Speakers
Below is information about speakers on genealogy or local history:
Adler, Donna
Donna is an Immigration Attorney. She has spoken before the AAUW, and could provide an interesting angle for as talk about immigration records for genealogy librarians.
630-310-8302, http://www.donnamadleradlerlawllc.com/index.html (Website down, 1/2022).
Basir, Eric
Eric is based in Evanston and in his program demonstrates how to restore, retouch and fix photos. Phone: 847-673-7043. His website is http://photografix.pro/PGX/Welcome_to_Photo_Grafix.html (Website down, 1/2022).
Basset, Jeffrey
520 Salceda Drive
Mundelein, IL 60060
Jeffrey provides a program on DNA and genealogy.
Fee: $147 (The fee for having your DNA tested, goes to a "scholarship" fund.)
Bates, Suz
Phone: 630-923-6642
Email: suzbatesgenealogist@gmail.com
website: genealogistsuzbates.weebly.com/
linkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/suzbatesgenealogist
Programs can be in presentation format or hands-on workshops. I prefer 1-hour programs leaving plenty of question-response time. Since 1974, I have been and am currently a member of various genealogical societies. Some programs are listed below. Please see my website for full descriptions and more topics. My fees start at $150.
The Public Library Series for Beginners
What is Genealogy Research?
Your Public Library Databases
Censuses – The Backbone of US Research
Optimize Your Search
Hot Topics
Cut to the Chase! Which DNA Kit Do I Buy?
My DNA Kit is Back! What do I do now?
DNA - No Tree! No Response! Now what? GEDmatches and beyond
Tried and True
Owning and Caring for your Genealogy Research
Going Vital! - Birth, Death and Marriage Records
Genealogy Treasures in Cemetery Records
From Old Worlds to New Worlds: Genealogy in Passenger Lists
A Little More Advanced
Gleaning Clues by Doing a Double Take
I Lost the Trail! – I had him/her but can’t find him/her again. Where Do I Go from Here?
It’s Not Online – The other 90% of records
Beaird, Tina
Cell phone: 630-542-5904
Business phone: 331-999-3238
Tamarack Genealogy
Specialties are military records, Scottish genealogy and archival preservation.
Member of the Genealogical Speaker's Guild and Association of Professional Genealogists as well as ALA and SAA (Society of American Archivists).
Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library.
Bloom, Jeanne Larzalere
Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG(SM) is a full-time professional researcher specializing in Chicago and Cook County research, problem solving, and multi-generational family histories. She is a trustee and Treasurer of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
2666 East 73rd St, Apt 11-W
Chicago
IL
60649-2732
Cook
(773) 221-4545
(773) 768-8034
Bockman, Jeff
6S345 Newcastle Road
Naperville, IL 60540-3505
H - 630-983-6784
C - 331-203-2662
Jeff provides a variety of all kinds of genealogy programs.
Fee: $200
Borzo, Greg
http://www.gregborzo.com/ (Website down, 1/2022)
Programs on Chicago
Brady, Maureen
Her specialty is the Family Search website but she has other programs prepared including one on Chicago family research. Her website is https://chitownroots.com
25955 West Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010
847-381-5432
847-934-1104, ext. 401 (work)
Fee: $150
Brennan, Caron Primas
427 S. Harvard Ave.
Villa Park, IL 60181
C - 630-641-9034
www.yourcousincaron.blogspot.com
Caron is listed in the Association of Professional Genealogists.
She has been associated with the Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois (CAGGNI).
All program are 1-1.5 hours long and geared to the beginning and intermediate researcher. For most presentations, an Internet connection is required along with a projector. She brings her own laptop and makes handouts available. Current topics: Social Networking for Genealogists, What's New on the Internet for Genealogists?, Ancestry.com Primer, Using Ancestry Family Trees, UFF Da! Researching My Norwegian Roots, Fold3, Research your Family History Using the Internet, Where Did I Put Great Grandpa?--Organizing for Genealogists. Also DNA and Genealogy.
Fee: $175
Carey, Kathy
Kathy Carey currently serves as a Daughters of the American Revolution District Director, Volunteer Genealogist, and on the Membership Task Force. She is a past Illinois State Registrar and Organizing Secretary, and has taken National DAR Genealogy classes.
Carlson, Norman
Specilaizes in railroads. Contact Gwyn Stupar at Oakton Community College.
Chaplin, Laura Street. Willowtree Research. laura@willowtreeresearch.com, 630-391-8873. Program on citing your source.
Coletta, John Philip, PhD:
Mr. Coletta is a knowledgeable, entertaining and experienced lecturer based in Washington, D.C. He has 20 years' experience at the Library of Congress, and has taught at the National Archives. He also teaches at local schools, and conducts programs for the Smithsonian Institution's Resident Associate Program. He is a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and Boston University's Certificate in Family History program.
Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois (CAGGNI) Speaker's Bureau
Variety of speakers on assorted genealogy topics. Website lists all of the speakers (many) who are members of CAGGNI and the programs they can present (many.)
http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/page-1239639
Cooke, Lisa Louise
Available to speak on the 1950 census. https://lisalouisecooke.com/bookings/
Dassow, Diane
Diane is owner of Binding Legacies. She is a seasoned Personal Historian and dynamic speaker. Diane provides an interactive program on how to successfully use interview techniques to gather information and stories from family members. If you haven't had a Personal Historian speak to your genealogy group, this could be a very interesting topic for your genealogists.
http://www.bindinglegacies.com/ (Website down, 1/2022)
630-932-1523
Dudek, Debra
Debra is head of Adult and Teen Services at Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook. She speaks on Victorian mourning customs, British genealogy and technology topics such as Billiongraves.com. Her email address is ddudek@fountaindale.org and her phone number is 630-685-4201.
Dumelle, Grace
She is the author of the book titled Finding Your Chicago Ancestors: A Beginner’s Guide To Family History in the City and Cook County. Contact The Newberry site - dumelleg@newberry.org (312)
255-3530.
Eberle, Mary
DNAHunters.com.
608-206-0641
Flynn, Kate
Portal Manager, Chicago Collections, chicagocollections.org. Will speak on the 100,000 plus items in the collection. kef@chicagocollections.org or 312-413-4408.
Gengler, Rebecca
Owner of More Polish Pottery. Presentation on the art, history and manufacturing of polish pottery. Contact info@morepolishpottery.com.
Girson, David
Will speak on buying glass negatives at a garage sale in 1998, restoring them and researching Charles Erik Spaak, an amateur photographer who took the random photos of turn-of-the-century Chicago.
Haldeman, Jane
Owner of "It's Relative". http://www.itsrelative.net/
Hamacher, Jeanne
Chair of the Illinois World War I Centennial Commission. Jeanne has been collecting the names of available speakers on a variety of WWI topics for a speakers bureau. wwi_jeanne@outlook.com
Hargis, Gary K
Dr. Gary K. Hargis has served as President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, President of the Fox Valley Genealogical Society in Naperville, and Director of the Genealogical Institute of Mid America. He is a retired Technical Director of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Chicago Westside Medical Center
Heska, Ola
Polish genealogy programs.
http://www.hwwd.com/genelady/about.html, (Website down, 1/2022).
Holik, Jennifer
Jennifer has her own genealogy business that you can find at https://wwiiresearchandwritingcenter.com/ As of October 2019, she has reduced her speaking engagements. Her area of expertise is military genealogy.
Hubbard, Dan
Dr. Daniel Hubbard lives in Libertyville and is First Vice President of the Lake County Genealogical Society. He is a former particle physicist and now a full-time professional genealogist and writer as well as owner of Personal Past. His research concentrates on American, Canadian and Swedish records. He a member of the Nordic Family Genealogy Advisory Board at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago. Information about his presentations is at Products and Services on his website / blog, Personal Past Meditations. Librarians who have attended Dan's presentations say he would be a very entertaining speaker, as well as thoroughly knowledgeable. He does an "Intro to Genealogy presentation." Dan@thepersonalpast.com.
Johnas, Julia
Julia is the former director of Adult Services at the Highland Park library. She conducts the following programs:
When Was It Taken: Dating Old Family Photos
Your House Has A Story: Researching the History of Your House
William W. Boyington: Architect of Chicago's Water Tower
Fort Sheridan: Its Early Years
She can be reached at jaj824@yahoo.com. Her fee is $150, except for the "House" program which is $200-$250 depending on the costs incurred.
Johnson, Heather
Heather is with the Lake County Forest Preserve. She speaks on preserving paper and photographs, as she was the former coordinator of the Curt Teich Postcard Archives which has since been relocated to the Newberry Library. Her email address is hjohnson@lcfpd.org.
Johnson, Ray
Johnson Research Services, http://www.historycop.com.
Jungclas, Dan
2254 Keim Road
Naperville, IL 605065
Karsen, Mike
Mike Karsen is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG). He is currently President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois. Mike speaks on family legacy topics locally and nationally, presents conference programs and is on the faculty of Newberry Library and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. He is the author of the JewishGen website "Guide to Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland" and has published articles on genealogy. He holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics/computer science and a master's in operations research alongside 30 years in telecommunications management. http://www.mikekarsen.com/ e-mail: mike@MikeKarsen.com Phone: 847-945-4499
Kirby, Sarah
Sarah is the librarian in charge of the Indiana Room at the Huntington City-Township Public Library in Huntington, IN.
