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.

• Plot property ownership and track where ancestors lived over time
• Use Sanborn maps to pinpoint residences and identify missing locations
• Map homesteads to uncover connections between neighboring families
• Trace immigration routes across countries and continents
• Chart disasters and historical events that shaped your family's experience
• Track military service through stations, movements, and deployments
• Use Google Maps and Google Earth to explore hometowns and ancestral properties

Whether you are working through a research challenge or looking for new ways to present your findings, this session offers practical strategies for visualizing and sharing your family history.

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.

Description: The LGS Website has undergone many changes in 2026. The site contains so much information that many members get a bit overwhelmed by everything. The goal of this presentation is to provide a walk-through of the website and highlight important information that you can find in the hidden corners of lgsco.org.

BIO: Randy has been an active member of LGS for the past 3 or so years, acting most recently in the role of Webmaster – a role he was asked to perform, since he wasn't terrified by HTML and CSS. While his background is in electronic design, so far he has managed to not mess up the website too badly.

Description: This presentation explores small town life in frontier New England in the early 1770s. How did a family daily survive, and what finally drove them to rebel against their King? We will discuss the various Acts of Parliament that drove the Colonies into a corner. Do we leave or fight? Also, on display will be various items that went along with the Acts such as tea bricks, sugar cones, parchment paper, etc.

BIO: George Smith is a 25 year member of the Colorado SAR (past state president), and long time member of the General Society of the War of 1812 and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He also is a senior researcher for the Westminster and Federal Heights Historical Societies. This April he completed his 316th Patriot Chest presentation to schools in Colorado about what school age kids did during 250 years ago.