PRESENTATION TOPICS

IRISH GENEALOGY TOPICS
Breaking Down Irish Brick Walls:  Successful Case Studies in Identifying Place of Origin
Do all your U.S.-based records for your Irish immigrant ancestors only list “Ireland” as the place of origin? Do you find yourself unable to trace your ancestry further back in Irish records without knowing the county or townland? This is a very common frustration for many researchers with Irish heritage. Several case studies will illustrate strategies and provide tips and techniques that may help you find your ancestors’ location in Ireland to continue your research.

Finding the New York City Irish
Looking for your Irish ancestors in New York City?  This presentation reviews the records available in the five boroughs to research your ancestors, with special emphasis on censuses, city directories, newspapers, and some lesser-known resources.  It provides tools and strategies to find the often-elusive Irish.

Introduction to Irish Genealogy
Are you new to Irish family research or looking to brush up on the basics? This presentation introduces the key steps to tracing your Irish ancestors, from understanding Irish immigration and exploring U.S. records to identifying your family’s place of origin and navigating Ireland’s historical jurisdictions and records.  Along the way, you’ll learn practical research tips and techniques to help move your search forward. A real-life case study illustrates how clues in American records led to the discovery of a family’s Irish roots.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND CASE STUDY TOPICS:
Criminal Acts, Lies, and an Alias:  One Italian Immigrant's Story
A search for any information on the biological father of an 83-year-old Italian man yields unexpected twists and turns.  Leveraging a wide variety of records sets - some more obscure than others - this case study of an Italian immigrant in New York in the 1920s reveals many conflicts, scandal, and lies.  It's a case study about how documentary records, DNA, and oral tradition solved the mystery of this elusive man.

Uncovering Tragedy Through Timelines and Historical Context: A New York Case Study
This presentation explores how a carefully constructed research timeline—combined with historical context—can illuminate the hidden stories within a family’s past. Focusing on a young Irish family whose journey spanned from 1860s Ulster County, New York to 1890s New York City and Brooklyn, this case study demonstrates how methodical genealogical investigation revealed a series of tragic events that would otherwise have remained obscured.


BEGINNER GENEALOGY TOPICS:
Uncovering Your Family History
Curious about your family history? Looking to learn more about your lineage? Every family has a story. Discovering that story and understanding where you came from is all part of the fun of genealogy. Learn about what genealogy encompasses, tools you can use, and tips on how to get started.

10 Free Resources to Help You Discover Your Family History
There's a wealth of free resources available to research your family history. Learn about websites, tools, and genealogy educational offerings that can help you move your research forward...at no cost! All you need is curiosity about your ancestry, a willingness to learn, and access to a computer.

Preserving Your Family History 
Explore practical methods to preserve family history, focusing on safeguarding family heirlooms, old photographs, and valuable memories. Learn best practices for physical and digital preservation, ensuring your family’s legacy remains accessible for future generations. A real-life case study will illustrate the importance and impact of these efforts, offering inspiration for hobbyists and genealogists alike. 


GENEALOGY RECORD TOPICS:
Digging into Probate Records for Valuable Genealogy Gems
Probate records can often unearth genealogy research not found elsewhere.  They provide clues to relatives' names, relationships, and other important details. Learn about the probate process, the types of records, how to locate them, and common challenges for genealogy researchers.

Extra! Extra! Newspapers Provide "Extra" Information About Your Ancestors
Newspapers are an integral tool to use in genealogy research.  They often provide new clues and details about your ancestors that you can't find anywhere else.  Learn how to use newspapers to advance your own research and provide information about your research subjects beyond their names and dates.

Getting Started with Census Records
Unlock your family's past by digging into census records.  We'll explore the fundamentals of using census records in genealogy research in this session.  You'll learn how census records have evolved over time, how to locate and interpret the records, and how to use the information to build your family tree and trace ancestors across multiple generations.

Finding Vital Records for Our Ancestors
Birth, marriage, and death records are critical documents to learn more about your ancestors, especially the names of their parents.  They provide important clues to research an earlier generation.  Learn how to locate these important documents, based on jurisdiction and privacy laws.  Accessing vital records is vital to your research!

Using City Directories to Find Your Ancestors' Footprint in Urban Settings
City directories are an often-underutilized genealogy resource.  Yet addresses can be a powerful way to connect your ancestors to other records and make new discoveries.  Learn how to locate city directories and use them to further your research, particularly for your urban ancestors.  Case studies will be shared to showcase how powerful this tool can be!