Professional email: skirby@hctpl.info
Personal email: sarah@vandeventer.net
Sarah is listed in the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).
She has a variety of genealogy programs.
Her subject specialties listed in the APG description are Cartographic, Colonial, Government Publications, Land Records, Migrations and Presbyterians.
Kovarik, Laura
Laura Kovarik is giving lectures on the 1950 census.. https://www.elginroots.com/programs
Kruski, Jason
https://kruskigenealogy.webs.com/
Polish Genealogy and DNA programs.
Law, Carolyn
815-761-2485
CarolynLawAntiques.com
Some programs include:
“The Tarnished Reputation of Silver”
“Listen to Your Heirlooms (They Are Telling You a Story)”
“What’s New in the Old Stuff Business?”
“My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff: Options for the Downsizer”
Levanthal, Char
Char presents programs on writing your family history. She can be reached through her
website: http://www.tellourfamilystory.com/ (Website down, 1/2022). LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-leventhal-b9b6b316
Lindahl, Deb
Presentation called Stitching Together Memories: A Quilter's Family Story. Deb speaks mainly off of a quilt she made of 100 squares, each of a different dress, that tells a different family story. She also brought a few other precious family quilts. This is a wonderful example of telling your family's story in a different way from writing. It was a general library program but I did promote it to our genealogists and several of them came. Deb's email is dooby127@gmail.com.
Liska, Roger
He speaks on Czech Online Genealogy Resources. He is a retired teacher and member of the Czech and Slovak Genealogy Society of Illinois, CSAGSI. Roger’s entertaining instructional presentation style was very well received.
Lorenzana, Laura Cosgrove
2601Bauer Road
North Aurora, IL
773-895-9312
www.thelastleafonthisbranch.blogspot.com (Last Post: 2019)
www.fromrootstoleaves.com (Website says she is no longer accepting clients, 1/2022).
Laura is growing her number of presentations. Her specialty is as an archivist.
Lowery, Becky
Reference Librarian, Newberry Library
(312) 255-3721
Will speak on the resources of the Newberry.
MacEntee, Thomas
Thomas MacEntee maintains Geneabloggers and organizes its 2000+ members. He also teaches online genealogy webinars, and is knowledgeable about emerging technologies and vendors as they relate to the genealogy industry. http://hidefgen.com/
hidefgen@gmail.com (No longer accepting speaking engagements).
Magnuson, Carol
CMKinhunter@aol.com, or possibly CMKinhunter@gmail.com.
McDonald, Dave
David McDonald, D.Min., CG, is a director of the National Genealogical Society and president of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. He is a past editor of the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society's Newsletter. His articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society's Quarterly and the ISGS Quarterly, along with several British publications. Dave's research focuses on the Midwest and Plains states, New England, the UK and Germanic Europe.
McMillan, Teresa Steinkamp
Teresa S. McMillan, CG specializes in German genealogy. She has spoken at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, and is a volunteer there. info@lindstreet.com Phone: 847.338.0041 Her website is www.lindstreet.com
Mead, Kathy
Swedish genealogy, arkivdigital.
Email: Kathy.meade@arkivdigital.com
Phone: (773) 404-8177
Melone, Dan
Great Lakes Archaeologist lectures on Lake and Cook Counties, pre-city of Chicago history, Native Americans and early European farm settlement.
Contact: danmelone@ameritech.net
Mellien, Laurel
E-mail: headstonesandhistory@gmail.com
Phone: 847-669-8236
Street Address: 480 Windermere Way
City, State, Zip: Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
I present programs on Cemetery Art Symbolism and several related topics to area libraries and historical societies. I would love to be considered to present a program for your library. I hold a position on the Board of Directors of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. I have spoken at several area libraries: Huntley (twice), Lake Villa (twice), Harvard-Diggins (twice), Fox Valley/Dundee, Fox Lake, McHenry, Algonquin, and Nippersink. My price for a program to your venue would be $125.00. Please visit my website for the programs I have available http://www.headstonesandhistory.com/
Middendorf, Jaymie
Email: goodomengenealogy@gmail.com
Website: https://goodomengenealogy.com/
Her lectures are on topics such as immigration to the U.S., emigration ports from Europe, and Chicago genealogical research. She also offers genealogy consultations for researchers who need help kickstarting their research. In addition to genealogy consultations, she also offers genealogy research for clients. Please contact her for pricing and availability of these services.
Mieszala, Debbie, CG
318 Woodland Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
847-281-9227
Debbie is associated with the Lake County Genealogical Society. She is listed with the Association of Professional Genealogists. Her listing in APG notes specialty knowledge of Illinois, Midwest.
