Lisa Alzo

Lisa A. Alzo earned a Master of Fine Arts degree and has been a genealogist for over 17 years. She is the author of seven books, as well as numerous articles for genealogy magazines. Lisa is the 2nd Vice-President of the Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS), and also serves on the Board of Directors for Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International. She is an instructor of online genealogy classes for GenClass.com, and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She speaks frequently at national conferences, genealogical and historical societies.

Michael John Neill

Michael John Neill is a mathematics instructor at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. He teaches a week long series of computer genealogy workshops and is currently a member of the board of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). Michael conducts seminars and lectures nationally on a wide variety of genealogical and computer topics and contributes to several genealogical publications, including “Ancestry” Magazine.

ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION: 9:00 - 9:30

MORNING SESSIONS, 9:30-12:00, presented by Lisa Alzo:

9:30-10:30 Identifying Immigrant Cluster Communities.

There are a handful of “cluster” immigrant communities throughout the United States that blossomed during the immigration influx of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of these include Irish communities in Boston, German and Dutch Settlers in Pennsylvania, Polish groups in Buffalo and Detroit, Slovaks in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, among others. This session will cover how to identify chain migrations and cluster communities by utilizing census and immigration records, and other resources. Several examples of such immigrant communities will be used to illustrate the research process and its results.

11:00-12:00 The Evidence! Following Online Clues to Solve Your Family History Mysteries.
Through sample case studies, this session will illustrate how to effectively follow online clues to see how much you can discover about your most elusive ancestors with just a few clicks of the mouse and savvy surfing! You’ll learn how to create a step-by-step research plan for searching the Internet and how to set realistic expectations. Working through false leads and online pitfalls, you’ll learn to identify clues to track elusive ancestors. Sample Ohio case studies will be discussed.

LUNCH 12:15 - 1:15 A Deli Delight.

Lunch includes three chef’s specialty salads, and a tureen of homemade soup, followed with chips, bakery fresh bread and rolls, trays of natural cheeses, and premium deli meats. Beverages are also included. Take time to get to know your table mates and exchange surnames.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS, 1:30-4:00, presented by Michael John Neill:

1:30-2:30 Seeing Patterns: Organizing Your Information.
There is more to organizing your information than entering a few names into a database and filing copies in a drawer. This presentation discusses ways to organize information and resources to help you write about your ancestors, notice patterns and trends that are not obvious, and see gaps or holes in your research.

3:00-4:00 Brick Walls From A to Z.
This lecture discusses an alphabetical list of bricks that can create those frustrating family history “brick walls.” An awareness of the causes of many brick walls can help genealogists make a breakthrough more likely.