Sessions

Sessions are listed in alphabetical order by title.

Handouts available to download at:  https://tinyurl.com/RDFHFHandouts

Coming to Canada - Emigration, Immigration, Citizenship
Lynne Duigou

Why did Immigrants come to Canada? How do I find my ancestors?
This session will cover: Emigration lists in home country, European Exit Ports, North American Ports of Entry, Border Ports of Entry, Canadian Immigration Records, Passenger Lists, Naturalization and Citizenship Records, Brick Walls and Name challenges, Citations and missing records

Diggin' Up the Dirt
Jeannine Powell
Exploring Death Records. We will explore the different types of Death Records that are used to locate information about your ancestors; including the use of Death Certificates & Registers; Obituaries, Funeral Notices & Programs; Funeral Director Records; Cemetery Management Records; Cemetery Land Deeds; Burial Society Records; Church or Parish Registers; US Social Security Death Index; Calendar of Wills and Probate Files; and Headstone, Vault and Mausoleum Inscriptions in a real-life case study.

Filipino Genealogy
Jessica Soho (RootsTech 2026 Keynote) and Maricel S. Gonzales

FNMI: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada
Lianne Kruger
FNMI is an acronym used in Canada to identify the three Indigenous peoples of Canada: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. This informative talk will delve into the unique histories and cultures of each group, shedding light on their diverse backgrounds. We will also explore how these communities are represented in Census records, providing insights into their demographics and social dynamics. Additionally, participants will learn about various records and resources available for further research on FNMI peoples.

From Paper Piles to Digital Smiles: Taming Your Genealogy Chaos
Jessie Dial
If your research is scattered across drawers, desktops, and good intentions, this session is your reset button. Explore straightforward ways to organize paper and digital records, design folder systems that make sense, and create helpful indexes so you can find what you need—fast. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to regain control, you’ll leave with tools to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to your genealogy workflow.

Getting Started In Genealogy: A Beginner's Guide to Uncovering Your Family's Story
Marion Rex Howard
Curious about your family history but not sure where to begin? Join the Getting Started in Genealogy session and learn how to build your family tree with confidence. Discover how to gather information from relatives, identify primary and secondary records, uncover clues hidden in family documents and heirlooms, and organize your findings effectively. Whether you're brand new to research or looking to review the fundamentals for a solid foundation, this practical introduction will give you the tools to start uncovering your family’s story.

Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Beverly Stevenson and Devon

LDS Session: Sealing Power
Liz Audenart

Making the Best Use of FamilySearch and Partner Sites to Document Your Family Tree
Jeannine Powell
This class will focus on practical strategies for finding and using historical records to support and document your research. Participants will learn how to effectively use FamilySearch and its powerful free resources, along with key partner websites—Ancestry, Findmypast, and MyHeritage—to locate records that may not be immediately obvious through a single search.
We will explore how different websites can uncover new information—even for the same individual.
Special attention will be given to the FamilySearch Wiki, an essential but often underused tool. Attendees will learn how to use the Wiki to:

  • Identify what records exist for a specific place and time
  • Understand record coverage, gaps, and limitations
  • Learn where records are held and how to access them online or offline

Share Your Family History Through Videos
Lianne Kruger
We all have stories that need to be recorded. Everyday stories and memories that make you smile, cry, laugh, and remember family. Even the little ones need to be recorded, but how do you record these in a fun way that the family will enjoy? Make a short video. Show images in PowerPoint and record someone talking about them. Save as an mp4 then upload to your own YouTube channel for free. Share your channel with just your family or whoever you want.

Solving the Beaton Batten Mystery Through DNA and Documentation – A Case Study
Ellen Thompson-Jennings
Family stories, adoptions, and unexpected discoveries can leave even experienced researchers facing unanswered questions. In this case study, we follow the journey of unraveling a long-standing family mystery involving the my great grandfather Willie Beaton - where traditional records alone could not provide clear answers. This session demonstrates how documentary research and DNA evidence work together to resolve complex identity questions.

When the Trail Goes Cold: Smart Sleuthing for Genealogy Breakthroughs
Jessie Dial
Hit a dead end? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. This session offers a practical, engaging guide to tackling tough research problems without getting overwhelmed. From sharpening your research habits to exploring overlooked sources, following the FAN Club, and re-examining the records you thought you’d exhausted, you’ll gain fresh approaches to revive stalled searches. Bring your curiosity—leave with new ways to keep your family history moving forward.

Yes, You Can Research with AI
Mark Thompson
Early AI tools were prone to errors and made-up fake answers regularly. The current crop of AI tools can reliably and efficiently support your research efforts, especially when you use them responsibly.
Recorded session but Mark is willing to answer email questions at any time.



1 comment:

  1. My name is spelled incorrectly. It should be Duigou in both notes on the Immigration session. Thanks

    ReplyDelete