This summer, take a trip into the past and spend some time with your ancestors.
David M. Randall
As we reach the midpoint of 2026, the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club can look back on a wonderfully fruitful first half of the year while looking forward to a calendar still rich with fascinating workshops, presentations, and opportunities to learn. We have welcomed outstanding speakers, explored valuable research tools, and continued to grow as a community of family historians. At the same time, we closed this first half of the year with a heartfelt farewell to one of our club’s original founders, whose vision helped plant the seeds for everything we enjoy today.
Last month, members heard from several outstanding speakers and presenters. John Sellers shared his expertise on researching courthouse records, offering practical advice for finding wills, deeds, probate records, court cases, and other valuable documents that can help bring family history to life. Kate Penny Howard presented “From Colonies to States,” a timely program exploring the transition from colonial America to the early United States. David Randall also led two workshops, “Source Citations Made Simple” and “Understanding Census Records,” both designed to help members strengthen their research skills and better evaluate the records they find.
The month was also poignant as the club said goodbye to Adele Stewart, one of its original founders. Adele and her co-founder, Susan Schwartz, gave a fascinating presentation on the history of the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club. They shared the story of how two inexperienced but determined women pulled the club together, the challenges they faced along the way, and the remarkable changes they have seen since those early days. Today, the club has grown to more than 70 members who continue to enjoy the fruits of their vision, hard work, and persistence. We wish Adele and her husband all the best as they transition into their new home.
This month, the club will slow down a bit for the summer with a lighter schedule, but there are still several great programs ahead. On June 16, Laura Douglas will present “Click, Learn, Discover: Lifelong Learning for Family History.” Her program will focus on ways genealogists can continue learning and improving their research skills through online resources and educational opportunities.
Looking ahead, Terry Babcock will present a workshop on DNA basics on July 7. This will be a helpful session for anyone who has taken a DNA test, is thinking about taking one, or simply wants to better understand how DNA can support traditional genealogical research. On July 21, Emily Richardson will present “Finding Newspapers 101,” a program focused on one of the most useful and often overlooked resources for family historians.
Whether you are brand new to genealogy and need help getting started, or you are a seasoned researcher struggling to break through a stubborn brick wall, the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club is the place for you. Our members enjoy learning together, sharing discoveries, and helping one another solve family history mysteries.
The Robson Ranch Genealogy Club meets in CATC, Room 104. During summer months, workshops are held on the second Monday of the month at 2 p.m., followed by a one-hour Help Session. Presentations are held on the third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. First-time visitors are always welcome to attend free. Annual dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a household.