This Mother’s Day, we remember the women in our family trees—often unnamed, but never unimportant.
David Randall
Over the past few weeks, members of the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club have been treated to a series of engaging presentations, lively discussions, and productive Help Sessions, and there’s much more to look forward to on the horizon as we head into a busy summer.
April began with a special video presentation by legendary genealogist Elizabeth Shown Mills who reminded us of the hidden value in tax rolls—a genealogical source that is often overlooked but can yield powerful clues about our ancestors’ lives. Later that month, David Randall hosted an informative Help Session where members were introduced to ChatGPT and explored how artificial intelligence can assist with research planning, writing biographies, and organizing information.
The month continued with a fascinating lecture by Dr. Wendy Watson on the fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). Dr. Watson explained how IGG differs from the traditional DNA testing used by law enforcement, walking us through the specialized tools involved and highlighting how this method is transforming the field of genealogy. In early May, Patti Gillespie presented “Researching in 3 Steps: Documents, Context, and Citation,” using compelling family stories to show how proper analysis, historical understanding, and source citation can turn a simple record into a vivid narrative.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome genetic genealogist Kate Penny Howard on May 20. She’ll be joining us via Zoom for a presentation titled “Filling in Those Pesky Blanks: Solving Maternal Surname Mysteries with DNA.” When traditional research methods reach a dead end, especially with female ancestors who appear without surnames, DNA analysis can often provide the breakthrough. Kate will demonstrate how she’s used DNA clustering and solid genealogical research to uncover the surnames of her maternal ancestors.
Then, on June 3, our own Emily Richardson will share the latest tools and updates from FamilySearch.org in her talk, “The New and Best FamilySearch Updates.” She’ll explain how to make the most of new features like Full Text Search and the Book Search function—tools that many researchers aren’t yet using to their full potential. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned genealogist, Emily’s insights promise to make your work on FamilySearch more productive and rewarding.
In addition to our presentations, our regular support sessions continue. On Monday, May 12, the Stripes Study Group will meet at 1:15 p.m., followed by our monthly Help Session. Another Help Session is scheduled for June 9. These informal, agenda-free gatherings are open to members and non-members alike. Whether you need help focusing your research question, locating records online, or want to explore how new technologies like AI can boost your progress, our team of experienced genealogists is ready to assist.
All events are held at the CAT in Room 104. During the summer months, presentations take place on the first Tuesday of each month, while Help Sessions are held on the second Monday at 2 p.m.
If you haven’t yet joined the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club, we’d love to welcome you. Your first visit is free, and annual dues are just $20. It’s a great way to meet others who share your interest in family history, learn new techniques, and take your research to the next level.
We hope to see you at an upcoming session, and until then, happy ancestor hunting!