lyttle, CG®It’s a rare family tree that doesn’t contain at least some farm families, since until the latter part of the 19th century, farmers made up a majority of workers in America. It may be hard for us to envision what daily life was like for our farming ancestors as we try to recover their stories, and we may be tempted to say our ancestors were “just farmers.” But farm families were remarkable people. Learn how genealogical records and social history resources can help us reconstruct the life stories of your farming ancestors.
Non-members: Registration Link
Annette Burke Lyttle holds the Certified Genealogist® credential and owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing.
She loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels. She has a master’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Annette has been researching her family on and off since high school, and she has been a full-time genealogist since 2012.
Her genealogical education has included the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, the British Institute, the ProGen Study Group, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly Study Group. She is a course coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). She is past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is editor of The Florida Genealogist.
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Non-members: Registration Link
Annette Burke Lyttle holds the Certified Genealogist® credential and owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing.
She loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels. She has a master’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Annette has been researching her family on and off since high school, and she has been a full-time genealogist since 2012.
Her genealogical education has included the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, the British Institute, the ProGen Study Group, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly Study Group. She is a course coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). She is past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is editor of The Florida Genealogist.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
16 May
16 May
2026
‘Hand-written Text Recognition: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence to Transcribe and Search’ with Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QGHand-written text recognition software can turn manuscripts into searchable transcriptions. Learn how to use these tools and what they can (and cannot) do for you. The presentation includes a demonstration of Transkribus. These tools are especially useful when working with documents in other languages such as Dutch, Danish, French, German, Italian, Latin, Polish, Spanish and many more.
Non-Members: Registration Link
Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QGTM is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer from the Netherlands who specializes in researching Dutch ancestors. Her Dutch Genealogy website has helped thousands of people find their ancestors. Yvette does research for clients with ancestors from the Netherlands or its former colonies, including New Netherland. She has a master’s degree in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee in Scotland and holds the Certified Genealogist® and Qualified GenealogistTM credentials. Her articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly won excellence awards. Yvette lectures about research in the Netherlands, methodology, technology, and related topics.
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Non-Members: Registration Link
Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QGTM is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer from the Netherlands who specializes in researching Dutch ancestors. Her Dutch Genealogy website has helped thousands of people find their ancestors. Yvette does research for clients with ancestors from the Netherlands or its former colonies, including New Netherland. She has a master’s degree in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee in Scotland and holds the Certified Genealogist® and Qualified GenealogistTM credentials. Her articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly won excellence awards. Yvette lectures about research in the Netherlands, methodology, technology, and related topics.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Please revisit this page frequently for event updates and registration links.
Updated 17 July 2025