MONTHLY RCGS Program Meetings: 6:30 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month
Scroll Down for Future Months' Speakers, Programs, Zoom Links and Zoom Passcodes
Scroll Down for Future Months' Speakers, Programs, Zoom Links and Zoom Passcodes
DECEMBER 2025 - PROGRAM
HOLIDAY HEIRLOOM AND MEAL PARTY
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Main entrée, plates and utensils are provided, just bring a dish to share.
Location: Join us at the Tomah Room in the Milton House Museum (no Zoom of this event).
Program Presenter: Attendees themselves
Program Summary: Anyone with a family story or heirloom to discuss is invited to briefly address the group.
How to Attend: This event is a live-only (no Zoom) holiday celebration. Members and the public are invited to attend and asked to bring a dish to share and an optional family heirloom to discuss. We meet at the second level Tomah Room of the Milton House Museum, 18 S. Janesville St., Milton, WI (map) at the scheduled time. Ample parking, handicap access, elevator, snacks, soft drinks and door prizes are included.
HOLIDAY HEIRLOOM AND MEAL PARTY
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Main entrée, plates and utensils are provided, just bring a dish to share.
Location: Join us at the Tomah Room in the Milton House Museum (no Zoom of this event).
Program Presenter: Attendees themselves
Program Summary: Anyone with a family story or heirloom to discuss is invited to briefly address the group.
How to Attend: This event is a live-only (no Zoom) holiday celebration. Members and the public are invited to attend and asked to bring a dish to share and an optional family heirloom to discuss. We meet at the second level Tomah Room of the Milton House Museum, 18 S. Janesville St., Milton, WI (map) at the scheduled time. Ample parking, handicap access, elevator, snacks, soft drinks and door prizes are included.
- Zoom Link: (Note - Live Social Meeting - no Zoom Broadcast)
- Password: (None)
JANUARY 2026 - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM (No Physical Meeting)
AMERICA AT 250! RESEARCHING YOUR REVOLUTIONARY WAR ANCESTORS
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 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: Scott Norrick has over 30 years of experience researching his family history, and through his company, Ancestral Past, he assists others with their family history research. His areas of expertise include researching the immigration to America from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. He also has significant experience researching both the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Program Summary: 2026 marks the 250-year anniversary of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the time of America’s independence, the population of the American colonies was about 2.5 million. While 1776 is a pivotal year, the war for independence (the Revolutionary War) was fought from 1775-1783. About 200 thousand Americans served in the Patriots’ cause in some capacity. This presentation will provide a deep dive into discovering and researching your revolutionary ancestors. It will cover the top resources, strategies, websites, libraries, archives, and organizations for learning more about your ancestors at our nation’s founding. Resources and documents available at the National Archives, DAR, SAR, as well as state and local organizations will be included. The presentation will also reveal that many colonists did not support independence and supported the British/Tory cause. It is an exciting time to jump in and learn as much as you can about your revolutionary ancestors!.
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
AMERICA AT 250! RESEARCHING YOUR REVOLUTIONARY WAR ANCESTORS
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 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: Scott Norrick has over 30 years of experience researching his family history, and through his company, Ancestral Past, he assists others with their family history research. His areas of expertise include researching the immigration to America from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. He also has significant experience researching both the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Program Summary: 2026 marks the 250-year anniversary of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the time of America’s independence, the population of the American colonies was about 2.5 million. While 1776 is a pivotal year, the war for independence (the Revolutionary War) was fought from 1775-1783. About 200 thousand Americans served in the Patriots’ cause in some capacity. This presentation will provide a deep dive into discovering and researching your revolutionary ancestors. It will cover the top resources, strategies, websites, libraries, archives, and organizations for learning more about your ancestors at our nation’s founding. Resources and documents available at the National Archives, DAR, SAR, as well as state and local organizations will be included. The presentation will also reveal that many colonists did not support independence and supported the British/Tory cause. It is an exciting time to jump in and learn as much as you can about your revolutionary ancestors!.
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/88011119318?pwd=8iyELzzhthyBNbWqQarJ09qwLXeSLQ.1
- Password: Family (note the capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
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FEBRUARY 2026 - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM (No Physical Meeting)
DO I HAVE INDIGENOUS ANCESTORS IN MY FAMILY TREE?
