DGS Calendar of Events: 2024–2025
Here is a full listing of our 2024-25 Programs. Save the dates…and register!
The Program Committee has taken extra care to align topics with feedback from the recent member survey. Take note of the start time- 1:00 pm EST– to accommodate members from several different time zones.
We have made changes to the registration process.
Members and Non-Members will register using different links.
Important note for members:
Please review future email and newsletter communications for the registration link or log into your account and revisit this page.
Find the “Member Registration Link below.”
Keep scrolling down for more information on the speakers and their programs.
If you’re not a member, consider joining us. At less than 5 cents a day, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of DGS membership, including handouts and recorded videos from past meetings. Member benefits are described here.
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.
Saturday
21 Sept
21 Sept
2024
‘Land Records: Rich Resources for Relationships,’ with Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG®, CGLSMLand and deed records were created by ancestors during the colonial era, from state-land-states, in federal lands, and as military bounties. Some records in deed books had nothing to do with land or property. We will introduce these, some deed vocabulary, and follow case studies of how deed records were integral to finding relationships.
Non-members: Click here to register.
Rebecca Whitman Koford holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and as a Certified Genealogical LecturerSM. She focuses on research in Maryland, Upstate New York, Virginia, the District of Columbia, colonial records, military records from the Revolution through the Civil War, federal records at the National Archives (D.C.), and land records of all types. She is co-author of the recently released NGS Research in the States series book on Maryland. Rebecca is a graduate and former mentor of the ProGen Study Group and served as its Administrator from 2015–2020. She speaks at national conferences and regularly teaches at institutes, most recently the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). She served as Executive Director of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® from 2018–2024. In 2021, she was named as Director of the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) in Washington, D.C. She takes clients and runs her business under the name Rebecca Whitman Koford Genealogical Research, LLC.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
Rebecca Whitman Koford holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and as a Certified Genealogical LecturerSM. She focuses on research in Maryland, Upstate New York, Virginia, the District of Columbia, colonial records, military records from the Revolution through the Civil War, federal records at the National Archives (D.C.), and land records of all types. She is co-author of the recently released NGS Research in the States series book on Maryland. Rebecca is a graduate and former mentor of the ProGen Study Group and served as its Administrator from 2015–2020. She speaks at national conferences and regularly teaches at institutes, most recently the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). She served as Executive Director of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® from 2018–2024. In 2021, she was named as Director of the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) in Washington, D.C. She takes clients and runs her business under the name Rebecca Whitman Koford Genealogical Research, LLC.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
19 Oct
19 Oct
2024
‘Intro to Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church,’ with Sunny Jane MortonU.S. church records of many denominations can reveal ancestors’ vital events, family relationships, overseas birthplaces and other residences and religious lives. From the co-author of the acclaimed book “How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records”, learn what these records may look like, how to identify an ancestral church, locate extant records and access them.
Non-members: Click here to register.
Sunny Jane Morton is co-author of the award-winning book, How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records, and coordinator of the 2024 church records course at the GRIP Genealogy Institute. She is a Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine and Content Director for Your DNA Guide. She is past Editor of Ohio Genealogy News and host of the Book Club for the Virtual Genealogical Association.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
Sunny Jane Morton is co-author of the award-winning book, How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records, and coordinator of the 2024 church records course at the GRIP Genealogy Institute. She is a Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine and Content Director for Your DNA Guide. She is past Editor of Ohio Genealogy News and host of the Book Club for the Virtual Genealogical Association.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
16 Nov
16 Nov
2024
FRIENDLY RELATIONS – ‘Finding American Quakers and their Online Records’ with Steven Waltz MorrisonIn 1750 the Quaker religion was the third largest in the colonies. So, if you have an English sounding surname, a dead-end pointing to the British Isles or Ireland, and if your kin could have arrived before the American Revolution … well you could be looking for a Friend (Quaker)! Learn about the Quakers and their meticulous record keeping, now available online.
Non-members: Click here to register.
Steven Waltz Morrison is a past-president of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Olympia Genealogical Society. He attained a Master’s degree from The Evergreen State College where he taught for seven years as an adjunct faculty. Quaker records are Steven’s area of
expertise. He has coordinated several genealogical institute courses on this topic including at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), a virtual course at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and a fall virtual at SLIG. In 2024 he will present at the ISBGFH British Institute. Steven has addressed international audiences on Quaker topics at the Ulster American Heritage Symposium in Omagh, Ireland & Toronto, Canada, and the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Ireland. Also, he presented at a National Genealogical Society conference. The American Society of Genealogists awarded Steven their Scholar Award in 2016.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
Steven Waltz Morrison is a past-president of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Olympia Genealogical Society. He attained a Master’s degree from The Evergreen State College where he taught for seven years as an adjunct faculty. Quaker records are Steven’s area of
expertise. He has coordinated several genealogical institute courses on this topic including at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), a virtual course at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and a fall virtual at SLIG. In 2024 he will present at the ISBGFH British Institute. Steven has addressed international audiences on Quaker topics at the Ulster American Heritage Symposium in Omagh, Ireland & Toronto, Canada, and the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Ireland. Also, he presented at a National Genealogical Society conference. The American Society of Genealogists awarded Steven their Scholar Award in 2016.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
18 Jan
18 Jan
2025
‘Figuring Out a Mystery Match – How am I Related to This Person?’ with Peggy S. JudeDo you have a match that you don’t recognize? With no idea how they are related to you? Using an actual case study, we present nine steps to figuring out who a match is and how you might be related.
