Genealogy Presentations and Programs
Do you need a speaker for a genealogy presentation or as part of a program? Click a button to browse topics or download the pdf of all my programs. Do you need a special topic presented? Just let me know.
I am currently doing only virtual presentations and programs.
I am currently doing only virtual presentations and programs.
Presentation and Program Descriptions
Updated October 2021 by Suz Bates
DNA and Genealogy Series
These topics are general DNA and Genealogy presentations and suitable for beginners and intermediate level family historians. For a more detailed presentation see the next list of presentations focusing across DNA companies as well as focusing on specific DNA companies.
1. DNA Tests and Genealogy
Q: What DNA test do I buy? How will it help in my genealogy research?
R: Explore the use of DNA to enhance your genealogy research and build out your family trees. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will compare the different DNA kits available and explain some first steps to take once your DNA results are in.
2. My DNA results are in! What do they mean?
Q: I have my results and it's a list of people. What do I do with it? What do the results mean?
R: You have your DNA test results. How do you begin to use your results to rev-up your family history research? What is the difference between Paper Trail family history research and DNA Trail genealogy research and how do they come together to fill out your family tree? Examples will be presented from various DNA companies. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will present tools and techniques to begin your exploration today.
3. DNA - No Tree! No Response! I need more!
Q: How do I do more with my DNA shared matches? I’ve messaged matches but they don’t respond.
R: Bring your ancestral research to the living and in the process make more connections with your DNA matches while building out your online research tree. Examples from various DNA companies will be explored by Suz Bates, a local genealogist.
4. DNA - Beyond Shared Matches of Shared Matches to Cloaked Trees and Islands
Q: I know how to use the shared matches in various DNA kit companies but it’s not enough. I need to go beyond ThruLines®, Theory of Relativity® and Family Tree Features.
R: Use your autosomal DNA test results from Ancestry DNA, FTDNA Family Finder, MyHeritage and 23andMe to move onto the next level of making connections. Discover more MRCA, enter through the backdoor and create cloaked trees with island. Let’s look at new ways of connecting through DNA.
DNA and Genealogy Across DNA Companies Series
1. Managing DNA Kits Safely Through Different Companies?
DNA and genealogy can really help with your research but what are some ways to keep your DNA information safe? Suz Bates, a local genealogist will discuss and demonstrate managing tools in Ancestry DNA, MyHeritageDNA, 23andMe Ancestry and FTDNA kits.
2. Using Ancestry.com to Organize All your DNA Connections from All the DNA Companies
Ancestry.com has the most tools for organizing all your connections you make through DNA including connections through other companies. Let’s take advantage of your Ancestry.com research tree to organize, connect and build out your research through DNA. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will show examples from AncesetryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, 23andMe and FTDNA.
3. Using Ancestry Trees Safely and Effectively
Online ancestry trees can be a mixed bag of tricks. How can you use the trees on ancestry.com safely and effectively in your Paper Trail and DNA Trail genealogy research? Suz Bates, a local genealogist will focus on topics including security, sources, data fields, uploads, other’s trees and more. Learn how to create and use Ancestry trees safely, securely, effectively, and efficiently. Any “arborist” will be surprised by the techniques!
4. My AncestryDNA Kit is Back! What do I do now?
Q: I have my results and it's a list of people. What do I do with it?
R: You have your AncestryDNA test results. How do you use your results to rev-up your family history research? Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will walk through using your Ancestry DNA test results concentrating on shared matches and using the Star, Dots and Notes tools to start organizing your results.
5. AncestryDNA Quickly Build out your Research Tree!
Use Ancestry DNA to quickly build out your Ancestry.com Research Tree with valid information and direct connections to your DNA shared matches. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will walk you through step by step showing you how to use the Common Ancestor tool on AncestryDNA to make more connections with your shared matches.
6. FTDNA Family Finder In Common and Not In Common Tools
Use FTDNA Family Finder tools to make more DNA connections. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will present step by step directions for using the In Common, Not in Common and the Matrix tools.
7. AncestryDNA ThruLines®
Ancestry DNA ThruLines ® can be used to make valid and confirmed connections to your family line. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will show you in detail how to use the ThruLine® tool on AncestryDNA in conjunction with your AncestryDNA research tree.
8. 23andMe Family Tree Feature®
23andMe Family Tree Feature® can be used to make DNA connections possibilities and confirm the paper trail. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will show you step by step how do fill in the Family Tree Feature® and then how to relate it to your research tree.
9. MyHeritage DNA Theory of Relativity®
MyHeritage DNA probable- connection tool is Theory of Relativity®. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will focus on using Theory of Relativity® and its suggested path’s to connect your shared matches to your research tree of family lineage.
Genealogy Fundamental How-To
Going Vital! - Birth, Death and Marriage Records
Q: How do I a get a copy of birth records, death records and marriage records in the US? Each state seems to have its own rules. I want to get vital records efficiently and cost effectively?
R: Learn how to find the information needed to obtain copies of your ancestors’ US vital records: birth records, death records, and marriage records presented by Suz Bates, a local genealogist. Each state has its own research strategies but vital records are prized primary source documents to validate your research. Welcome to the world of genealogy mail!
