Breakout Session D 2:00 - 2:50pm

Breaking that Brick Wall
Tara Shymanski
You found your ancestors but can’t determine where they came from. This information packed presentation offers a methodical approach that results in thoroughly reviewing and analyzing your documents, and looking at records that may help break through that brick wall. We’ll explore various techniques and strategies organize and carry out research. Following this system results in a more accurate family history, will help you break down your genealogical barriers and may take you back another generation.

Historical Fiction Inspired by Family History
Lisa Maye
Have you thought, “Hey, our family’s history would make a great novel?” It probably would! Where did they originate? Why did they leave their homeland? Did it work out? Were they able to stay where they landed, or were they forced to move on? How can you find out: family stories, DNA, or research through documents and travel?

Lise knew nothing of her Manx and Scottish ancestors. She relied on all of the above, to craft a novel called Time Enough. Her story will inspire you to discover the power of exploring family history and what it means for your descendants.

Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Ken Carriere and Beverly Stevenson
The Calgary Police Service has been utilizing Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) since 2019. IGG has assisted the CPS  in identifying human remains and unknown offenders related to sexual assaults and murders in the city of Calgary.

We contract genealogists, including Beverly Stevenson, who were one-time hobbyists and have shown a propensity for using their skill to capture those offenders who have escaped our traditional investigative dragnet.  As a team, we navigate the world of Canadian Genealogy in an atmosphere of limited records,  privacy concerns, and endogamy. Det. Ken Carriere and Beverly Stevenson will discuss some of the challenges of pursuing IGG in criminal cases and the how the successes have impacted the victim’s families.

One on One Where Do I Begin? session 

This is a 20 minute session one on one with a volunteer who will help you start your family history and explain how to do it.  You may bring another family member with you.  

Click the menu item "One on One sessions" at the top of this page.
Watch the video on how to prepare for this session

FamilySearch Center session

After attending a One on One Session, you may come to the center to learn the next steps or apply what you learned in the One on One session.