Non-members: Click here to register.
Peggy is a speaker, educator and researcher who has been conducting genealogical research for over 40 years. She specializes and teaches in five areas of genealogical interest: DNA, Genealogical Technology, Preserving Family History and Family Heirlooms, Genealogical Methods and Records, and Swedish Genealogy.
Peggy is a course coordinator for the DNA Foundations course at the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and a graduate of ProGen. Peggy serves as the VP, Projects and member of the board of the Manatee Genealogical Society (FL.) where she leads both the DNA and the Technology for Genealogy Special Interest Groups for the society. She holds a BS in Zoology from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
Peggy is a speaker, educator and researcher who has been conducting genealogical research for over 40 years. She specializes and teaches in five areas of genealogical interest: DNA, Genealogical Technology, Preserving Family History and Family Heirlooms, Genealogical Methods and Records, and Swedish Genealogy.
Peggy is a course coordinator for the DNA Foundations course at the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and a graduate of ProGen. Peggy serves as the VP, Projects and member of the board of the Manatee Genealogical Society (FL.) where she leads both the DNA and the Technology for Genealogy Special Interest Groups for the society. She holds a BS in Zoology from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
22 Feb
22 Feb
2025
‘Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI,’ with Thomas MacEnteeLearn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.
Non-members: Click here to register.
Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller, entrepreneur, and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals. He’s a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, student, advocate, marketer, storyteller, entrepreneur, and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals. He’s a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
22 Mar
22 Mar
2025
‘Advanced Colonial Research, Part I,’ with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGAProgram description coming soon
Non-members: Click here to register.
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is a nationally recognized speaker and author specializing in genealogy and family history. With a profound passion for the diverse and dynamic field of genealogy, Joshua serves as the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B). His contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Award of Merit, the Award of Merit and the Rubincam Youth Award from the National Genealogical Society, and recognition as one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers in 2017.
Joshua holds an MLS in Archival Management and an MA in History from Simmons College. His expertise has been featured on the television show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, working with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and Rob Lowe. Additionally, he guides audiences through America’s past as a host on the popular PBS series ‘Genealogy Roadshow’.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is a nationally recognized speaker and author specializing in genealogy and family history. With a profound passion for the diverse and dynamic field of genealogy, Joshua serves as the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B). His contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Award of Merit, the Award of Merit and the Rubincam Youth Award from the National Genealogical Society, and recognition as one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers in 2017.
Joshua holds an MLS in Archival Management and an MA in History from Simmons College. His expertise has been featured on the television show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, working with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and Rob Lowe. Additionally, he guides audiences through America’s past as a host on the popular PBS series ‘Genealogy Roadshow’.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
12 Apr
12 Apr
2025
‘Advanced Colonial Research, Part 2,’ with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGAProgram description coming soon
Non-members: Click here to register.
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is a nationally recognized speaker and author specializing in genealogy and family history. With a profound passion for the diverse and dynamic field of genealogy, Joshua serves as the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B). His contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Award of Merit, the Award of Merit and the Rubincam Youth Award from the National Genealogical Society, and recognition as one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers in 2017.
Joshua holds an MLS in Archival Management and an MA in History from Simmons College. His expertise has been featured on the television show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, working with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and Rob Lowe. Additionally, he guides audiences through America’s past as a host on the popular PBS series ‘Genealogy Roadshow’.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is a nationally recognized speaker and author specializing in genealogy and family history. With a profound passion for the diverse and dynamic field of genealogy, Joshua serves as the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B). His contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Award of Merit, the Award of Merit and the Rubincam Youth Award from the National Genealogical Society, and recognition as one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers in 2017.
Joshua holds an MLS in Archival Management and an MA in History from Simmons College. His expertise has been featured on the television show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, working with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and Rob Lowe. Additionally, he guides audiences through America’s past as a host on the popular PBS series ‘Genealogy Roadshow’.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar
Saturday
17 May
17 May
2025
‘Top Repositories for Delaware Research,’ with Irene Heffran MonleyProgram description coming soon.
Non-members: Click here to register.
Irene Heffran Monley is a past president of the Delaware Genealogical Society and editor of the recently published fourth edition of the Delaware Genealogical Research Guide. She speaks periodically about family history research in the First State, including her webinar on ‘Finding Your Delaware Ancestors’ on Legacy Family Tree Webinars. She has been researching her own family for more than ten years and enjoys helping and inspiring people to find their ancestors.
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Non-members: Click here to register.
Irene Heffran Monley is a past president of the Delaware Genealogical Society and editor of the recently published fourth edition of the Delaware Genealogical Research Guide. She speaks periodically about family history research in the First State, including her webinar on ‘Finding Your Delaware Ancestors’ on Legacy Family Tree Webinars. She has been researching her own family for more than ten years and enjoys helping and inspiring people to find their ancestors.
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1:00 pm EasternWebinar