CMS Research & Genealogy

1. Has My Ship Sailed: A Short Excursion Into Immigration and Passport Records in the United States (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Immigration and passport records can provide a detailed snapshot of your ancestor’s life and be an invaluable source of family information. Join us for a look into using U.S. immigration records in your genealogical quest.
2. *IN PERSON ONLY*– Organizing The Clutter: Protecting My Family’s Archives (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Do you have a box of family heirlooms and other gems, but are worried about preserving them for your descendants? In this presentation, we will discuss ways to preserve and maintain items, such as photographs and books, as well as discuss about some preservation dos and don’ts that could harm your treasures.
3. There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills: Exploring Land Records In The United States (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– No matter how you think about it, your ancestors walked the same ground that you do today. Did they own that land? Come along with us while we discuss the types of U.S. land records that were issued, how the inclusion of such records can positively impact your family tree, and where to find these records today.
4. Gustave Anjou: A “Genealogist” Gone Rogue (Duration: 45-60 minutes)– Have you heard of this “bad boy” of the genealogy world? Learn the story of this self-proclaimed genealogist, who scandalized the profession by authoring hundreds of fraudulent pedigrees. His practices deceived his numerous clients, whose families spent decades trying to sort out their genuine family history.
5. Climbing To The Afterlife: A Brief Exploration of Burial and Funeral Rituals From Around The World (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Ever wonder how other cultures bury and mourn their deceased loved ones? Take a brief, virtual trip with us as we explore funerary rites from around the world
6. Who, What, When, Where, and How: A Brief History and Understanding of Sanborn Maps (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Sanborn Maps are a handy and often under used resource. Join us as we discuss the history of these wonderful resources and how they can help you in your genealogical journey.
7. A Never Failing Spring in the Desert: A Deep Dive Into The History and Legacy of Carnegie Libraries (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– In this presentation, we discuss how Carnegie libraries came to fruition and the monumental impact they have had on their communities.
8. Is My Family History Important- Exploring the Pros and Cons of Genealogy (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Not everyone’s family comes from royalty; that is just a fact of life. Sometimes just knowing where you come from can help you understand who you are. And sometimes, the skeletons in the closet are just too nightmarish in our minds. Join us as we explore this genealogical quandary: to tell the story or not to tell the story.
9. The Macabre Paper Trail: A Brief Exploration of Death Records in The United States (Duration 60-90 minutes)– It’s a fact of life that we all die and leave a paper trail behind us. In this presentation, we will discuss not only death certificates and their genealogical uses, but also other parts of the paper trail that can be used to strengthen your family tree.
10. Be Kind To Your Descendants: Cite Your Sources! A Brief How To (Duration 60-90 minutes)– In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of citing your sources and share tips for how to create useful citations that will help preserve your ancestor’s memory. Your descendants will thank you!
11. Love Your Local Librarian: Putting The Stacks To The Genealogical Test (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– How can your local public library help in your genealogical pursuits? Oh, let us count the ways. Some libraries might contain just what you are looking for to expand your family tree. Join us as we delve into this often overlooked resource.
12. Where Do I Come From?- Tips To Get Started For The Beginner (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Genealogy can sometimes look like an intimidating endeavor, but we all started somewhere. Explore with us ways to get started and keep going strong. Make your ancestors proud.
13. But They Said…: Challenging Family Lore With Evidence- A Case Study. (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– Do you have a “fact” that was passed down through the generations that you aren’t sure is correct? Did your grandfather tell you that your mom’s third cousin was “Baby Face” Nelson? Have you always been told that your great-great-great-grandmother was a Cherokee princess? Hop on board for this journey to separate fact from fiction.
14. Mind The Gap: An Exploration of Alternative Records to Bypass The Whole 1890 United States Federal Census Debacle (Duration: 60-90 minutes)– The loss of the 1890 United States Federal Census is a frustration that still haunts family historians, over a century later. Explore with us while we review other sources of information that could help you locate your ancestors during this period.

*The estimated duration of the presentation includes a question period.

*The recording of the presentations, whether in person or virtual, is prohibited.