5th Annual RCGS Scholarship Workshop Fundraiser Event
BUILDING QUALITY FAMILY TREES, plus
PHOTO RETOUCHING AND PRESERVATION
October 14, 2023, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Milton House Museum with Zoom simulcast
(scroll down to October 14th for details or Register Here)
BUILDING QUALITY FAMILY TREES, plus
PHOTO RETOUCHING AND PRESERVATION
October 14, 2023, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Milton House Museum with Zoom simulcast
(scroll down to October 14th for details or Register Here)
MONTHLY RCGS Program Meetings: 6:30 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
Scroll Down for Future Months' Speakers and Programs
Scroll Down for Future Months' Speakers and Programs
OCTOBER 2023 - ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY TREE MAKER SOFTWARE
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free Zoom-only Program - open to the public.
Location: Zoom-Only Presentation can be viewed from Zoom on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
!! Door Prize !!: A Copy of the Current Family Tree Maker Software Package.
Program Presenter: Mark Olsen is the Family Tree Maker Ambassador to historical and genealogical societies around the world, working to support their members as they use Family Tree Maker. Mark is a graduate of Brigham Young University and holds a bachelor's degree in Family History with a Spanish records emphasis. He has been working in the genealogy industry since 2007 and has been the Family Tree Maker Ambassador since 2016.
Program Summary: Join us for an introduction to the current version of Family Tree Maker. We will discuss Family Tree Maker and what makes it different from other genealogy products and software. We will focus on a quick walk through of the various family tree building features from how to get and install the software and move on to basic use and creating or downloading your very own family tree. We will discuss how it works with Ancestry.com and with FamilySearch and be happy to discuss all your questions. We will also discuss Family Tree Maker partner products - Charting Companion and Family Book Creator - both are amazing plug-ins that can help you create incredible charts, graphs, and books. This class is for all levels of genealogists, whether you are just getting started or very experienced.
How to Attend: This live Zoom presentation may be viewed at the Milton House (address & Map Link above) OR viewed remotely on Zoom at the same scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: available soon
INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY TREE MAKER SOFTWARE
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free Zoom-only Program - open to the public.
Location: Zoom-Only Presentation can be viewed from Zoom on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
!! Door Prize !!: A Copy of the Current Family Tree Maker Software Package.
Program Presenter: Mark Olsen is the Family Tree Maker Ambassador to historical and genealogical societies around the world, working to support their members as they use Family Tree Maker. Mark is a graduate of Brigham Young University and holds a bachelor's degree in Family History with a Spanish records emphasis. He has been working in the genealogy industry since 2007 and has been the Family Tree Maker Ambassador since 2016.
Program Summary: Join us for an introduction to the current version of Family Tree Maker. We will discuss Family Tree Maker and what makes it different from other genealogy products and software. We will focus on a quick walk through of the various family tree building features from how to get and install the software and move on to basic use and creating or downloading your very own family tree. We will discuss how it works with Ancestry.com and with FamilySearch and be happy to discuss all your questions. We will also discuss Family Tree Maker partner products - Charting Companion and Family Book Creator - both are amazing plug-ins that can help you create incredible charts, graphs, and books. This class is for all levels of genealogists, whether you are just getting started or very experienced.
How to Attend: This live Zoom presentation may be viewed at the Milton House (address & Map Link above) OR viewed remotely on Zoom at the same scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84974703099
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: available soon
OCTOBER 2023 SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER - ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
STEPS TO BUILDING QUALITY FAMILY TREES
Four Separate 90-Minute Programs by 3 Expert Speakers - Paid registration required
Date & Time: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: $25 for RCGS and Milton House Museum Members; $35 for Non-members; $13 lunch Available
STEPS TO BUILDING QUALITY FAMILY TREES
Four Separate 90-Minute Programs by 3 Expert Speakers - Paid registration required
Date & Time: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: $25 for RCGS and Milton House Museum Members; $35 for Non-members; $13 lunch Available
- Register securely online: RCGS Scholarship Workshop Registration
- Box Lunch Option (regular or vegetarian) when registering
- Live Presentation at the Milton House Museum's Tomah Conference Room, 18 S. Janesville Street, Milton, Wisconsin (2nd floor of the Milton House) or
- View via Zoom on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
Program Presenter #1: Mary Buelow, Local History & Genealogy Librarian with the Janesville Hedberg Public Library
Program Title & Summary: BEGINNING GENEALOGY
Mary asks, “Have you ever wanted to research your family history, but did not know where to begin?” Mary will share strategies for getting stared with your search, tips for verifying which people are your own ancestors (and not someone else’s), and free resources available through your local library. Mary is the Local History and Genealogy specialist at the Hedberg Public Library. She’s spoken with many frustrated people who want to find information about their ancestors but are looking in all the wrong places. Today, Mary will share some techniques she uses to help these genealogy newcomers get on the right track.
