David Randall
The Robson Ranch Genealogy Club is off to a strong start in 2025 with a full calendar of engaging programs and events. Whether you’re an experienced family historian or just beginning to explore your roots, now is a great time to join us on the journey into the past.
In February, under the guidance of our resident family history author Dale Spaulding, several members shared stories about their ancestors, featured in the latest edition of Argent—our club’s acclaimed biannual family history journal. For the July issue, members will highlight their immigrant ancestors. In December, we’ll uncover “shocking stories” from our family trees. If you’d like to share one of your own ancestor’s adventures, we invite you to get involved!
In March, family historian Jim Thornhill presented “Research Made Simple,” demonstrating how everyday problem-solving skills can be applied to genealogy. His down-to-earth approach offered practical strategies and fresh insights for researchers at every level.
We also viewed a thought-provoking video from Andrew Redfern on “Artificial Intelligence and Family History.” If you’re curious about how AI tools can aid your research, don’t miss our April 14 Help Session. David Randall will lead a hands-on orientation to ChatGPT and how it can support your family history efforts.
On April 1 we watched a video presentation by Elizabeth Shown Mills on how to use Tax Rolls in our research, and on April 15 we’ll welcome Dr. Wendy Watson, presenting “Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy.” She’ll explain how IGG differs from traditional DNA testing used in law enforcement, explore the tools involved, and share the real-world applications that make this method so powerful.
Looking ahead to May 6, Patti Gillespie will present “Researching in 3 Steps: Documents, Context, and Citation.” This session blends beginner and intermediate techniques using real family stories to illustrate how to analyze records, understand context, and properly cite sources.
Our presentations are held at the CAT, Room 104, at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Help Sessions are held at 2 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. If you’re not yet a member of the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club, consider attending one of our upcoming sessions. Your first visit is free, and annual dues are just $20. It’s a great way to connect with others who share your interest in family history, expand your skills, and gain access to valuable resources.
We hope to see you soon. Happy ancestor hunting!