2025 Conference Details & Schedule

 We’re delighted to welcome Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, FOGS, as our featured speaker for this year’s conference.

Register here.

Topics Include

 America’s Forgotten War: The War of 1812 - Don’t overlook this pivotal moment in American history—join us as we uncover the rich records of the War of 1812. Though often overshadowed by other conflicts, this war played a critical role in confirming America’s independence. In this session, you’ll learn how to find valuable genealogical resources connected to ancestors who answered the call to defend our young nation. Discover how this often-forgotten war can bring new life to your family tree and reveal unexpected chapters in your heritage.

 America’s Turnpikes, Rivers, and Canals: Migration Paths – When tracing your ancestors’ journey across early America, don’t stop at the well-worn wagon trails. Roads and overland routes are just part of the story. Many families traveled by river, canal, and turnpike—pathways that are often overlooked in traditional research. Join us to explore the lesser-known by-ways that shaped migration patterns and family movements in the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll learn how to identify these routes, understand why families chose them, and uncover new clues in your ancestors’ stories.

Homespun and Calico: Researching our Foremothers– Half of the names on your family tree belong to women—yet so often, their stories are the hardest to find. Many of our female ancestors left behind few legal records, making them seem almost invisible to history. In this enlightening session, you’ll learn how to break through those barriers using often-overlooked sources and research strategies. Through real-life case studies, you’ll see how small clues can lead to big discoveries. Join us and take the next step toward honoring the women who shaped your family’s past—you might be surprised by what you uncover.

 Ticked Off: Those Pesky Pre-1850 Census Tick Marks – Frustrated by those vague tick marks in early census records? You’re not alone. Pre-1850 censuses can feel like a dead end—but they’re actually full of hidden clues waiting to be uncovered. Join us for a deep dive into early U.S. census records and learn how to interpret those mysterious tally marks to reveal household structure, migration patterns, and even names that were never written down. This session features a real case study tracing a family from the hills of eastern Kentucky back to Germantown, Pennsylvania—proving that those tick marks are anything but meaningless.

Conference Schedule (8:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M.)

Your registration includes the following:

Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Our popular raffle includes books, software, and genealogy items that every genealogist needs.

Registration fee is non-refundable.  Limited walk-in registrations will be accepted the day of the event @$85. (Lunch and syllabus not guaranteed for walk-ins). For your comfort, please bring a light jacket or sweater.

Register at our secure online system or download a paper registration form and pay by mail.  Early registration discount ends September 15, 2025

Exhibitor Information and mail-in form: Click here

Registration – Overview —  Location and Map