Genealogy Club Kicks Off a New Year

The Robson Ranch Genealogy Club invites you to come discover your family’s story.

David Randall

The Robson Ranch Genealogy Club is thrilled to kick off the new year with a flurry of engaging events and activities, making it an excellent time for you to join us on an exciting journey into the past. Whether you are a seasoned family historian or just starting to explore your roots, our club offers something for everyone.

We began the year on Jan. 13 with our first Help Session of 2025. Members met with our team of experienced genealogists for one-on-one guidance on their family history projects. On Jan. 21 our very own Emily Richardson presented “Organizing for Genealogical Success,” in which she shared invaluable strategies for staying organized using both traditional and digital tools—perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the mountains of disorganized research materials nearly all genealogists manage to collect.

Our Help Session on Feb. 10 included an update on Ancestry.com, covering recent changes and the release of new record sets. During the second hour, members received personalized assistance with their genealogical challenges from our team of expert helpers. This session offered a fantastic opportunity to tackle your toughest genealogy questions and develop new strategies for success.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, we are excited to welcome professional genealogist Patti Gillespie as our special guest. With over 30 years of experience and a passion for making genealogy accessible and fun, Patti will present “Researching in 3 Steps: Documents, Context, and Citations.” Her engaging and humorous style will guide us through the essentials of turning historical documents into captivating family stories while maintaining proper documentation practices. Patti’s impressive resume includes speaking engagements at RootsTech and other notable conferences, and we are thrilled to have her share her expertise with us.

Then, on Tuesday, March 4, family historian Jim Thornhill will join us for his presentation “Research Made Simple.” Jim’s approach breaks down the research process into easy, everyday steps, showing how the same skills we use to learn new things in daily life can help us uncover fascinating insights about our ancestors. His presentation promises to be both practical and inspiring, offering fresh perspectives for genealogists at all levels.

If you’re not yet a member of the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club, we warmly invite you to attend one of these sessions. Your first visit is free. Annual dues are just $20. Joining the club is a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of genealogy, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and access invaluable resources and expertise.

Don’t miss this chance to dive into the fascinating world of family history. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. Happy ancestor hunting!