Tales & Trails: Day 2

Morning from my 20th. floor room

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Another enriching day of classes here at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville! As someone who thrives on curiosity and growth, I embrace the motto, "Always learning something new." Today was no exception. I found myself captivated by innovative methods and unexpected sources that shed new light on my personal family history journey. Every session deepens my passion for uncovering the stories of the past and inspires me to continue this fascinating exploration.

Katherine Schober's Germanology Unlocked

My friend and teacher, Kelvin Myers of Texas

My friend and past president of NGS, Kathryn Doyle

Agenda:

· “Ways of Life: Tracing Ancestral Pathways, Power, and Production through the Control of Water” by C. Ann Staley, CG®, CGLSM

· “Courting Kentucky: The Courts of the Bluegrass State” by Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

· “Using Tax Records to Address Genealogical Issues” by LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CG, FASG

· NGS LUNCHEON & AWARDS: “Murder at the Galt House Hotel: Friendly Fire During the Civil War” by Michael L. Strauss, AG

· “AI-Powered Genealogical Research Planning: From Organization to Creation” by Diana Elder, AG, AGL and Nicole Dyer

Ann Stayley's class

Judy Russell's class

DNA Cousin LaBrenda's class

AI class (Part I)

Takeaways From Day 2

What an incredible day of learning and inspiration! I won’t delve into critiquing or commenting on each individual class—they were all outstanding. Truly, every speaker delivered an exceptional experience, and I say that without a hint of exaggeration.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the two-hour class led by the dynamic mother-daughter duo. I had been eagerly anticipating their session for weeks, and they exceeded all expectations. Their insights and expertise made the extended class feel like it ended all too soon.

Earlier, during the luncheon, NGS shared some thrilling announcements about upcoming events. In 2026, the conference will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana—a genealogist’s paradise! Its proximity to The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, home of the renowned Periodical Source Index (PERSI), is reason enough to be excited. But there’s more: the timing aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence from Britain. The aptly titled "America at 250" conference promises to be unforgettable.

Looking even further ahead, 2027 will take us to Madison, Wisconsin. Madison boasts treasures like the Norwegian-American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library, the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society, and the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives. It’s shaping up to be a genealogical dream!

With these future events on my radar, my calendar is filling up fast—and I couldn't be more thrilled about it!