Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog

Chris Staats is a Cleveland, Ohio-based professional genealogical researcher, presenter, and writer. Chris has given presentations covering methodology, resources, technology, and other topics at genealogical societies and libraries across Ohio. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, chapter representative for the Great Lakes APG chapter, and Seminar Chairperson for the Western Reserve Historical Society's Genealogical Committee. He has also written articles for Family Tree Magazine, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and other publications.

ISGS is thrilled to have Chris Saats as one of our Fall Conference Speakers! Chris was kind enough to take the time to tell us more about his background and genealogical interests, plus give us a sneak peek of one of his exciting lectures for the Conference!

How did you become interested in genealogy?  How long have you beenresearching?
Although I was interested in genealogy at an early age, the seeds wer…

The Genealogical Society of Southern Illinois (GSSI) will be hosting their annual Family History Conference THIS SATURDAY, August 10th, at the Ray Hancock Conference Center of John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois.

GSSI preserves the family history of the 28 southernmost counties in Illinois, and ISGS is proud to count them as one of our Associate Members!

This year's conference will feature ISGS' own Caron Primas Brennan who will be teaching attendees about newspaper research, using DNA, online resources, and European roots. The Conference will also include door prizes and a Vendor Fair, sure to be educational and fun for everyone!

Visit GSSI's website to learn more about them, and this weekend's conference, at http://ilgssi.org/http://ilgssi.org/.

And don't forget to register for the ISGS Fall Conference, October 25-26, in Naperville Illinois! Learn more and register at https://ilgensoc.org/ .


© 2019, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

WHAT'S YOUR STORY...?


Every family's got one...a story, that is. What's yours? Was your ancestor an Illinois native or did he pass through, stay briefly and then move on? Where did they live? What kind of work did they do? What clues did your ancestors leave to mark their path in, around or across this state?

Have you considered sharing your ancestor's tale in the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly?

Our publication is dedicated to publishing a wide range of original articles with an Illinois connection and we'd love to hear yours. If you have a story you'd like to share, please contact our editor, Richard Anderson, at isgsquarterly@ilgensoc.org. We'll let you know what you need to do to bring your family's story to life!

Interested in reading current and past Quarterlies? Visit our Online Storewhere you can easily purchase the current and previous issues in just a few clicks! Our summer issues features an original and intriguing story with a L…

The July/August issueof the ISGS Newsletter is now available to both ISGS members and non-members!

Visit the ISGS website atwww.ilgensoc.org and click ISGS Newsletter to download the current issue (in PDF) and to view past issues going back to January/February 2008.


© 2019, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo was born and raised in
northern Indiana surrounded by extended family always willing to tell tall tales. Intrigued by his maternal family’s claim to be kinfolk of Abraham Lincoln, and his paternal family’s stories of murder and mayhem, he took
to genealogical research in 1980 to substantiate these family stories.
Genealogical research as a hobby was in its infancy in the 1980s. Combing libraries, archives, cemeteries and courthouses as a teenager, Michael gained the skills needed to become a keen researcher. His first major challenge in the world of research was tackled by finding his adopted mother’s birth parents in 1982. You can read about this adventure at his blog at Roots4U.blogspot.com with some engaging story-telling, plot twists and new findings!

Although a budding genealogist in the 1980s, Michael completed his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1991, while still spending time honing his research skills. As befitting a doctor, Michael treats his genealogic…

What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional based in the United States who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more. Thomas has over 42 years of experience researching family history. Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. Currently Thomas shares many of his articles and videos for free at Abundant Genealogy and also runs the popular Genealogy Bargains and DNA Bargains websites! Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other fin…