Thomas MacEntee On-Demand Webinars

These on-demand webinars are free to view with an active DGS membership. They are available January 1, 2026.


  • All webinars are created by Thomas MacEntee, an experienced genealogy educator with decades of teaching and research experience. 
  • They are 45-60 minutes long with real-world examples, step-by-step how-tos, and a downloadable, detailed PDF handout (minimum four pages) for each session.
  • Streaming is via the Vimeo platform. Note: DGS members CANNOT download the videos. They must be viewed on the DGS website.
  • One new webinar by Thomas MacEntree will be added quarterly to maintain year-round fresh content.


Webinar Descriptions

  1. 10 Must-Haves for Genealogy and Family History Success
    Learn the fundamental genealogy skills that work for researchers at all levels, whether you’re just starting or fully committed to “the hunt.” Discover techniques for successful research, both online and in person.
  2. AI and Genealogy: Using AI to Create Better Family Stories and Narratives
    Transform genealogical facts into engaging family stories using AI responsibly and ethically. Learn to overcome writer’s block, improve narrative flow, and bring ancestors to life in family history books, blog posts, and biographies—using AI to enhance rather than replace your storytelling skills.
  3. Can I Use That In My Genealogy? What You Should Know About Copyright
    Understand US copyright law and how it affects your genealogy research. Learn to identify copyrighted documents and photos, and discover legal ways to use them in your family history work without restrictions or penalties.
  4. Don’t Chop Off That Branch! A Genealogy Arborist’s Handbook
    Discover strategies to correct genealogical research errors without deleting family tree branches. Using real examples, learn multiple approaches to resolve faulty research and salvage valuable information you’ve spent years building.
  5. Citing Sources and Evaluating Evidence
    Master the essential skills of citing sources and evaluating evidence as you transition from casual research to serious genealogy. Learn techniques to strengthen your research data and build credible family histories.
  6. Futureproofing Your Genealogy – Staying Up-To-Date on Technology
    Stay current with genealogy technology and trends that truly matter for your research. Learn to adapt and thrive as technology reshapes genealogy, whether your goal is modernizing methods, streamlining research, or safeguarding files.
  7. Genealogy Tech Troubleshooting – What Would You Do?
    Build practical tech troubleshooting skills for genealogy research. Learn how to contact vendors effectively, find tech help online, create your own troubleshooting protocol, and solve common genealogy technology problems collaboratively.
  8. Getting the Most Out of a Census Record
    Master census records—one of genealogy’s most valuable resources. Learn expert tips and tricks for extracting maximum information from each record to track ancestors over time and uncover details beyond vital records.
  9. Getting the Genealogy Records You Need – Privacy Laws and FOIA
    Navigate privacy laws, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and restricted collections to access the records you need. Learn ethical strategies for working with government agencies and archives to obtain essential documents for your genealogical research.
  10. Google Tools for Genealogy
    Unlock 90% of Google’s resources that genealogists typically miss. Leverage Google’s maps, books, journals, patents, and advanced search techniques to discover information and make significant breakthroughs in your family research.
  11. Navigating the Seven Cs of Genealogy
    Focus your genealogy research with seven key themes: Clean, Collect, Curate, Create, Connect, Conserve, and Continue. Apply these practical guidelines to organize your approach and maintain momentum, whether you’re new to genealogy or experienced.
  12. Self-Publishing for Genealogists
    Self-publish your genealogy work with modern technology and print-on-demand methods. Learn the difference between digital and print formats, navigate vendors and providers, and discover how to reach a wider audience with your family history book.
  13. The Other Census – US State and Territorial Censuses
    Discover state and territorial census records often overlooked by genealogists. Learn which records exist, how to access them online and in-person, and how to integrate this valuable data into your genealogical research.
  14. What’s Been Done: Using Someone Else’s Genealogy Research
    Evaluate and incorporate inherited or outside genealogy research safely into your own work. Learn to verify reliability, avoid dead ends, and combine others’ research with yours for more complete and credible family histories.
  15. US and Canada Newspaper Resources and Strategies
    Navigate the wealth of historic newspaper resources available for US and Canada research. Learn to find the best free and paid sites, capture images and text effectively, and use newspapers to strengthen your genealogical research.

 Updated 20 December 2025


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