GenTalks
Gen(ealogy)Talks are less formal, genealogy-related presentations that 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!
Video recordings and handouts from previous GenTalks are usually available for 30 days after the event on MemberSpace.
Upcoming GenTalks:
Oral History for the Family Historian
Nov. 21, 2026 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Linda Barnickel
Just in time for holiday gatherings! Oral history is more than just opening an app and asking someone to reminisce. This class will provide a practical introduction to planning, creating, recording, preserving, finding, and using oral histories in genealogical research. Learn how to ask effective questions, use best interview techniques, and locate and use oral histories created by others.
Linda Barnickel is an archivist at the Nashville Public Library, which houses nearly 2,000 interviews. Her work includes the creation and curation of oral histories. Linda also authored "Oral History for the Family Historian: A Basic Guide" for the Oral History Association, and has presented on oral history, archives, and genealogy at numerous conferences.
Canadian Census and Vital Records: A Snapshot
Jan. 16, 2027 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Debby Horton
Learn where to locate key sources—such as Library and Archives Canada, provincial archives, and specialized collections like Drouin and Tanguay—and understand how record availability varies across provinces and time periods. You’ll come away with a clear sense of what records exist, where to find them, and how to use them effectively to uncover your family’s Canadian story.
Debby Horton has over 30 years of experience specializing in research for American, Canadian, and British ancestors, and holds Professional Learning Certificates in Genealogical Studies (PLCGS) from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. One of her specialties is Canadian dual citizenship applications, working with clients to identify, locate, and organize the vital records needed to prove their claim to citizenship.
Land Records and Tax Lists
Feb. 20, 2027 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Hannah Z. Allan
Learn the basics and genealogical value of land records and tax lists, along with how to access and interpret these records. Through an easy to understand case study, you will see how to connect and track your ancestors by combing property records, tax lists, and censuses.
Hannah Z. Allan holds a bachelor’s degree in Family History & Genealogy from Brigham Young University and spent five years as a research librarian and genealogist at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Known for her lively speaking and teaching throughout the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West, Hannah loves helping people fall in love with their ancestors.
United Confederate Veterans
Mar. 20, 2027 @ 2:30 p.m. (PT) (online)
Click here to obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Christine Cohen
Do you have a Confederate Civil War Veteran? Did you know that at its height there were over 160,000 Veterans who belonged to the United Confederate Veterans (UCV)? This organization existed from 1889 to 1951 with over 1800 local camps. It generated records noting Civil War service, birth, marriage, death, residences, occupations, detailed biographies and even photographs. Christine will show you where and how to find these hidden gems.
Christine Cohen is a long time member of the Whittier Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) and the currently the Program Director. In addition to WAGS, she is also a member of the Tualatin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of Daughters of Holland Dames and the Association of Professional Genealogists. Her interest in genealogy began with the TV mini-series “Roots,” and intensified when she was given a typed pedigree chart commissioned by her grandfather of her Dutch heritage from the New Netherlands in the 1660’s. She hasn't looked back since.
Accredited Genealogist and AG are registered trademarks of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.
Accredited Genealogist Lecturer and AGL are trademarks of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.
Certified Genealogist, CG, Certified Genetic Genealogist, CGG, Certified Genealogical Lecturer, and CGL are all registered trademarks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