Milner, Paul
1548 Parkside Drive
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847-825-1400
Paul is listed with the Association of Professional Genealogists. He has a large number of programs covering Irish, British and Scotland research. His listing in APG notes specialty knowledge of British Isles, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Methodology and Banquet/Luncheon presentations.
Niemiec, Daniel E.
389 Pierce Court Vernon Hills, IL 60061 847-471-6099 d.niemiec@comcast.net
Dan is an expert at Italian genealogy and research in Chicago. He also gives a program entitled: "The Latest News on Cook County Vital Records."
Dan’s sense of humor in his presentations make it enjoyable for everyone even if they have little to do with the topic being presented. But everybody always learns something new, whether beginners or experts.
Palmer, Delray
Speaks on an organizational system called the FamilyRoots Organizer Color-Coding System as developed by By Mary E. V. Hill. You can read more about the system here http://www.genrootsorganizer.com/. She presents the program with the author's permission.
Pepper, Larry
Larry Pepper is owner of PepperPhotography.com, He has over twenty-five years experience in a variety of areas of photography. He combines his extensive knowledge of Photoshop and his love of genealogy to create exquisite family trees.
Peterson-Maass, Marsha
P.O. Box 483
Wilmette, IL
fundamentalsofgenealogy@gmail.com
She is listed in the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Marsha has a variety of genealogy programs; Why Am I Stuck? 10 Solutions to Common Genealogical Brick Walls; No, the Census Take Didn't Miss Them; How Will I Ever Organize My Piles to Files?; The Most Helpful Genealogy Tools You've Never Used; and more...
Pfannkuche, Craig
Phelps, Greg
Access Services GW-Phelps@wiu.edu 309/298-2759
Cemetery symbolism.
Reaves, Patricia
3433 McCormick Ave.
Brookfield, IL 60513
H - 708-387-0994
Patricia has programs related to Germanic research, Germanic resources and Passenger Lists.
Rutherford, Matt
Curator of Genealogy and Local History at the Newberry Library
312-255-3671
Matt offers programs on the following genealogy topics: Newberry Library, Beginning Genealogy, Archives and Repositories, Adoption Searches, History of the Federal Census, Non-Population Censuses, Pre-Chicago Fire Research.
Schattner, Jacquie
Palatine, IL
847-830-9905. Leave a message if she does not answer the phone. eatatjacquies@gmail.com
Topics:
Beginning Genealogy for Families (for adults and children together)
A Guide to Overseas Genealogy (European)
Central Europe is Easy – Merci Napoleon! (France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, N. Italy)
Emigration & Immigration – The Story of Your Immigrant Ancestors
European and U.S. Newspapers and Directories – Good News
Explore U.S. Church Records: Find Family
Genealogy – Where Do You Look? (beginner class)
Organizing Genealogy – Less Piles, Better Files
Prepare for Publishing Your Genealogy Using Windows
Top 10 Genea-Tricks and Tips
Serrano, Ileana
Data Dissemination Specialist
2020 Census Program
Cell: 630-453-0752
Email: Ileana.c.Serrano@census.gov
Sliwinski, Robert
DNA program
https://www.facebook.com/DnaExplorers
Springstroh, Orlene
Orlene Springstroh was the founder and first president of Fox Valley Genealogical Society in 1981. She is the past Editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly.
Szabados, Steven M.
519 E. Baldwin Road Palatine, IL 60074 s-szabados@sbcglobal.net Phone: 847-917-4807
The following presentations are available:
1. Organize and Share your Family History
2. Mining the Census Records
3. Finding my Grandma's Ancestors
4. Researching Your Chicago Ancestors
5. Naturalization: Beginning of Your U.S. Family Heritage
Fee: $150 per program.
Steve Szabados is a retired project manager who started researching in 2004. He has done presentations at Parkland College, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, the Polish Genealogy Society of America, the Fox Valley Genealogical Society, Kane County Genealogical Society, South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society, the McLean County Genealogy Society, Schaumburg Township District Library and others. He is a member of the Polish Genealogical Society of America, Illinois State Genealogical Society and also a genealogy volunteer at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. He specializes in Polish and Hungarian genealogy as well as in Slovenian and Bohemian records.
Trapp, Sandra
Burr Ridge, IL
Topic: FamilySearch (beginner or advanced, can be customized); CAGGNI member/speaker
Fee: $150 plus travel expense
Warner, Jennifer
(630) 920-3822
Specialties are military records, Connecticut Records, Vital Records to name a few.
Member of DuPage County Genealogical Society (President), National Genealogical Society, New England Historical Genealogical Society and Illinois State Genealogical Society.
Wayne, Debbie Parker
Wilson, Michelle Bray
Genes for the Genealogist
CAGNI: http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/page-1239639#Michelle