Sara Cochran has conducted genealogical research for over 25 years in nearly every state of the USA, plus Ireland, Italy, Austria, and Britain. She holds a Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate, a BS in Library Science and is an alumnus of the ProGen Study Group. She began her career as a professional genealogist in 2016. Sara is currently the treasurer of the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Registrar for the Aurantia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Secretary of the Amanda Stokes Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and volunteers at the National Archives, Riverside.

Join us at our March meeting and program on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 7:00pm!

About the Program

Let No (Wo)Man Put Asunder: Researching Ancestors Who Divorce​

In the ideal world, marriages last “until death do us part.” But in the real world, divorces did occur. How can you determine if an ancestor’s marriage was dissolved? Explore the types of documents that give evidence, direct or indirect, that a divorce took place: vital records, censuses, resources at commercial and free websites, court documents, newspaper stories, etc. The speaker’s great-aunt Jeanette, who was married at least 3 times, and engaged in just a tad of bigamy, will provide a case study.

About the Speaker

Jane Neff Rollins is a medical writer and professional genealogist who specializes in Jewish genealogy, 19th century Russian documents, and solving brick wall problems. 

Jane’s genealogy writing has appeared in RootsKey, the JGSLA newsletter. She is the author of “Health Care Navigation 101: Make the Health Care System Work for You. 

Join us at our January meeting and program on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 7:00pm!

About the Program

Extending Your Family Tree Beyond Online Databases & Compiled Trees

​This lecture briefly covers the basics parts needed to put together a documented family tree and then three advanced research techniques (FAN, the Football Maneuver, and Surname Distribution studies). This short introduction is followed by a review of significant black holes in 19th Century U.S. records and concludes with two advanced research examples applying these advanced research techniques. 

About the Speaker

Barbara Renick taught genealogy classes, computer genealogy classes, and genealogy computing labs for more than two decades at national and state genealogy conferences; served on staff at the large Orange County Family History Library; was a contributing editor for the National Genealogical Society computer magazine for eleven years; authored Genealogy 101: How to Trace Your Family’s History and Heritage sponsored by NGS for their 100th Anniversary which was sold at Barnes & Noble and other national bookstore chains; and served on the NGS Board of Directors and the APG Board of Directors as secretary. She also served on the RootsTech 2012 program committee.

Join us at our September meeting and program on Wednesday, September 23, 2016 at 6:45pm!

About the Webinar

Genealogy Goals - How to Set Them How to Keep Them​

Want to make 2016 or 2017 your best genealogy year ever? Whether you desire to improve your research skills, find new cousins, break through a brick wall, or finally write that family history, this session will show you effective ways to set realistic and attainable goals, and offer tips and tricks to help you achieve them. Attendees will also receive a free Ancestor Tracking Chart in downloadable PDF format.

About the Instructor

Lisa Ann Alzohttp://www.lisaalzo.com/, M.F.A., grew up in Duquesne , Pennsylvania , and currently resides in Ithaca , New York . She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1987 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997.

Lisa began writing creatively in the fourth grade with an assignment entitled, “All About Me,” and went on to win several English/Writing awards in high school and college.

Lisa has published articles in Ancestry Magazine, Discovering Family History Magazine, Family Chronicle , Family Tree Magazine , Genealogical Computing, Reunions Magazine, NGSNews Magazine, Reunions Magazine, Western Pennsylvania History Magazine, FEEFHS Journal and Rocenka: Journal of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International, The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.

An avid genealogist for 22 years, Lisa currently teaches online genealogy courses for Family Tree University and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She is the recipient of the 2002 Mary Zirin Prize given by the Association for Women in Slavic Studies to recognize the achievements of independent scholars, and is a frequently invited speaker for national conferences, genealogical and historical societies.