GenTalks
Gen(ealogy)Talks are less formal, genealogy-related presentations that now take place online live several months per year, on the third Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific). GenTalks are FREE and open to the public, so, member or not, check out our Calendar page and come spend an hour or so with us!
Some handouts from previous GenTalks can be found here, for a limited time.
Upcoming GenTalks:
GFO Virtual Holiday Party
Dec. 14, 2024 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Host: April Ober
Let’s celebrate our families! What are some of your family holiday traditions or rites? Do you have a recipe that’s been handed down to you? Have you inherited ornaments or decorations?
Spend an hour with us as we share stories. You can bake and listen, or wrap and watch.
If you have a recipe to share, please send it to april.ober@gfo.org, and we’ll include it in the chat during the party.
Your host for this event is April Ober, a long-time GFO member, volunteer, and research assistant on Mondays.
Finding Your Family in Norway and Sweden
Jan. 18, 2025 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Jill Morelli, CG®, CGL
Preparation in the US is key to successfully “crossing the pond.” Country-wide indexes are now readily available and allow us to more easily identify our ancestor’s parish of birth, but problems arise with so many same-named individuals. This session covers techniques that are critical to Scandinavian research.
Jill Morelli, CG®, CGL, loves to share her passion for genealogy with others. She is a writer, lecturer, and researcher specializing in methodology, the American Midwest, and Scandinavia. Jill is the founder of the Certification Discussion Group and a co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute, a practicum-based educational opportunity for intermediate and advanced learners. Jill has been published in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, the Swedish American Genealogist, and many others. Jill is past president of the Seattle Genealogical Society and contributes to many local genealogical societies.
THIS MEETING MAY BE RECORDED
Organizing Your Ancestors: From Ancestral Mess to Historical Success
Feb. 15, 2025 @ 2:30 p.m. PST (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Jennifer Lava
Are you drowning in a sea of binders, documents, and photos? February's GenTalk will help you tame that ancestral chaos with practical tips for sorting, storing, and protecting your family history treasures. It's time to tame that paper avalanche! By the end, you will be able to turn your research mess into a well-oiled history machine, ready to enjoy your journey without tripping over birth certificates.
Jennifer Lava is a dedicated professional organizer and family historian based in Austin, Texas. Her journey includes preserving Texas history at the State Preservation Board and assisting individuals in showcasing their memories. Since founding her business in 2006, Jennifer has specialized in creating personalized organizing systems that reflect each client's individual needs. She is a past president of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO)-Austin and a current member of the NAPO National Board.
