Longmont Genealogical Society
Past Programs And Events For the Year 2026
Go to Past Programs Main Index or Year 2025
January 14, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Sylvia Tracy-Doolos presents: Is This the Right Record? Let's Find Out — Step by Step Description: Wondering how to tell if a record truly supports your research? Let's break it down together, one simple step at a time. BIO: Sylvia Tracy Doolos is a Professional Genealogist, Consultant, and Lecturer. She is an active volunteer in several genealogical societies plus the Denver Public Library and the Carbon Valley Library. Sylvia is currently an officer in the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE), the Colorado chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (CAPG), as well as the Past President of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH). |
February 11, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Mark Fearer presents: New Year, New (and old) Ancestors Description: We all need inspiration to get a fresh start on our family history endeavors. We will look at the Do Over Movement, Educational Plans, Research Plans, Research Logs, Writing Your Family History and the taboo subject of money and genealogy. BIO: Mark Fearer has been doing family history since the 1980s, and has been a professional genealogist since 2007. He has taught a number of genealogy courses, written genealogy columns, and has lectured at numerous venues, including at national genealogy conferences. |
March 11, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Bobski Masson presents: When AI (Artificial Intelligence) Meets Genealogy Description: This presentation explores the integration of artificial intelligence in genealogical research. The class covers AI fundamentals, its application in analyzing historical records and images, and the use of AI chatbots for research assistance. Participants will also learn about AI tools from major genealogy websites, including Ancestry and MyHeritage, and see practical demonstrations. The session aims to enhance genealogical research efficiency and accuracy through modern technology. BIO: Bobski Masson grew up with computers, beginning his programming journey in the mid–1960s at a smalltown high school in Wyoming. With over five decades of experience presenting to audiences around the world on a wide range of technology topics, he's known for taking complex ideas and making them understandable and relevant to everyday life. Bobski's hobbies include studying artificial intelligence (especially as it pertains to genealogy and DNA) and technology in general. Residing in Frederick, Colorado, he balances his time between managing a consulting company, genealogy, volunteering at the Longmont Senior Center, outdoor activities, and family life with his wife Connie and four daughters. |
April 8, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Glenn York presents: Genealogical Educational Opportunities Description: This presentation explores the variety of opportunities available to expand your genealogy knowledge and skills to the next level. We will explore some of the popular blogs and websites that are available at no cost. We then consider low–cost periodicals, books, seminars, and conferences to further your knowledge base. For those interested in entering the field of professional genealogy, we will introduce preparatory college courses and Genealogical Institute courses. BIO: Glenn York is an avid genealogist with over 40 years of research experience across the United States. He began researching by pouring over microfilm at the National Archives and reading books at the Library of Congress in the 1980s while living in the Washington DC area. Glenn's formal education includes a bachelor's degree in social science and a master's degree in Telecommunications. He has attended over a dozen week–long genealogical institute courses. He participates in many genealogy conferences and seminars. |
May 13, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Allie Golon presents: Proving your Revolutionary War Patriot (even those who did not fight!) Description: Proof of Revolutionary War Service comes in many variations. If you are interested in joining DAR or SAR, learn how to prove your ancestor's Patriotic or Civil Service. BIO: Allie is a 15 year member of the DAR and has served in a number of genealogy related roles at the national, state and chapter level for DAR including as National Lineage Research Chair. In 2017, she was the Colorado Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist. She is also a Former Historian for The Mayflower Society. |
June 10, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Connie Magee Masson presents: Women of the American Revolution Description: The Women of the American Revolution were a motley crew of various combinations of class, color, age, and education, and their experiences during the war were as diverse and varied as the women themselves. Without them, the new country may not have survived. Today let's get to know some of the women who were critical to our nation's birth. While you are watching and listening, try to decide which of these 13 women you might have been had you lived during the American Revolution or who you would have wanted to be your spouse, which one would have been your best friend, and which one would you have admired the most of all of these brave Daughters! Mark Y or W for #1, BF for #2, and MA for #3: Who would you have wanted to be: 1. Y/W – You or your wife; 2. BF – Your best friend; and 3. MA – Who would you have most admired. After we'll do a group tally and see who wins in each of these categories! BIO: Connie is a retired educator who also worked in business and