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 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: Jennifer Warner, (https://jennywarnergenealogist.weebly.com), Public Speaker, Instructor and Professional Genealogist. Jenny has been a family researcher for 43 years. Her mother started her and her sister early learning about where their family came from and how to research their family history. Jenny is a member of many Lineage and Genealogical Societies, in several of which she holds office. Jenny has given many presentations at public libraries and genealogical societiesincluding for Family Tree University. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of family history and helping people learn about their heritage.
Program Summary: Attendees will learn about Native American Tribes’ past/present. We touch on unique cultural issues involving tribal membership and heritage - and will go over the different records that are available and how to best access them.
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
DO I HAVE INDIGENOUS ANCESTORS IN MY FAMILY TREE?
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 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: Jennifer Warner, (https://jennywarnergenealogist.weebly.com), Public Speaker, Instructor and Professional Genealogist. Jenny has been a family researcher for 43 years. Her mother started her and her sister early learning about where their family came from and how to research their family history. Jenny is a member of many Lineage and Genealogical Societies, in several of which she holds office. Jenny has given many presentations at public libraries and genealogical societiesincluding for Family Tree University. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of family history and helping people learn about their heritage.
Program Summary: Attendees will learn about Native American Tribes’ past/present. We touch on unique cultural issues involving tribal membership and heritage - and will go over the different records that are available and how to best access them.
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/89846868550?pwd=wUyjzQllWjN1MwKShVGbx6Y7nXDr9x.1
- Password: Family (note the capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
MARCH 2026 - ZOOM-ONLY PROGRAM (No Physical Meeting)
VISITING THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND USING ITS HOLDINGS
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 10 ,2026, 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: Jim Fuller, Reference Librarian & Stacks Manager of the Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections for the Wisconsin Historical Society located at 816 State Street , Madison, WI.
Program Summary: to be added
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
VISITING THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND USING ITS HOLDINGS
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 10 ,2026, 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: Jim Fuller, Reference Librarian & Stacks Manager of the Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections for the Wisconsin Historical Society located at 816 State Street , Madison, WI.
Program Summary: to be added
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/86373773798?pwd=guX0DQm3uUpnhMUrO4TQti3mzpL1LE.1
- Password: Family (note the capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
APRIL 2026 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 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, April 14, 2026, 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/89760039873?pwd=wyGf7941Mw8wWSIO7QyvGtFEWp1ibD.1
- Password: Family (note capital F)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
MAY 2026 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
WORLD WAR II GERMAN POW CAMPS IN WISCONSIN
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 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: Bob Block is a resident of Oregon, WI. He retired after working With the Wisconsin Crime Lab in Madison, WI for 34 years before retiring as head of the drug identification unit having testified in courts of law 500 times as an expert witness. Bob is an active member of the Oregon Area Historical Society and has an interest in historic topics.
Program Summary: Most people are unaware that Wisconsin had POW (Prisoner of War) camps during WWII and are surprised to learn that there were 38 of them, having a total of 20,000 mostly German POWs. In this presentation, learn about POWs camps in Wisconsin. This presentation tells interesting stories of those who may have lived in a community that once had a POW camp, those who worked side by side with POWs and those who were once prisoners in a POW camp. You will find this presentation to be informative, educational and entertaining
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
WORLD WAR II GERMAN POW CAMPS IN WISCONSIN
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 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: Bob Block is a resident of Oregon, WI. He retired after working With the Wisconsin Crime Lab in Madison, WI for 34 years before retiring as head of the drug identification unit having testified in courts of law 500 times as an expert witness. Bob is an active member of the Oregon Area Historical Society and has an interest in historic topics.
Program Summary: Most people are unaware that Wisconsin had POW (Prisoner of War) camps during WWII and are surprised to learn that there were 38 of them, having a total of 20,000 mostly German POWs. In this presentation, learn about POWs camps in Wisconsin. This presentation tells interesting stories of those who may have lived in a community that once had a POW camp, those who worked side by side with POWs and those who were once prisoners in a POW camp. You will find this presentation to be informative, educational and entertaining
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/87660908251?pwd=6AVun8SaqsRbLfqyPdU1mGLLNYMVYg.1
- Password: Family (note capital F)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
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JUNE 2026 - LIVE, IN-PERSON & ZOOM SIMULCAST PROGRAM
PROGRAM TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 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, June 9, 2026, 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/82375527678?pwd=WoVjIXCs9rXPEGRV1TcwUZ3aEBsil4.1
- Password: Family (note capital F)
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon