VGS Genealogy News & Events
Victoria Genealogical Society
No. 175 - January 19, 2025 |
Distributed free of charge to interested subscribers and former members. | For more information or registration visit 10 STEPS |
"Well, it's happened again! After participating in Andrea Kaston Tange's writing workshop on Saturday, I am left feeling that with the variety and exceptional quality of these weekend workshops, plus the SIGs, the newsletters and the monthly speakers, my annual membership is not just a bargain, it is a gift!" Susan, VGS member
Editor's note: the newsletters Susan refers to is the VGS Members Update newsletter which is exclusive to VGS members and not to be confused with the Genealogy News and Events newsletter here. The Members Update contains upcoming events schedule as well as other topics including: upcoming events hosted by other genealogy and historical societies; stories submitted by members; genealogy related articles; members tips and tricks; and more.
There's never been a better time to join. VGS Memberships are discounted to half price until the end of March. With a half price membership you get reduced fees for workshops and seminars, free access to Speaker Events, free access to any or all of our SIG discussion groups, free copies of the VGS Members Update newsletter, free access to the VGS Genealogy Learning and Research Centre in Royal Oak Shopping Centre, and so much more.
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More VGS Events Open for Registration:
| FREE PIZZA WITH GENEALOGY FRIENDS: It couldn't get any better
| Join us for a Legacy Planning meeting - Registration Required
John Azar, Mark Thompson, Merv Scott and Bill Jackson make up the Legacy Project Team who are very excited to meet everyone who has an interest in preserving their Genealogy Assets into the future. You don't have to be an expert to brainstorm with them to plan the creation of a Legacy Guidebook for family historians.
This is a FREE open meeting to update all on their progress and seek your input. The Legacy project was initiated as a result of an original presentation of John Azar that was described as follows: "The majority of genealogists/family historians have collected considerable data, information and stories related to their families or historical communities of interest. What happens to this data/information when the collector becomes an ancestor?"
Please join them for a morning of fun and free pizza. Open to members and non-members.
FREE TO ATTEND. IN-PERSON ONLY. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
Location: VGS Genealogy Learning & Research Centre , 209 - 4475 Viewmont Avenue, Royal Oak Shopping Centre.
Victoria, BC
Registration required: Meeting - Legacy | NEW ADDITION
SEMINAR -
Artificial Intelligence and Family History: the Basics and Beyond
| Join three leading AI experts for this enlightening online seminar. Discover how to enhance your family history research by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence, while being mindful of its current limits and possibilities.
This seminar includes three 1-hour presentations PLUS two shorter joint sessions involving all three speakers, with 10 minute breaks and a 45 minute lunch break between sessions.
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 9 am - 2:20 pm PT
Location: This is event is by zoom only
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit AI Seminar
Don't miss this excellent opportunity to learn from these highly respected educators: Steve Little, Mark Thompson and Andrew Redfern. | | SESSION 1 - 9:10 am:
An Introduction to AI and Family History – Steve Little
AI trailblazer Steve Little will introduce generative AI and how it is revolutionizing family history. Steve’s session will cover foundational skills in AI genealogy and is designed to quickly familiarize you with AI’s current limits and possibilities. Full of tangible examples and insights, his lecture will get you excited about how this world-changing technology will forever change your genealogy research.
| | | | SESSION 2 - 10:20 am:
Learn Genealogy Faster and More Easily - Mark Thompson
Mark will show you how to use artificial intelligence to teach yourself genealogy. Mark will begin with a discussion of how to approach learning based upon how much you already know about the topic. Then, he will help you understand what types of topics are best suited for learning with AI. Relevant genealogy examples will be used with the leading Large Language Model (LLM) tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.
| | | SESSION 3 - 12:05 pm:
Choosing the Right AI Tool for Your Genealogy - Andrew Redfern
With so many AI tools available, how do you choose the right one for your genealogy tasks? In this session, Andrew will give you a guided tour of the best AI tools for genealogy needs, such as transcribing old wills, creating tables, converting audio to text, or remembering Excel formulas and more. This session will help you understand their features and decide which subscriptions offer the best value. A practical checklist will help you make informed decisions, ensuring you choose tools that best suit your family history research goals.
For more about Andrew visit AI Seminar
| | | SESSION 4 - 1:15 pm:
Family History AI in Action: Rapid fire Demonstrations - All Speakers
Mark, Steve, and Andrew will each demonstrate one of their favourites uses of artificial intelligence to help them with their family history research.
