On the Horizon
Prepared by Kelley Barrett, CCNGS VP of Operations
Summer Genealogy Opportunities: Learn, Explore, and Discover
Summer is a wonderful time to make progress on your family history research. Whether you're organizing old photographs, interviewing relatives, visiting cemeteries and archives, or finally tackling that stubborn brick wall, the coming months offer many opportunities to deepen your genealogical knowledge and make new discoveries. To help inspire your summer plans, we've gathered several educational programs, resources, and activities that may be of interest to our members.
Summer Research Adventures
Looking for ways to stay engaged with genealogy this summer? Consider joining our volunteers in the Heritage Room at the Paseo Verde Library to work through a research question. You might also visit a museum, cemetery, archive, or historical society you've never explored before, reconnect with relatives to gather family stories, or spend time organizing your files, photographs, and documents.
Other worthwhile projects include scanning and labeling old family photos, recording interviews with family members, creating a family tree chart for an upcoming gathering, writing a short ancestor biography, or experimenting with a new genealogy website or research tool. Don't forget to join the "Members of CCNGS" Facebook group to connect with fellow researchers, and if your membership has lapsed, summer is a great time to renew.
A New Edition of a Genealogy Classic
Researchers interested in strengthening their analytical skills may want to add a new book to their summer reading list. Mastering Genealogical Proof, Second Edition by Thomas W. Jones is hot off the presses. This respected text explains how genealogists evaluate evidence, resolve conflicting information, and develop sound research conclusions.
The updated edition expands upon the original with new examples, exercises, enhanced discussion of genealogical proof arguments, and additional coverage of DNA evidence. Both beginning and experienced genealogists will find valuable guidance for producing well-documented family histories.
You can order your copy here:
https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/mastering-genealogical-proof/
July 14: Free Webinar on Atlantic Canadian Research
On July 14, 2026, genealogist David Allen Lambert will present the free online lecture Top Resources for Atlantic Canadian Research. Researchers with roots in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island will learn about key repositories, databases, archives, and research strategies for navigating the unique challenges of Atlantic Canadian genealogy.
Lambert, Chief Genealogist at American Ancestors, is widely recognized for his expertise in New England and Atlantic Canadian records, military records, DNA research, and Native American and African American genealogy. The webinar will be recorded and made available to registered participants.
To register for this free webinar, visit the American Ancestors website:
https://www.americanancestors.org/events
August 5 and August 26: Free Legacy Family Tree Webinars
Legacy Family Tree Webinars will offer many free educational presentations in July and August. Here are two that we don’t want to miss:
On August 5, Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG®, will present Uncovering Pre-1900 New England Church Records. The webinar explores strategies for locating early church records, including collections housed in archives, libraries, and private repositories that are often overlooked by researchers. Members may remember Bonnie as the featured presenter at our May 2026 membership meeting.
On August 26, Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, will present Women's Suffrage: Their Rights, Roles, and Limitations. This lecture examines the history of the women's rights movement and explores valuable genealogical records connected to suffrage, reform movements, military service, and voting rights.
For registration and additional details, visit:
https://familytreewebinars.com/
August 31: Family Tree Maker Educational Program
Family Tree Maker users—and those considering the software—may wish to attend a free educational program on August 31, 2026, at the Starbright Theater in Sun City Summerlin.
The program will feature Mark Olsen discussing Family Tree Maker basics, tips, and research techniques, followed by Duff Wilson's presentation on the latest Family Tree Maker 2024 features. Attendees will also have opportunities for one-on-one assistance, troubleshooting, and door prize drawings.
Registration is free, although seating is limited and advance registration is recommended. Use this link to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-las-vegas-nv-tickets-1989710573888?aff=oddtdtcreator
Looking Ahead to Fall Learning Opportunities
As summer transitions into fall, the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) will offer several virtual educational opportunities.
Researching New York: Resources and Strategies begins September 3, 2026, and explores the complexities of researching New York families, including immigration, land, military, probate, tax, and vital records.
Later, on October 15, Core Course Two – Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies will provide experienced researchers with advanced instruction in methodology, evidence analysis, DNA, manuscript collections, and genealogical writing.
A third course, Researching Your South Carolina Roots: Finding Family in the Palmetto State, coordinated by Cheri Hudson Passey, is already sold out. Members may remember Cheri as the featured speaker at our April 2026 membership meeting.
All IGHR courses are conducted online and include recorded sessions, digital syllabi, and certificates of completion. Additional information, course details, and registration are available through the IGHR website:
https://ighr.gagensociety.org/
Whether your summer plans involve reading, learning, researching, traveling, or preserving family memories, we hope you'll take advantage of these opportunities to expand your skills and make meaningful discoveries. Every document found, story recorded, and research question answered helps ensure that our families' histories are preserved for future generations.
