Attending a genealogy conference - big or small- is a great way to further your genealogy education. As you learn new strategies you will sharpen your research skills and make steady progress toward tearing down your genealogical brick walls.
Genealogy Research,  How To Trace Your Family Tree

How To Find Your Next Genealogy Conference (Answering a Reader’s Question!)

Reader questions are the best!

I always enjoy readers’ questions.  In fact, each post you read here on Are You My Cousin? is the result of your questions. Today’s post is no different.

Take a look at Linda’s question (It might be yours as well!):

Now that I’m retired I’d love to attend a big genealogical conference but I have no idea which one or what’s even out there. Please consider writing a detailed post on options for people like me. – ~ Linda F.

Attending a genealogy conference – big or small- is a great way to further your genealogy education. As you learn new strategies you will sharpen your research skills and make steady progress toward tearing down your genealogical brick walls.

But first….

Know What You Want To Know

Before signing up for a conference, what is it you want to know?  Are you looking to understand DNA and genetic genealogy better? Search for a conference with a focus on genetic DNA.

Are you looking for a more general type of genealogy education?  Study a conference’s brochure to determine of the types of classes offered are of interest.

Are you particularly interested in a specific location and the genealogy records unique to that area? Seek out regional conferences in that area.  For example, if you have Virginia ancestors and need to learn more about genealogy research in Virginia, start by looking at the educational offerings of the Virginia Genealogical Society.

The Big Genealogy Conferences

Attending a large genealogical conference is well, thrilling! (and exhausting πŸ™‚ ) Three  of the more well known “big” conferences are:

  • The NGS Family History Conference
  • The Federation of Genealogical Societies – 30 Aug – 2 Sep 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA
  • Rootstech –

Ethnic Groups Family History Conferences

Conferences on specific ethnic groups will be of interest for those researching specific ethnic or cultural groups.  Below are a couple of examples:

Regional Genealogy Conferences & Workshops

Regional workshops single or multi-day events.  Below are just a few examples.  To find one in the area where you research (or where your ancestors lived), use a simple google search to find what is offered.  Your search may look something like: North Carolina + Genealogy + Conference + 2017.  By adding the year you will narrow down your search results!

Intensive Multi-day Institutes

Are you ready to dig really deep into genealogy research?  You just might be ready for a multi-day or week long genealogy intensive. Yes, these are intense, and geared toward an advanced researcher. Tip: These fill up very quickly. If interested, be ready to sign up the minute (literally) registration opens.

Have you found a conference you are interested in? The number of conferences are too numerous to list all conferences and workshops out there. Use this list as a guide to finding a genealogy conference that best suits your needs.

Know a great conference you want to share?  Share in the comments below!

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8 Comments

  • Nancy

    I am the registrar for the Mid Atlantic Germanic Society. We have two conferences a year. We focus on general topics on German ancestors but some meetings at more specific (i.e.; Research in Maryland archives was our latest Spring meeting) We have started Saturday workshops beginning June 17 in Laurel, Maryland on ” Reading German Church Recods”
    Please Check out our website at www. magsgen.com for our very informative website where we are constantly loading digitized German documents.

  • Mrs. Shawn Castillo

    I attend several live stream or recorded conferences each year that are free or that I purchase. This is a great way to learn about a wide range of topics at a minimal cost. If you cannot travel to a live conference, this is a great alternative!

  • Sharon Reif

    I would also list Conference Keeper, and Dick Eastman’s list of conferences. Two very valuable resources.

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