This year, Sarah O’Conner is our special presenter. She will present 4 – one hour sessions, each with it’s unique strategy.

1. From the Courthouse to the Poorhouse: Uncovering Hidden Family Stories Have you hit a brick wall in your genealogy research? It might be time to look beyond the traditional family records. Often, the most revealing stories are hidden in the darker corners of our ancestors’ lives.
   • In this session, we’ll delve into the often overlooked records that can unlock new avenues of research. From criminal and court records to the heartbreaking stories found in almshouses and orphanages. Discover how to use these underutilized resources to break down your toughest genealogical challenges.
2. Tangled Web: A Case Study Sorting Multiple Men of the Same Name Have you ever encountered multiple individuals with the same name living in the same county? This common genealogical challenge can feel like trying to untangle a complex knot. But fear not! Today, we’ll explore effective strategies to distinguish between these similarly named ancestors.
   • By meticulously analyzing available records, we can uncover the crucial details that reveal each individual’s unique identity, residence, and even their potential involvement in the Revolutionary War. Let’s dive into a real-life case study from the 18th century to learn how to turn this genealogical puzzle into a solvable problem.
3. Wagons Ho! Westward Expansion in the Tapestry of Family History For countless pioneers, the phrase, “Wagons Ho!” marked the beginning of a perilous yet hopeful journey westward. Driven by dreams of opportunity, religious freedom, and economic prosperity, millions of people ventured beyond the Mississippi River, carving a nation out of the untamed wilderness. This era, marked by triumph and hardship, has left an indelible imprint on the American identity.
   • As families uprooted and traded the comforts of settled life for the challenges of the frontier, they created a fascinating and complex puzzle for their descendants to unravel. Embark on a research journey to discover the lives of these extraordinary individuals and what motivated them to risk life and limb for a new beginning.
4. A New Frontier for Genealogy Volunteers Artificial intelligence “AI” is revolutionizing the field of genealogy with full-text search capabilities and computer indexing, but it’s not without its limitations. “AI” algorithms rely heavily on the data they’re trained on, and sometimes, they need a human touch to refine their results.
   • This session will delve into the various ways genealogists can contribute to the field, including opportunities for volunteer projects that can be comfortably undertaken from home. From proofing AI-assisted indexing to traditional indexing projects, let’s explore how volunteers can leverage technology while applying their human expertise to create more accurate and comprehensive genealogical searches.