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For a printable calendar of 2026 WGS events, click HERE

Upcoming events

    • October 17, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Wichita Advanced Learning Library 711 W. 2nd St. Wichita, KS 67203




    • October 21, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Native American Ancestry and Research Special Interest Group

    Join the Wichita Genealogical Society’s Native American Ancestry and Research Special Interest Group, meeting on the third Wednesday of each month via zoom. 

    Led by Jason Felihkatubbe, WGS Education Chairperson, this group explores a new topic in Native American research each month, providing insights and tools to enhance your genealogy journey. Time is also set aside to answer questions and assist with individual research needs, making it an invaluable resource for members tracing their Native American heritage.

    This group is Members Only.  To RSVP or ask questions, email: education@wichitagensoc.org

    Meeting Details:

    • When: Third Wednesday of the Month
    • Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
    • Where: Via Zoom

      To RSVP or ask questions, email: education@wichitagensoc.org

    Take your Native American genealogy research to the next level with this engaging and collaborative group!


    • October 24, 2026
    • 10:30 AM
    • Zoom Meeting

    WGS Technology Special Interest Group

    Explore  tech for genealogists with the Wichita Genealogical Society’s Technology Special Interest Group, meeting via Zoom on the 4th Saturday of each month.  August, September, and October will cover Ancestry.com                                          November, December, and January will cover Roots Magic                            February, March and April will cover ChatGPT. 

    Led by Jason Felihkatubbe, WGS Education Chairperson, this group focuses on technology to streamline and enhance your genealogy research. From software and apps to online resources and digital tools, you’ll discover new ways to elevate your family history journey.

    This group is Members Only, and registration is required. Once you sign up, you’ll receive the Zoom link for all future Technology SIG meetings.

    Meeting Details:

    • When: 4th Saturday of the Month
    • Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
    • Where: Via Zoom

    To RSVP or ask questions, email: education@wichitagensoc.org. 

    • November 02, 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • Advanced Learning Library - Wichita Public Library 711 W 2nd St Wichita, Kansas 67203 Conference Room C on the first floor

    Genealogy Talk Special Interest Group

    Join our highly popular Genealogy Talk Special Interest Group, meeting the 1st Monday of each month at the Advanced Learning Library in Conference Room C.

    Led by Phyllis Schanbacher, each session starts with a brief presentation on a genealogy service, tip, or topic, followed by an open discussion where attendees can share challenges, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Whether you’re stuck on a genealogy task, seeking a source, or looking for fresh insights, this is the place to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

    We’re excited to meet in person again—no registration required, but this group is Members Only.

    Meeting Details:

    • When: First Monday of the Month (Unless a holiday conflict arises)
    • Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
    • Where: Advanced Learning Library, Conference Room C

    Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into your family history research!



    • November 18, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Native American Ancestry and Research Special Interest Group

    Join the Wichita Genealogical Society’s Native American Ancestry and Research Special Interest Group, meeting on the third Wednesday of each month via zoom. 

    Led by Jason Felihkatubbe, WGS Education Chairperson, this group explores a new topic in Native American research each month, providing insights and tools to enhance your genealogy journey. Time is also set aside to answer questions and assist with individual research needs, making it an invaluable resource for members tracing their Native American heritage.

    This group is Members Only.  To RSVP or ask questions, email: education@wichitagensoc.org

    Meeting Details:

    • When: Third Wednesday of the Month
    • Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
    • Where: Via Zoom

      To RSVP or ask questions, email: education@wichitagensoc.org

    Take your Native American genealogy research to the next level with this engaging and collaborative group!


    • November 21, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Wichita Advanced Learning Library 711 W. 2nd St. Wichita, KS 67203

    Think you've found a Revolutionary War ancestor—but aren't sure where to go next? Using a real-life case study, Craig R. Scott follows one soldier's journey from life before the Revolution through military service and the records created after the war ended. Along the way, you'll learn about military service records, pension applications, pension payment records, settled accounts, and other valuable sources that reveal the stories behind the documents.

    Whether you're hoping to identify a Patriot ancestor, document a lineage for a hereditary society, or simply better understand Revolutionary War records, this lecture provides practical information you can apply to researching your own family history.

    About the Speaker

    Following a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy and a brief period as a Washington, D.C., consultant, Craig R. Scott began his professional genealogy career as a researcher in the Washington, D.C., area. A genealogist since his teens, he has spent more than 35 years specializing in military records, problem-solving, Quaker research, and publishing.

    Craig has been lecturing at local, regional, and national genealogy conferences since 1990. He is President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., one of the nation's leading genealogical publishers, and is the author of 17 books and numerous articles. He serves on the editorial board of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and coordinates the Guidance and Consultation Track at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), where he helps students tackle difficult "brick wall" research problems.

    A former Treasurer, Director, and the longest-serving member of the Association of Professional Genealogists' Board of Directors, Craig also hosts the @JustGenealogy YouTube channel, featuring more than 275 genealogy videos. His honors include the Grahame T. Smallwood, Jr. Award, the UGA Silver Tray Award, and designation as a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association.

    • November 28, 2026
    • 10:30 AM
    • Zoom Meeting

    WGS Technology Special Interest Group

    Explore  tech for genealogists with the Wichita Genealogical Society’s Technology Special Interest Group, meeting via Zoom on the 4th Saturday of each month.  August, September, and October will cover Ancestry.com                                          November, December, and January will cover Roots Magic                            February, March and April will cover ChatGPT. 

