NSDCGS Program Meeting feature speakers with expertise on various issues relating to Genealogy.
- 4th Tuesday of the month (except December)
- In-person: City of Carlsbad Faraday Administration Building in Room 173B
- Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
- Virtual via Zoom: Registration link below
- Presentation: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- All meetings will be hybrid (in-person and virtual)
- Presentation recordings are available to current NSDCGS members
Upcoming Speakers and Topics
January 28, 2025 – HYBRID
8 Tips for Using AI as Your Genealogy Assistant
presented by Dana Leeds.
Speaker will be remote/Presentation will be recorded
Virtual Attendees – Register HERE
AI can help you complete many tasks faster than you can on your own. This makes it an incredible time-saver. It can also help you get more out of the records you find. But where do you start? And what can it help you with?
This presentation will highlight eight areas where AI can be a patient and knowledgeable assistant, supporting you in both your genealogy research and daily tasks. In your genealogy work, AI can help you summarize information, extract and visualize data, write engaging family history narratives, convert handwritten documents into searchable text, and illustrate your family story. Additionally, AI can assist you with daily tasks such as tech troubleshooting, saving you valuable time. Join us and discover the various ways AI can help you be more efficient and effective in your pursuits!
Dana Leeds is a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience. She is the creator of the highly respected Leeds Method, a tool for identifying unknown biological parents and grandparents, confirming biological relationships, and breaking through genealogical brick walls. Despite not having a formal background in artificial intelligence (AI), she has been an early adopter and has become a leader and innovator in using AI applications for genealogists. Dana is a well-known and sought-after speaker, educating genealogists on how DNA and AI can enhance their research. Through her presentations, blog, and YouTube channel, Dana helps genealogists see the possibilities of these tools and empowers them to apply these ideas to their own work.
February 25, 2025 – HYBRID
Railroad Record and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking
presented by Paula Stuart-Warren.
Speaker will be remote/Presentation will be recorded
Virtual Attendees – Register HERE
Did great-grandpa or another family member traverse this nation as he worked for the railroad? For which railroad did they work? Where did it run? Are there railroad records which may provide personal details? Visuals and references demonstrate the wealth of historical materials available all across the U.S. The railroads helped to develop places and other businesses. When this lecture is over you will know where to turn to find out more about the railroad, its records, and where to find them. An extensive handout accompanies the presentation.
Paula is an internationally recognized genealogical educator, researcher, and consultant focusing on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, and analyzing records. She specializes in Native American research, the WPA, railroad records, and has spent extensive time at libraries, courthouses, libraries, state archives, historical societies, and U.S. National Archives locations. She is a coordinator and instructor for the GRIP Genealogy Institute and has presented courses and sessions for Ancestry Academy, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR), and continues to present virtual seminars and webinars across the U.S. and Canada. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, an officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and has been a Board-Certified Genealogist since 1988.
She descends from eight ancestral countries with many cousin connections to California. Her website and blog are at http://genealogybypaula.com and is enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and continuing education.
March 25, 2025 – HYBRID
The Value of Using Maps
presented by Suzanne Young Brayer.
Speaker will be remote/Presentation will be recorded
Virtual Attendees – Register HERE
Maps are one of the great resources for finding clues about the lives and lifestyles of our ancestors. Maps can provide an amazing array of information about our ancestors. Maps can show us when and where boundaries changed, help to recreate a community, plot migration routes, and aid in visualizing a view of the community. This class will look at the many available maps old and new to help pinpoint your ancestors. Atlases, historical maps, military maps, fire insurance maps are all terrific sources. We will discover how to find them and use them.
Suzanne Young Brayer is an educator, historical researcher and avid genealogist. She graduated BA and MA in history and education from Arizona State University.
Her fascination with history was a natural segue into the field of family history. From Mayflower ancestors to Quakers to Revolutionary War patriots to 19th century German immigrants and a few criminals along the way, she, like most of us, represents the “melting pot” of American culture.
She has taught genealogy classes and spoken to numerous groups throughout Arizona and the West. She is a lecturer, teacher and genealogist with over 35 years experience.
April 22, 2025 – HYBRID
Do Yourself A Favor: Create A Locality Guide
Lisa Medina
Past Topics
2024
- January: Research a Veteran presented by Jennifer Holik
- February: The Greatest Generation presented by Jennifer Holik
- March: Heritage Tours: How to Plan Your Own Ancestry Travel presented by Erica Forrest
- April: Learn from Lineage Societies … without Being a Member! presented by Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal
- May: Stories among the Headstones: Researching in the Cemetery presented by Cheri Hudson Passey
- June: The Family History Research “Circle”: The Internet, FamilySearch Centers, Social Networks, Libraries and On-Site Research presented by Maureen Brady
- July: Locating Images of Ancestors: Putting A Face With A Name presented by Andy Likins
- August: Let’s Get Social With Genealogy And Social Media presented by Amber Oldenburg
- September: Not Who He Once Was: Tips For Finding Your Name Changing Ancestors presented by Mary Kircher Roddy
- October: American Warp, Jewish Weft: Weaving Jewish-Specific Sources With Traditional Genealogy presented by Jane Neff Rollins
- November: Getting the Most From Distant Relatives presented by Ed Storey
2023
- January: Avoiding Fallacies in Family History: A Key to Research Success presented by Jean Wilcox Hibben
- February: Hands On Ireland presented by Ronald V. Gilmore
- March: Using Diaries, Letters, & Memoirs, Even if Your Ancestors Left None presented by Eilene Lyon
- April: Valuable Tips on the Capabilities of Ancestry.com presented by Del Ritchart
- May: Advanced Research in Passenger Arrival Records presented by Julie Miller
- June: The Windows into Genealogical and Historical Journals presented by Kim Harrison
- July: What’s Your Story: Writing the Stories of Your Life presented by Charlotte Bocage
- August: From A Box in The Closet to a Treasured Family Heirloom presented by Sara Cochran
- September: Her Name Was Not Unknown: Finding Female Ancestors presented by Gena Philibert-Ortega
- October: Oral History Interviewing Tips & Examples presented by Grant Din
- November: Comparing the Genealogy Big Four: Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find My Past, My Heritage presented by Caron Brennan