SESSION 5 - 1:40 pm:
AI Panel - All Speakers
Bill Jackson, Marketing Director for the Victoria Genealogical Society, will moderate the speakers through a lively discussion that highlights the key strengths, weaknesses, and issues with the use of AI in genealogical pursuits. Come prepared with your best questions!
| Mennonites, Metis, and a Sprig of Nobility | Speaker Presentation by Terry Hartley
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm PT
Location: This event is by ZOOM ONLY
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER HERE. | | | Research Your Norwegian Ancestors | |
Workshop Presented by Torhild Shirley
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time: 10 am - 12 noon PT
Location: This is event is by zoom only
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER HERE | | | Excel for Family Archivists | |
Workshop Presented by Mark Thompson
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 10 am - 12 noon PT
Location: This is event is by zoom only
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER HERE | | | |
Workshop Presented by Heather Shave
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 10 am - 12 noon PT
Location: This is a HYBRID event. You must register to attend EITHER In-Person at the VGS Genealogy Learning & Research Centre OR via Zoom. In-Person space is limited.
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER HERE. | | | Find a FAVE with Find a Grave | |
Workshop Presented by Mike Woodcock
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10 am - 12 noon PT
Location: This is a hybrid event. You may either attend via zoom or in person at the VGS Genealogy Learning & Research Centre (limited seating, register early)
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER HERE | | | Genealogy Resources available through the Victoria Public Library | |
Workshop Presented by Caitlin Ottenbreit
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 10 am - 12 noon PT
Location: This is a hybrid event. You may either attend via zoom or in person at the VGS Genealogy Learning & Research Centre (limited seating, register early)
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER NOW
| | | SEMINAR -
DNA Decoded: Expert Strategies for Family History Success |
Join four leading genetic genealogy experts for an exciting DNA Day seminar. Discover how to transform your family history research using the power of all three DNA testing types: Autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA. Plus, learn how to run your own DNA project at Family Tree DNA.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 9 am - 2:30 pm PT
Location: This is event is by zoom only
Note: Video recordings of this event will be available online for 30 days to registered attendees only
For more information or registration visit REGISTER HERE
Don't miss this excellent opportunity to learn from these highly respected educators: Dave Vance, Mags Gaulden, Blaine Bettinger and Jim Brewster.
| | Dave Vance has been a genealogist for more than 35 years and active in genetic genealogy since 2005. He is the author of “The Genealogist’s Guide to Y-DNA Testing for Genetic Genealogy: Second Edition” published in 2024. Dave is also the author of the SAPP tool for Y-DNA phylogenetic trees and the editor for the Journal of Genetic Genealogy.
He is the administrator for the Vance surname project, co-admin for the R1b-L513 haplogroup project, as well as the president and DNA advisor for the Vance Family Association, a traditional genealogy surname association. | | | | Mags Gaulden is a Professional Genealogist specializing in Genetic Genealogy and is the founder of Grandmas Genes in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
She is also the founder of mitoYDNA.org, a free and accessible YDNA and mtDNA database. As a sought-after international speaker and workshop coordinator, Mags shares her expertise on a range of topics related to genetic genealogy and family history research. Her talks are known for their easy flow of technical terminology and knowledge, combined with a down-home, relaxed, and humorous style that connects with audiences.
Mags is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, among other organizations.
| | | Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence.
Blaine has instructed genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research. | | | Jim Brewster has been working in the field of genetic genealogy since 2014 with FamilyTreeDNA. Starting in customer service, Jim worked for several years on the Group Projects Team and now focuses on customer education. Jim is a frequent conference speaker where he enjoys sharing his passion for genealogy.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology with an emphasis in North American prehistory and archaeology from Northern Arizona University. He is the genealogist for his family and teaches classes regularly in both traditional and genetic genealogy. Jim has had a lifelong passion for understanding the history of the human family in anthropological and genealogical terms, which intersects in genetic genealogical research and his present career at FamilyTreeDNA. | | |
VGS Membership Half Price Sale |
The Victoria Genealogical Society is excited to offer all the benefits of membership at half the price! Whether for yourself or as a gift, don't miss out on this amazing deal! Single memberships can now be purchased for $32.50, Family memberships for $45, and Youth memberships for only $17.50!
Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of joining the VGS: Discounted cost for all VGS workshops and seminars; Free access to speaker series events; Free access to Special Interest Groups (SIGs); Free access to our VGS Learning & Research Centre and lending privileges for our large collection of books and other research materials; Free access to the Ancestry library edition at the VGS Learning Centre.
