This introductory session will explore various types of records accessible at the Provincial Archives of Alberta, such as vital statistics, probate files, and court records, which contain a wealth of information that may aid you in your genealogical research. The session will also discuss some federal records and additional resources such as local histories that are also incredibly valuable – Genealogical Gold!  https://provincialarchives.alberta.ca/

Did you mark your wish list in the Sears Christmas catalog as a child? The FamilySearch Catalog lists every record FamilySearch has gathered, listing whether they are available at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, at an affiliated library, a FamilySearch Center, or online.

This session will show how to effectively search for records using the various categories: place, surname, title, author, subject, or keywords, as well as combinations of these elements. Records are available in the following formats: books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, maps, and publications. Additionally, the session will cover how to search within film images, including how to adjust and zoom in and out for better visibility.

When you discover a record pertinent to your research, you will learn how to mark it for later viewing, part of a personal to-do list to research later, or to print for your Salt Lake visit. Just like the Sears Christmas Catalog offered something for every family member, the FamilySearch Catalog provides something valuable for everyone, regardless of where your ancestors lived.

Elaine will guide participants through the necessary steps of researching Ukrainian ancestry. Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or have years of experience, this session offers practical tips, tools, and real-life examples to help you trace your roots in both Canada and Ukraine.

This class will be of special interest to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We will cover the following topics.

• Understanding the spiritual nature of family history and temple service for an ancestor.
• Ensuring accuracy of information for the ancestor on FamilySearch.org.
• Tips on using available record sources as well as other methods to find and record pertinent information.
• Reserving temple ordinances for ancestors, readiness of documents to take to the temple.
• Ordinances Ready feature on FamilySearch.org.
• Understanding the different time restraints for a reserved ordinance.
• What comes next after an ordinance has been completed.

Curious about DNA testing but not sure where to begin? In this introductory session, we’ll explore how autosomal DNA can help you grow your family tree, confirm relationships, and uncover surprising connections. Learn about the different testing companies, what your results can tell you, and how to start making sense of cousin matches. Whether you’re adopted, a beginner, or just DNA-curious, this talk will give you the confidence to start finding family in your genes.

To begin your family history, start with what you already know, gathering information from yourself, your family, and any available documents. Work backward, one generation at a time, from yourself to your parents, grandparents, and beyond. Talk to older relatives, collect family photos and documents, and use online resources like FamilySearch or Ancestry.com to organize your research.

This presentation will focus on the emotional and psychological benefits of being connected to your ancestors and family.  In a world where we are becoming more and more disconnected and divisive as a community, having an outlet like family history can help us draw strength from those who have come before us to overcome our trials and at the same time, see the value to preserving our family connections with those who are still with us.

The FamilySearch Wiki is a free, online genealogical research guide created by FamilySearch. It functions as a collaborative knowledge database, akin to Wikipedia, but specifically focused on genealogical research. The Research Wiki provides guidance on researching numerous localities worldwide, including information on record types, research strategies, and links to online databases and collections. The wiki aims to help users locate and interpret genealogical records, providing a comprehensive resource for both beginners and experienced genealogists."

You've tested your DNA—now what? This advanced session is designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and make real progress with their genetic genealogy. Learn how to use Ancestry’s ProTools—including the new smart filters and other powerful features—to sort, prioritize, and make sense of your DNA matches. We’ll also explore techniques for identifying common ancestors, building out trees for matches, and spotting patterns that point to your next big discovery. Perfect for intermediate researchers ready to work their matches with confidence and skill.

You have probably invested a significant amount of time, effort, and money in collecting and processing your genealogy data. Without proper backups, there is a significant risk of losing some or all of your hard work, and some of this data may be irreplaceable. This session will cover the basics for developing a good backup plan, even if you are not an IT expert.

After doing countless interviews and writing documentaries about people’s lives, and writing nine books, Bob is here to help you write your life story. You may want to bring a notepad, as there will be things to include that you never thought of. It will be your gift to the generations that follow. Come prepared to ask questions, take notes, and laugh.

Alison will explain what to do and where to find information about
cemeteries. Bring your questions and comments. The following topics will be covered in
this session.

• What is Find a Grave - a short history, including communicating with the support staff.

• How to join Find a Grave - including writing a bio.

• How to use Find a Grave - some guidelines cover most situations.

• How to search Find a Grave.

• What to do if a search doesn’t find a person for whom you have the details for.

• How to find a cemetery on Find a Grave and what to do if you have a cemetery that is not yet listed.

• What is a Virtual Cemetery on Find a Grave?

• Communicating with other members.

• How to find the locations of cemeteries in Alberta.

• How to organize a road trip to take photos in a cemetery.

Continuing the exploration of AI in genealogy, this presentation highlights techniques for harnessing artificial intelligence to improve genealogical research and storytelling. It begins by explaining the basic principles of artificial intelligence (AI), presents examples of its use in genealogy over the years, and discusses the arrival of ChatGPT in November 2022 and its impact across various fields.  Jean-Yves then illustrates recent applications of AI in genealogy that support more effective research and storytelling, before concluding with a discussion of the limitations and challenges of AI, as well as its future prospects.

Sometimes the missing pieces of your family story live in someone else’s attic—or memory. In this session, discover how connecting with distant cousins can uncover lost photos, untold stories, and a deeper sense of belonging. Learn simple ways to find distant relatives and bring your heritage to life.

Shush, library voices? Not here! We're busting down the doors (metaphorically, of course!) to the treasure trove that is Library and Archives Canada. This isn't your grandma's quiet archive tour; it's a high-energy adventure!

We'll show you the wildest, coolest stuff they've got, how to sniff it out, and the super- secret search spells to conjure up those long-lost ancestors. Prepare for happy dances and shouts of pure joy when you unearth that family secret or find your great-great-great-aunt's sassy diary entry. Let the good times roll and the history unfold!

It can be hard to see the people who we come from as actual people, like we are. People who had hopes and dreams, likes and dislikes, hardships and triumphs. They often feel so far away, and the world they live in feels more like a fairy tale. Come and see ways to not only find your ancestors, but know them and their lives, and feel closer to them.

The Alberta Genealogical Society Edmonton Branch Library is the premier genealogical library in the Edmonton area. Introducing the physical and digital resources we have to help you in your Family History research, along with the available services. Join one of our focused Special Interest Groups and collaborate with others in your area of research!

This session will cover the following.

• What types of information do we need to protect?

• Why do we need to protect this information?

• When is this information old enough to be shared?

• How do websites protect and share your data?
  

• Quick tips to help protect your accounts and data.

Video Presentation: Ensure that your successor(s) can access all your Family History assets and understand your wishes regarding their disposition. We'll look at some crucial considerations and some actions you can take now to ensure a future for your genealogical research.

Ready to move your genealogy research "across the pond"? This workshop will help you be successful as you apply your genealogy research skills to the counties of England and Wales. This workshop is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of family history research.

We will examine which records are held where, at the local, county, or national levels, and which are available online. We will consider civil records (births, marriages, and deaths), church records (baptisms, marriages, burials), and census records, and the presenter will demonstrate how to navigate useful websites.