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

FEBRUARY 2025 - PROGRAM
USING NEWSPAPERS TO ENRICH YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Zoom-Only (icy roads)- Join us live from home on your PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Renee Cue, neé Love, is an Iowa native who is a family history enthusiast and amateur genealogist. Renee and her husband moved to the Tucson, AZ area at the end of 2020. Renee enjoys sharing her historical discoveries with her family in articles, books, and social media posts. If they will read it, she will write it! Renee facilitates the PCGS Genealogy Writers Special Interest Group and continues to be and active member in the Iowa Genealogical Society. Her special areas of interest are her Anabaptist, Scot, and Welsh ancestors.
Program Summary: Renee will explore the various newspaper repositories from local libraries to digitzed images online (some free!). She will demonstrate search strategies for finding ancestors, but also understanding and using newspaper information from the times in which they lived.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:
USING NEWSPAPERS TO ENRICH YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Zoom-Only (icy roads)- Join us live from home on your PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Renee Cue, neé Love, is an Iowa native who is a family history enthusiast and amateur genealogist. Renee and her husband moved to the Tucson, AZ area at the end of 2020. Renee enjoys sharing her historical discoveries with her family in articles, books, and social media posts. If they will read it, she will write it! Renee facilitates the PCGS Genealogy Writers Special Interest Group and continues to be and active member in the Iowa Genealogical Society. Her special areas of interest are her Anabaptist, Scot, and Welsh ancestors.
Program Summary: Renee will explore the various newspaper repositories from local libraries to digitzed images online (some free!). She will demonstrate search strategies for finding ancestors, but also understanding and using newspaper information from the times in which they lived.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81118279339?pwd=W3bHOKb9EUqaXbl8Je5bZanaRGU80m.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:

audience_handout_using_newspapers_to_enrich_your_family_history_research.pdf | |
File Size: | 109 kb |
File Type: |

MARCH 2025 - PROGRAM
USING A.I. TO TRANSLATE, TRANSCRIBE & SUMMARIZE GENEALOGICAL DOCUMENTS
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Thomas MacEntee is a guy with a love of punk rock music but also art history who somehow “fell” into the technology industry years ago. He left a lucrative tech career to pursue his love of family history and genealogy. Technology and historical research seem like opposites, but “tech people” like Thomas are needed to guide you through the maze of options so you can find your ancestors and bring their stories to life.
Program Summary: Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
USING A.I. TO TRANSLATE, TRANSCRIBE & SUMMARIZE GENEALOGICAL DOCUMENTS
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Thomas MacEntee is a guy with a love of punk rock music but also art history who somehow “fell” into the technology industry years ago. He left a lucrative tech career to pursue his love of family history and genealogy. Technology and historical research seem like opposites, but “tech people” like Thomas are needed to guide you through the maze of options so you can find your ancestors and bring their stories to life.
Program Summary: Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88655647567?pwd=mgd5WEhmLT56EDAyEvG3GYKyOBjbB9.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

APRIL 2025 - PROGRAM
GERMAN IMMIGRATION TO WISCONSIN
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Antje Petty is the Associate Director of the Max Kade Institute for German American Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where her research focuses on the experiences of German-speaking immigrants and their descendants. She shares the resources of the Institute through a variety of public programs.
Program Summary: Over forty percent of Wisconsinites claim "German" as their primary ancestry. Most of their ancestors came from German-speaking lands in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This presentation will look at the experiences of first-generation immigrants, their reasons for leaving Europe and settling in Wisconsin, the traditions they kept, and the unique Wisconsin culture they became a part of.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
No Audience Handout: Link to Additional Information: Max Kade Institute
GERMAN IMMIGRATION TO WISCONSIN
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Antje Petty is the Associate Director of the Max Kade Institute for German American Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where her research focuses on the experiences of German-speaking immigrants and their descendants. She shares the resources of the Institute through a variety of public programs.
Program Summary: Over forty percent of Wisconsinites claim "German" as their primary ancestry. Most of their ancestors came from German-speaking lands in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This presentation will look at the experiences of first-generation immigrants, their reasons for leaving Europe and settling in Wisconsin, the traditions they kept, and the unique Wisconsin culture they became a part of.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81307015509?pwd=RU521pjbQYBCvHi5EW4Z5TaxTV34ZF.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
No Audience Handout: Link to Additional Information: Max Kade Institute