Program Title & Summary: BEGINNING GENEALOGY
Mary asks, “Have you ever wanted to research your family history, but did not know where to begin?” Mary will share strategies for getting stared with your search, tips for verifying which people are your own ancestors (and not someone else’s), and free resources available through your local library. Mary is the Local History and Genealogy specialist at the Hedberg Public Library. She’s spoken with many frustrated people who want to find information about their ancestors but are looking in all the wrong places. Today, Mary will share some techniques she uses to help these genealogy newcomers get on the right track.
Program Presenter #2: Ruth Anderson, RCGS Librarian. As a member of many heritage societies, she has completed personal applications for over 60 ancestors. Ruth is the retired RCHS Archives Manager, she has volunteered for the Rock County Genealogical Society for over 20 years and has had the privilege of helping patrons find definitive records.
Program Title & Summary: INTERMEDIATE GENEALOGY - EVALUATION
Ruth discusses reviewing the records that you have found and deciding if they represent the true story. Do those census records belong to your family. Supporting census records with other data: Find A Grave, obituaries, family bibles, probate files and more. Her program will take your genealogical skills and understanding of evidence to the next level and allow you to have greater confidence in your own research and deeper insight into the reliability of various sources.
Program Title & Summary: INTERMEDIATE GENEALOGY - EVALUATION
Ruth discusses reviewing the records that you have found and deciding if they represent the true story. Do those census records belong to your family. Supporting census records with other data: Find A Grave, obituaries, family bibles, probate files and more. Her program will take your genealogical skills and understanding of evidence to the next level and allow you to have greater confidence in your own research and deeper insight into the reliability of various sources.
Program Presenter #3: Desiree Shaw is a native of West Slip, New York. A trained graphic designer, she currently serves as the editor of the Rock County Genealogical Society’s “Roots in the Rock” newsletter. Her interests include genealogy, historical costuming and reenactments, photography and art.
Program Title & Summary: PHOTO RETOUCHING
Desiree will introduce attendees to free and commercial programs and methods available for fixing photos. How to manipulate images: save images - file types & resolutions; upsizing; labeling; and what can and cannot be fixed.
Program Summary: PHOTO PRESERVATION
Desiree will demonstrate how to store photos, and how to back them up; the importance of Photo labeling; printing and print resolution; dating photos using clothing, cars, and the photo itself. How to use Google
searches paired with Facebook groups to tap into a broader knowledge base.
Program Title & Summary: PHOTO RETOUCHING
Desiree will introduce attendees to free and commercial programs and methods available for fixing photos. How to manipulate images: save images - file types & resolutions; upsizing; labeling; and what can and cannot be fixed.
Program Summary: PHOTO PRESERVATION
Desiree will demonstrate how to store photos, and how to back them up; the importance of Photo labeling; printing and print resolution; dating photos using clothing, cars, and the photo itself. How to use Google
searches paired with Facebook groups to tap into a broader knowledge base.
How to Attend: This live Zoom presentation may be viewed at the Milton House (address & Map Link above) OR viewed remotely on Zoom at the same scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow registered participants to view from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handouts below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: available soon
- Register securely online: RCGS Scholarship Workshop Registration
- Zoom Link and Password: provided with your registration receipt
Download the Audience Handouts below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: available soon
NOVEMBER 2023 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
DIGGING INTO YOUR NORWEGIAN GENEALOGY
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Live Presentation at the Milton House Museum, 18 S. Janesville Rd., Milton, WI (Map Link) or view From Zoom on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
Program Presenter: Dana Kelly is the Executive Director of the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library in Madison and member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She oversees the daily operation of the center and coordinates and designs NAGC's outreach activities and educational programming. Her lectures and courses focus on Norwegian-American genealogy and Norwegian immigration history.
Program Summary: Every ethnic group has its own unique characteristics when digging into records for genealogical research. Dana Kelly will give a brief overview of what makes Norwegian genealogy different from other immigrant groups to the US.