These deeply discounted memberships are valid through May 31, 2025, the end of the VGS membership year. Please visit the VGS Membership Options page to take advantage of this limited time holiday offer.
If you have any questions, please contact our Membership Director in the Contact Form form on our VGS website.
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The Joys of Joining a Special Interest Group
I facilitate two Special Interest Groups. One is Family History 101 and the other is Eastern Europe.
Family History 101 started as a group to help people get started on their genealogy. All were welcome, the newbies, people who had “lost their way”, and the curious. This started out as a weekly meeting, but soon morphed into a monthly SIG. We have a steady group and have drop-ins. We always welcome members with new problems, or as I like to call them, new adventures.
Eastern Europe started up again last September. With the war in Ukraine, people have begun to re-think their ancestry. DNA has given us all a wider scope for our searches. This group tries to dig deeper into their heritage. There are lots of problems with languages, shifting borders, wars, finding documents.
Both groups are very interactive, helping each other. We all bring something different to share with others. We always look forward to meeting new people. Any VGS members who would like to join us are welcome to attend.
Learn more about all special interest discussion groups at SIG
- Sarah Hamster, SIG Leader |
VGS is now on Bluesky Social - Find us at https://bsky.app/profile/victoriags.org
Genealogists are flocking to Bluesky which is a new social media platform which operates similarly to X (formerly Twitter) but gives users more control over their data and privacy. If you are a Bluesky user we hope that you check us out and give us a 'follow' at @Victoriags.org (full URL https://bsky.app/profile/victoriags.org). Don't forget to 'like' our event posts and 'share' them with friends. If you aren't a Bluesky user you can still follow us on these other social media platforms.
VGS FaceBook private group with over 470 members to help you with your genealogy related questions; join the discussion at VGS Facebook Group
VGS FaceBook public page: click Follow (currently 548 followers) for event notices and other VGS news at: vicgs
VGS Instagram: click Follow (currently 190 followers) for event notices with a twist at: victoriagenealogicalsociety
VGS X (formerly Twitter): click Follow (currently 750 followers) for genealogy news from VGS and our friends: vicgenealogy
Free accounts with these social media sites may be required.
| New to Genealogy Research?
3 Steps for Beginners
The VGS offers several benefits of membership for those new to genealogy research and for those who would like to brush up on their skills. Check these 3 easy steps below:
Step 1 - The Centre. If you haven't already visited our Genealogy Learning & Research Centre, we recommend you do. It's a great place to start and our friendly and experienced volunteers are available to help you with your questions and show you the basic research tools, techniques and resources. For a modest fee volunteers can provide various personal research services which can be viewed at RESEARCH SERVICES. The Centre is located in Royal Oak Shopping Centre and is free for members. Non-members are welcome and their first visit is free with a nominal fee of $5 for subsequent visits. Free parking, free wifi, free computers, a large library collection, and access to Ancestry library edition. Check our LOCATION page for open hours.
Step 2 - Family History 101 and CSI SIGs are a great place to start. After becoming oriented to genealogy research at the Centre, members often find it a smooth transition to join a discussion group that focuses on their area of research. We call these Special Interest Groups or SIGs for short. Currently there are 9 SIGs that meet regularly either by zoom, in person or in combination. One SIG is designed for those who are new to genealogy. It's called Family History 101, which was introduced last season and proved to be very popular. Our CSI SIG (Crowd Sourced Information) is a chance to do research with others, hands on. Once you get basics in the Family History 101 and CSI SIGs you may want to start signing up for one or more of the other SIGs. They are all free to members. Click on SIGs to learn more about them.
Step 3 - Workshops, Seminars and Speaker Events. Another benefit of membership is the price breaks for our regular workshops and seminars, and access to our monthly Speaker presentations. These events not only offer the opportunity to learn about a topic, but they also provide members the opportunity to meet other members who may be researching in the same geographic area or the same surname. These are important networking opportunities and often prove useful in breaking down research brick walls. To learn more, go to our Events Calendar
We believe that by following these 3 steps you will have the opportunity to learn about the genealogy research tools and techniques more quickly than by reading or surfing the web. For membership details, please go to Membership Options | |
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Home Page: Victoria Genealogical Society | | | Visit our VGS Website often to get updated information about us and our upcoming events.
| Copyright © 2024 Victoria Genealogical Society, All rights reserved.
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Distributed by free subscription to non-members and VGS past members | |