MAY 2025 - PROGRAM
IMPROVE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS BY APPLYING TO A LINEAGE SOCIETY
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Ruth Anderson RCGS Librarian & Archivist, Genealogist, and Member of Several Heritage Societies. Ruth has been an active member of the RCGS Board of Directors for 25 years, organizer of the annual RCGS Scholarship Workshop Fundraiser, member of several Lineage Societies and frequent speaker to regional genealogical, historical and Lineage Societies.
Program Summary: Ruth will demonstrate how meeting the rigor of Lineage Society application can not only grant access to prestigious heritage organizations, but also hone your research skills and fine tune your use of source citation.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
IMPROVE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS BY APPLYING TO A LINEAGE SOCIETY
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Ruth Anderson RCGS Librarian & Archivist, Genealogist, and Member of Several Heritage Societies. Ruth has been an active member of the RCGS Board of Directors for 25 years, organizer of the annual RCGS Scholarship Workshop Fundraiser, member of several Lineage Societies and frequent speaker to regional genealogical, historical and Lineage Societies.
Program Summary: Ruth will demonstrate how meeting the rigor of Lineage Society application can not only grant access to prestigious heritage organizations, but also hone your research skills and fine tune your use of source citation.
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85282126312?pwd=HFIc0zfkPjcko9FVo8tRMSuf3bEdG8.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

JUNE 2025 - PROGRAM
THE STORY OF LYDIA GOODELL
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Jennifer Motszeko.
Program Summary:
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
THE STORY OF LYDIA GOODELL
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Jennifer Motszeko.
Program Summary:
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82203973694?pwd=BiIdiyAx0NZBwxo4bzzuHn5hUzSqjb.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

JULY 2025 - PROGRAM
THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY FOR GENEALOGY
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Vicki Ruthe Hahn is the founder of the IL-WI State Line Genealogical Club, LLC and regularly presents programs to regional libraries, genealogical and historical societies.
Program Summary:
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY FOR GENEALOGY
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Vicki Ruthe Hahn is the founder of the IL-WI State Line Genealogical Club, LLC and regularly presents programs to regional libraries, genealogical and historical societies.
Program Summary:
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88297687592?pwd=JpTrbwSZkbjruUawx2J58xBilqkgQ9.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

AUGUST 2025 - PROGRAM
CEMETERY FIELD TRIP - CLEANING OLD GRAVESTONES
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at ...
Program Presenter: Julie Marquardt is a member of the board of both the Milton House Museum and the Rock County Historical Society. She is an active genealogist with an interest in careful cleaning and preservation of cemetery tombstones.
Program Summary: TBA
How to Attend: This field trip cannot be watched via a Zoom link. It must be attended in person.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
CEMETERY FIELD TRIP - CLEANING OLD GRAVESTONES
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at ...
Program Presenter: Julie Marquardt is a member of the board of both the Milton House Museum and the Rock County Historical Society. She is an active genealogist with an interest in careful cleaning and preservation of cemetery tombstones.
Program Summary: TBA
How to Attend: This field trip cannot be watched via a Zoom link. It must be attended in person.
- Zoom Link: No Zoom Presentation - This is a cemetery field trip
- Zoom Passcode:
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

SEPTEMBER 2025 - PROGRAM
MILTON'S HISTORIC MUSINGS
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Doug Welch is .
Program Summary: TBA
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
MILTON'S HISTORIC MUSINGS
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Doug Welch is .
Program Summary: TBA
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88656350727?pwd=EcPrtjHUbKbUpU0Cb8m4RHQmwAIkDR.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

OCTOBER 2025 - PROGRAM
RCGS' 7th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM p.m. WI time.
Cost: Paid Registration Required - all proceeds go to RCGS' scholarship fund.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: TBA
Program Summary: TBA
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
RCGS' 7th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM p.m. WI time.
Cost: Paid Registration Required - all proceeds go to RCGS' scholarship fund.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: TBA
Program Summary: TBA
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link & Passcode: Provided with paid registration
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon

NOVEMBER 2025 - PROGRAM
RESEARCHING YOUR IRISH ROOTS
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Natalie Bodle
Program Summary:
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
RESEARCHING YOUR IRISH ROOTS
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. local WI time.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: Join us at the Milton House Museum or view live on your Home PC or Smartphone with the Zoom app (see Zoom presentation link, below).
Program Presenter: Natalie Bodle
Program Summary:
How to Attend: This Zoom presentation can be watched live 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. The Zoom link, and handout link below also allow participation from your home PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83880578951?pwd=wax7zb2BZvcVJOjos4G11MINlqfx3t.1
- Zoom Passcode: Family (with a capital "F")
Download the Audience Handout below in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format: Available Soon
DECEMBER 2025 - PROGRAM
HOLIDAY HEIRLOOM AND MEAL PARTY
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 9, 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 9, 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)