How to Attend: This live presentation may be attended at the Milton House (address & Map Link above) OR viewed remotely on Zoom at the same scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:
DIGGING INTO YOUR NORWEGIAN GENEALOGY
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Live Presentation at the Milton House Museum, 18 S. Janesville Rd., Milton, WI (Map Link) or view From Zoom on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
Program Presenter: Dana Kelly is the Executive Director of the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library in Madison and member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She oversees the daily operation of the center and coordinates and designs NAGC's outreach activities and educational programming. Her lectures and courses focus on Norwegian-American genealogy and Norwegian immigration history.
Program Summary: Every ethnic group has its own unique characteristics when digging into records for genealogical research. Dana Kelly will give a brief overview of what makes Norwegian genealogy different from other immigrant groups to the US.
How to Attend: This live presentation may be attended at the Milton House (address & Map Link above) OR viewed remotely on Zoom at the same scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81938398626
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:
| 2023_norwegian_websites_rcgs.pdf |
DECEMBER 2023 - PROGRAM
POT LUCK DINNER & FAMILY MEMORABILIA SHOW & TELL
You are invited to attend and participate by bringing a favorite family dish to pass and a treasured family heirloom to display, share viewing and describe its history and provenance. Plates, silverware, and soft drinks will be provided for both meals and display.
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the members.
Location: The upstairs Tomah room of the Milton House Museum - 18 S. Janesville Road, Milton, Wisconsin (click for map). The facility has plenty of free parking on both the north and south sides of the Milton House. There is handicap and elevator access to the second-floor Tomah Room, where there's ample space for social distancing.
How to Attend: Arrive early to set out your favorite family meal; tables will be available to display and discuss family memorabilia.
POT LUCK DINNER & FAMILY MEMORABILIA SHOW & TELL
You are invited to attend and participate by bringing a favorite family dish to pass and a treasured family heirloom to display, share viewing and describe its history and provenance. Plates, silverware, and soft drinks will be provided for both meals and display.
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the members.
Location: The upstairs Tomah room of the Milton House Museum - 18 S. Janesville Road, Milton, Wisconsin (click for map). The facility has plenty of free parking on both the north and south sides of the Milton House. There is handicap and elevator access to the second-floor Tomah Room, where there's ample space for social distancing.
How to Attend: Arrive early to set out your favorite family meal; tables will be available to display and discuss family memorabilia.
JANUARY 2024 - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM
GENEALOGY AND A.I. (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) - TROUBLE AHEAD?
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Zoom-only winter program (Jan-Feb-Mar) - view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
Program Presenter: Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community. His previous experience includes over 1,000 lecture appearances from 2009 to the present (see https://genealogybargains.com/previous-engagements/).
Program Summary: While AI (artificial intelligence) might be the current “hot” buzz word, the fact is that many genealogy vendors and even genealogists have already been using this technology for years. The AI industry is at a crossroads and within the next five years, it will permeate almost every aspect of business and society. Learn how AI is currently being used to improve the genealogy experience, and whether or not you should seek out other uses of artificial intelligence for your own genealogy research.
How to Attend: This is a Zoom-only presentation and must be watched at the scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
GENEALOGY AND A.I. (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) - TROUBLE AHEAD?
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Zoom-only winter program (Jan-Feb-Mar) - view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app.
Program Presenter: Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community. His previous experience includes over 1,000 lecture appearances from 2009 to the present (see https://genealogybargains.com/previous-engagements/).
Program Summary: While AI (artificial intelligence) might be the current “hot” buzz word, the fact is that many genealogy vendors and even genealogists have already been using this technology for years. The AI industry is at a crossroads and within the next five years, it will permeate almost every aspect of business and society. Learn how AI is currently being used to improve the genealogy experience, and whether or not you should seek out other uses of artificial intelligence for your own genealogy research.
How to Attend: This is a Zoom-only presentation and must be watched at the scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89679775121
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
FEBRUARY 2024 - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM
HOW TO: PUT TEXT & PICTURES TOGETHER IN MICROSOFT WORD
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Zoom-only winter program (Jan-Feb-Mar) - view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Renee Cue, Vice President of the Pima County Genealogical Society
Program Summary: TBA.
How to Attend: This is a Zoom-only presentation and must be watched at the scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
HOW TO: PUT TEXT & PICTURES TOGETHER IN MICROSOFT WORD
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Zoom-only winter program (Jan-Feb-Mar) - view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Renee Cue, Vice President of the Pima County Genealogical Society
Program Summary: TBA.
How to Attend: This is a Zoom-only presentation and must be watched at the scheduled time. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84821208639
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon