Topics will take a broad look at the places, records, communities, and stories that shaped our ancestors’ lives through the lens of:

• Case studies focused on methodologies and approaches to common research challenges;
• Tools, methods, sources, and workflows that can aid your research from AI to DNA, maps, and databases;
• Recreating the cultural, geographic, historical, and social construct of our ancestors and their communities using land, court, tax, and vital records;
• Fresh perspectives on familiar problems and overlooked records; and
• Insights into navigating complex, conflicting, or incomplete records.

Learning formats will include:

• Traditional lectures,
• Interactive Sessions,
• Spotlight Sessions,
• Panel Discussions
• James Dent Walker Memorial Lecture Series,
• Sponsored Lectures, and
• Pre-Conference Workshops.

Research Opportunities

While in Madison, leave plenty of time for research at the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS). With a focus on Wisconsin, United States, and Canadian history and genealogy, the WHS Library & Archives is one of the top destinations for genealogy research in the country. A network of Area Research Centers located around the state provides access to Wisconsin state and local government records, including land deeds, tax rolls, and naturalization and probate records.

We look forward to welcoming you to Madison in 2027 for a conference that will inspire, educate, and connect us all through the shared pursuit of family history.