industry as a presenter and trainer on the use of technology in schools, businesses, and daily life. She became a Doctor of Vocational Education and Business in 1981 during the very beginning of word processing and office automation – technology that is now a part of our everyday lives. She is originally from Bogalusa, Louisiana, an hour northeast of New Orleans, lived in Texas for 15 years and came to Colorado 35 years ago. She is married to her wonderful HODAR, Bobski and has four daughters, one grandson and four toy Australian shepherds. Connie is a member of the 1. Indian Peaks Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 2. US Daughters of the War of 1812, 3. United Daughters of the Confederacy, 4. Dames of the Court of Honor and 5. The Longmont Genealogy Society. Her 1st proven DAR Revolutionary War patriot is John Warren Jr., Captain Civil Service, Wilkes and Burke Counties, GA at Kettle Creek. John's father and Sampson Edward Ball are pending supplementals in DAR. John Warren, Jr. is also her Dames of the Court of Honor Patriot which requires an officer to qualify. Her War of 1812 Patriot is Charles Penny. Her United Daughters of the Confederacy Patriot is her great grandfather John Warren Ball, Jr. |
July 8, 2026
12:00 noon Round Table begins at 1:00 pm Hybrid In–person & Zoom ( In Person or on Zoom depending on how YOU attend) |
The Program will be a Series of Round Table Discussions Description: The LGS Education Committee will hold a series of 4 Round Table Discussions. The moderators will move between four stations, three tables plus the Zoom session. Each session will last 25 minutes, and each of the four groups will participate in all four topics. The value of the Discussions will depend on your participation! Thanks to our LGS members for leading our discussions. Round Table Topics and moderators
Let's Talk DNA Surprises, led by Glenn York A relaxed conversation about unexpected DNA results, newly discovered relatives,
and gently revised family stories. Participants share reactions, ethical questions, and practical
research approaches, focusing on understanding evidence, communicating findings clearly, and
integrating new information into ongoing genealogy work.
Got a Brick Wall?, led by Bobski Masson Brick walls don't always need new records – sometimes they need new ways of thinking.
This session explores overlooked tools, including AI, fresh questions, and creative strategies that
help you see old problems differently and uncover clues you may have missed hiding in plain sight.
LGS Surprises & Wishes, led by Margaret Lindblom This interactive roundtable invites you to reflect on your experience with LGS programs
and share your most surprising/wonderful discoveries. What unexpected insights have you gained? Just as
importantly, what do you still hope to learn? Come prepared to share your ideas and help guide future
LGS offerings – help make the LGS future what you want it to be!
How Organized Are You?, led by Gail Lewis How many of you have developed a good organizational system for your pictures, documents,
and your computer? Bring an idea that has worked for you or maybe you'll find a way to improve what you're
doing now. You may find that with specific ideas, they won't take much effort and, you'll realize that you
need to spend some time getting organized! Wouldn't that be nice?
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August 12, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present in person) |
Nancy Dierker presents: Heir to the Family Tree: Now What? Description: Heir to the Family Tree: Now What? is a practical and encouraging presentation for anyone who has inherited family research and isn't sure where to begin. Learn how to evaluate what you received, define your own research goals, and discover meaningful ways to grow and preserve your family story using a fun "roadside attractions" approach. BIO: Nancy is the founder of Historigen, LLC, where she blends her love of history and genealogy with decades of experience in project management, legal research, and technology. A certified legal assistant and former IT project manager, Nancy has successfully overseen multi–million dollar contracts, bringing precision, dedication, and exceptional organizational skills to every project she undertakes. As a passionate genealogist and history enthusiast, Nancy is skilled at tracing elusive ancestors and uncovering the rich narratives found in historical records. She works closely with clients to either conduct in–depth research on their behalf or provide them with personalized guides they can follow to explore their histories independently. Nancy also serves as the editor of the Colorado Genealogical Society newsletter. |
September 9, 2026
1:00 PM Hybrid In–person & Zoom (Speaker will present on Zoom) |
Susie Wickman presents: Mapping Family History: Using Maps to Discover and Tell Your Family's Story Description: Maps can reveal far more than locations – they uncover movement, relationships, and historical context that traditional records often miss. This session explores how to use maps as powerful tools for both research and storytelling.
BIO: Susie Wickman has been teaching genealogy classes since 2017. She holds a BSBA from the University of North Dakota and an MA in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University. Her interest in family history began in 2002, after her parents passed away. Her research into her father's military service led to years of studying records, mapping movements, and uncovering the stories behind the names. Susie enjoys sharing practical ways to write and map family history, believing that stories are what spark curiosity and keep children and grandchildren engaged in their heritage. |