RCGS Program Meetings: 6:30 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
Scroll Down for Future Months' Speakers and Programs

APRIL 2023 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
MARY WHELAN - ROCK COUNTY'S FIRST FEMALE SHERIFF
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 11, 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: Mary Buelow, Local History Specialist with the Janesville's Hedberg Public Library
Program Summary: Mary Whelan was appointed to be Rock County's first female Sheriff’s Deputy in 1917 and later worked in the nation's fledgling Narcotics Bureau. Learn about the life, times, and family of this Rock County trailblazer.
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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.
No Audience Handout
MARY WHELAN - ROCK COUNTY'S FIRST FEMALE SHERIFF
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 11, 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: Mary Buelow, Local History Specialist with the Janesville's Hedberg Public Library
Program Summary: Mary Whelan was appointed to be Rock County's first female Sheriff’s Deputy in 1917 and later worked in the nation's fledgling Narcotics Bureau. Learn about the life, times, and family of this Rock County trailblazer.
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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/84393828276
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
No Audience Handout

MAY 2023 - IN-PERSON FIELD TRIP (NO ZOOM)
FIELD TRIP TO THE UW WHITEWATER REGIONAL ARCHIVES
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: This field trip, so there is no Zoom presentation this month. We will meet at the UW Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, located at: the Andersen Library, 750 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. No RSVP required, and individuals are responsible for their own transportation.
Program Summary: A tour and explanation of the research resources of the UW Whitewater Regional Archives which include many of the historic governmental and other records from Rock County.
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that may be attended at the UW Whitewater Area Research Center. There is no remote on Zoom for this evening. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
FIELD TRIP TO THE UW WHITEWATER REGIONAL ARCHIVES
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: This field trip, so there is no Zoom presentation this month. We will meet at the UW Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center, located at: the Andersen Library, 750 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. No RSVP required, and individuals are responsible for their own transportation.
- Parking info: https://www.uww.edu/adminaffairs/parking-regulations/visitors.
- Visitors can park in lot 12 or the park at the Passport parking spots if they have a smart phone.
- Here’s a map of campus: https://www.uww.edu/documents/campus/CampusMap.pdf.
Program Summary: A tour and explanation of the research resources of the UW Whitewater Regional Archives which include many of the historic governmental and other records from Rock County.
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that may be attended at the UW Whitewater Area Research Center. There is no remote on Zoom for this evening. The Zoom link, and handout link below allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: No Zoom Available - Live Field Trip Only

JUNE 2023 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
GERMANS IN AMERICA - GERMAN INTEREST GROUP (GIG)
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 13, 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: John Wasserstrass, of the German Interest Group
Program Summary: more to follow
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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:
GERMANS IN AMERICA - GERMAN INTEREST GROUP (GIG)
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 13, 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: John Wasserstrass, of the German Interest Group
Program Summary: more to follow
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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/81453847544
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:

JULY 2023- LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE RESOURCES OF THE RCGS LIBRARY
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 11, 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: Ruth Anderson, Librarian for the Rock County Genealogical Society.
Program Summary: Ruth will provide...
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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: Available Soon
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE RESOURCES OF THE RCGS LIBRARY
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 11, 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: Ruth Anderson, Librarian for the Rock County Genealogical Society.
Program Summary: Ruth will provide...
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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/82420193591
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

AUGUST 2023 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
BELOIT EARLY SETTLEMENT
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 8, 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: Beloit Historical Society Staff
Program Summary: Beloit Historical Society Staff will trace the early settlement milestones, and it's earliest families. Check this page later for additional information.
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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: Available Soon
BELOIT EARLY SETTLEMENT
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 8, 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: Beloit Historical Society Staff
Program Summary: Beloit Historical Society Staff will trace the early settlement milestones, and it's earliest families. Check this page later for additional information.
How to Attend: This is a live presentation that 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/88492731026
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

SEPTEMBER 2023 - WALKING TOUR PROGRAM
WALKING TOUR OF MILTON CEMETERY
WITH EMPHASIS ON CIVIL WAR VETERAN HISTORY
Date & Time: Saturday, September 9th, 2023, 2:00 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Please join us AT THE MILTON CEMETERY, N. Janesville Street in Milton, WI - about a half mile north of the Milton House. Click here for Map. This is a LIVE IN-PERSON TOUR - not a broadcast Zoom presentation.
Program Presenter: Rod Hilton, local Milton historian and your Milton Cemetery tour guide.
Program Summary: Weather allowing, Rod will lead a walking tour of Milton Cemetery, trace the cemeteries history and emphasize the lives, military service, and burials of Milton's veterans. The cemetery is relatively flat, but attendees are advised to wear shoes suitable for hiking and to dress for Wisconsin's ever-changing weather.
How to Attend: This is a LIVE in-person presentation which requires you to physically attend the tour at the Cemetery.
Audience Handout: Click here to download the Audience Handout Available Soon.
WALKING TOUR OF MILTON CEMETERY
WITH EMPHASIS ON CIVIL WAR VETERAN HISTORY
Date & Time: Saturday, September 9th, 2023, 2:00 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Please join us AT THE MILTON CEMETERY, N. Janesville Street in Milton, WI - about a half mile north of the Milton House. Click here for Map. This is a LIVE IN-PERSON TOUR - not a broadcast Zoom presentation.
Program Presenter: Rod Hilton, local Milton historian and your Milton Cemetery tour guide.
Program Summary: Weather allowing, Rod will lead a walking tour of Milton Cemetery, trace the cemeteries history and emphasize the lives, military service, and burials of Milton's veterans. The cemetery is relatively flat, but attendees are advised to wear shoes suitable for hiking and to dress for Wisconsin's ever-changing weather.
How to Attend: This is a LIVE in-person presentation which requires you to physically attend the tour at the Cemetery.
Audience Handout: Click here to download the Audience Handout Available Soon.

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 and open to the public.
Location: Zoom Presentation from 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.
!! 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 and open to the public.
Location: Zoom Presentation from 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.
!! 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
NOVEMBER 2023 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
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: TBA.
Program Summary: TBA.
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: Available Soon
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
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: TBA.
Program Summary: TBA.
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: Available Soon

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.
WARM WEATHER TEMPLATE - IN-PERSON PRESENTATION (APR-NOV)
MONTH YEAR - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Date & Time: Tuesday, Month Day, Year, 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: TBA.
Program Summary: TBA.
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: Available Soon
MONTH YEAR - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Date & Time: Tuesday, Month Day, Year, 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: TBA.
Program Summary: TBA.
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:
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
WINTER TEMPLATE - Zoom-Only Presentation (Jan-March)
MONTH YEAR - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Date & Time: Tuesday, Month Date, Year, 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: TBA.
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
MONTH YEAR - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Date & Time: Tuesday, Month Date, Year, 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: TBA.
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:
- Password: (no password required; access granted from waiting room)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

TEMPLATE - Holiday Program (December)
DECEMBER YEAR - 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, Month day, Year, 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.
DECEMBER YEAR - 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, Month day, Year, 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.