    Led by Jason Felihkatubbe, WGS Education Chairperson, this group focuses on technology to streamline and enhance your genealogy research. From software and apps to online resources and digital tools, you’ll discover new ways to elevate your family history journey.

    This group is Members Only, and registration is required. Once you sign up, you’ll receive the Zoom link for all future Technology SIG meetings.

    Meeting Details:

    • When: 4th Saturday of the Month
    • Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
    • Where: Via Zoom

    To RSVP or ask questions, email: education@wichitagensoc.org. 

    • December 07, 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • Advanced Learning Library - Wichita Public Library 711 W 2nd St Wichita, Kansas 67203 Conference Room C on the first floor

    Genealogy Talk Special Interest Group

    Join our highly popular Genealogy Talk Special Interest Group, meeting the 1st Monday of each month at the Advanced Learning Library in Conference Room C.

    Led by Phyllis Schanbacher, each session starts with a brief presentation on a genealogy service, tip, or topic, followed by an open discussion where attendees can share challenges, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Whether you’re stuck on a genealogy task, seeking a source, or looking for fresh insights, this is the place to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

    We’re excited to meet in person again—no registration required, but this group is Members Only.

    Meeting Details:

    • When: First Monday of the Month (Unless a holiday conflict arises)
    • Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
    • Where: Advanced Learning Library, Conference Room C

    Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into your family history research!



    • December 16, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • Zoom


    • December 19, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Wichita Advanced Learning Library 711 W. 2nd St. Wichita, KS 67203




    • December 26, 2026
    • 10:30 AM
    • Zoom Meeting


    • January 16, 2027
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Advanced Learning Library


    Many 19th-century Kansas communities settled by immigrants speaking German or a German dialect continued to speak these varieties well into the mid-to-late 20th century. These included the Volga Germans near Hays, Austrian Germans near Ellis, Rhineland Catholics in Sedgwick County, Low German Lutherans in Marshall and Washington counties, Hungarian Germans in Rawlins County, and many more.

    Social factors led to the gradual demise of these immigrant dialects. These included the introduction of the automobile and paved highways, an increase in high school attendance, and the movement of population from rural areas to cities.

    But Kansas continues to receive German-speaking settlers. Today, these are primarily Low German-speaking Mennonites from Mexico’s State of Chihuahua in southwest Kansas, and Old Order Amish, largely from Missouri, settling in southeastern Kansas and speaking either Pennsylvania Dutch or Swiss German.

    We will explore the history of German speech in Kansas, both past and present.

    About the Speaker

    Dr. William D. Keel is a professor emeritus at the University of Kansas and an internationally recognized expert on the German dialects spoken by immigrant communities in the American Midwest. His research explores the languages and settlement histories of German-speaking communities in Kansas and Missouri, including Volga Germans, Mennonites, and Pennsylvania Germans. His work includes the Linguistic Atlas of Kansas German Dialects and efforts to preserve recordings of regional German speech.

    A longtime speaker for community audiences, Dr. Keel has been honored for his service to Kansans and his contributions to German-American cultural and educational exchanges.

    • February 20, 2027
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Advanced Learning Library

    Explore how artificial intelligence can help you turn an idea into a clear and manageable research plan. Learn practical ways to use AI to develop and refine research topics and questions, identify key concepts, explore research methods, locate potential sources, and organize the research process. The presentation will emphasize responsible AI use and applying critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making throughout the research process.

    About the Speaker

     Jason Felihkatubbe (Choctaw) has been doing genealogical research for over 25 years and his focus is Native American Indian genealogy, with an emphasis on the southeastern peoples–Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole in Indian Territory/Oklahoma. Apart from research, he has offered lectures and classes on Native American Indian genealogy and culture. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. He has been involved with the USGenWeb Project for over 16 years.

    • March 20, 2027
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Advanced Learning Library
    Tracing female ancestors can be one of genealogy’s most frustrating challenges, but proven research techniques can help uncover their stories. This presentation explores why women can be difficult to find in historical records and highlights the sources and strategies that can help you discover the women in your family tree.

    About the Speaker

    Amber Oldenburg is a genealogist, lecturer, and online instructor in the Family History Research program at Brigham Young University–Idaho, where she earned her degree in family history research. She specializes in Midwest genealogy, with a particular interest in pioneers and homesteaders, and serves as social media manager at Your DNA Guide.

    Through her presentations, Amber shares research techniques and resources to help family historians explore their ancestors’ lives. Her topics include tracing female ancestors, using land and homestead records, researching newspapers, and following westward migration trails.
    • April 17, 2027
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Advanced Learning Library

    Over 46 million Americans have some German ancestry. The largest German
    immigration wave to America was 1848-1900, and the majority of those that
    came then settled in America’s Midwest. This presentation will examine the
    reasons why so many Germans were leaving their homeland during this period
    as well as why so many settled in America’s Midwest. In addition, the
    presentation will cover:

    • German immigration trends

    • Ports of departure and arrival

    • Midwest German hotspots

    • Cultural influences brought to the Midwest

    • Top sites for researching your German ancestors

    About the Speaker

    Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While finding names, dates, and places is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting others with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.

    Scott's areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he assists others on their genealogy journey through his company, Ancestral Past. He has presented to dozens of genealogical societies, history centers, libraries, and to the Association of Professional Genealogists.

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