Censuses – The Backbone of US Research
Q: How do I know if I can move onto the next generation back?
R: You don’t want to get the wrong great great grandfather but how can you be sure you’re headed in the right direction? Follow the Genealogy Triad of Interconnections. Using the censuses together with city directories to keep on the correct path. Learn how to efficiently and effectively find the censuses and directories and glean information to head back in time.
Using Ancestry Trees Securely and Effectively
Online ancestry trees can be a mixed bag of tricks. How can you use the trees on ancestry.com safely and effectively in your Paper and DNA Trail genealogy research? Suz Bates, a local genealogist will focus on topics including security, sources, data fields, uploads, other’s trees and more. Learn how to create and use Ancestry trees safely, securely, effectively, and efficiently. Any “arborist” will be surprised by the results of just a few tweaks of your online trees!
Gleaning Clues Series
1. Gleaning Clues from Birth Records Line by Line
Each type of vital records has a myriad of types and every type has specific hints for gaining more information about your ancestors. Going line by line through the records, Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will explain how and where to find more information based on the clues found in various birth records.
2. Gleaning Clues from Death Records Line by Line
Each type of vital records has a myriad of types and every type has specific hints for gaining more information about your ancestors. Going line by line through the records, Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will explain how and where to find more information based on the clues found in various death records.
3. Gleaning Clues from Marriage Records Line by Line
Each type of vital records has a myriad of types and every type has specific hints for gaining more information about your ancestors. Going line by line through the records, Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will explain how and where to find more information based on the clues found in marriage records.
Do a Double Take for More Research Clues
Vital records, censuses, city directories and more hold overlooked clues about your ancestors. Propel your research into action by doing a double take on records you’ve already hold. There is more to find.
Family Historian in 3 Basic Steps
Learn three basic steps of being a family historian: finding information, attaching it to your ancestors and storing it so you can find it again. Get organized and get connected as you research your family history.
Basic Research Skills for the Family Historian
Step by Step directions for research in the big three databases, and online general searches for genealogy research. How do you download to save the documents you found and what are some ways to keep track of your research?
Google Your Way to Genealogy Gems
You won’t know all the hidden genealogy gems until you start googling for genealogy. Learn some tricks of the trade for effective online research including state, county, local, and international websites and databases, including online government sites and more.
Download and Uploading
Download sources, books and images to your digital archive. Upload them to your online research tree. Upload your DNA to another company. Downloading and upload between websites and databases can be tricky. Learn some ways to make the smooth transition.
Social Security and Naturalization Records
Q: It seems the records I found online are incomplete Are there more?
R: Social Security and Naturalization Records have layers of paperwork you can access. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will discuss what you are looking for and how to find these records so you can build a more complete story around your ancestor and may solve some mysteries.
Genealogy Treasures in Cemetery Records
Q: I have found cemeteries I need to visit. How do I even start?
R: Cemetery, funeral home, and stonecutter records hold clues to your family history whether you are searching online, locally or out of state. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will teach some onsite and online hints for this unique research including often overlooked cemetery record treasures.
From Old Worlds to New Worlds: Genealogy in Passenger Lists
Q: Where did my ancestor come from?
R: Ship Manifests hold clues to finding the members of your family as they entered the US or left their country of heritage. Local genealogist, Suz Bates, will present tips for finding these records as well as how to read them?
Preparing to Visit Your Ancestor’s Town
Q: How do I plan for a research trip to my Ancestor’s town?
R: Genealogy Road Trip! Make the most of visiting your ancestor’s town by being prepared. Do your pre-trip research and plan you visits with genealogy in. Suz Bates will present some tried and true hints to make the genealogy research part of your vacation enjoyable for all.
It’s Not Online! The Other 90% of Records
Q: I checked Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org but I need more!
R: Many useful records for genealogy research are not online. How do you find these records and then how do you access them? Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will present ways to find and use archives, repositories, depositories, historical societies, and more to expand your family history research.
Creating a Family Archive and Genealogy Library
Q: I have organized many of my papers but have books, photos and documents I need to protect.
R: Learn an easy but effective way to organize your books, photos, and documents? The goal is to have a place for every paper, book and artifact and to be able to find each item when you need it.
Mind the Gap – Filling Holes in Genealogy Research
We all have gaps in our family research. Suz Bates will share a tried-and-true method using a location timeline for finding holes in your research while simultaneously gleaning hints for the next step in filling those holes.
The Beginning Family Historian Series
1. Genealogy Research: What is it? How do I begin?
Would you like to begin researching your family history? Your public library is the place to start. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will present the basics of genealogy research so you can begin today. You will learn how to keep track of what you find and discover hints for more research at home and in the library.
2. Family Historian in 3 Basic Steps
Learn three basic steps of being a family historian: finding information, attaching it to your ancestors and storing it so you can find it again. Get organized and get connected as you research your family history.
3. Keeping Track on Paper? in Software? Online?
You do not have to have a subscription or special software to begin your journey into family research. We’ll explore some options and get you started today!
4. Basic Research Skills for the Family Historian
Step by Step directions for research in the big three databases, and online general searches for genealogy research. How do you download to save the documents you found and what are some ways to keep track of your research?
The Library Series
Increase Your Patrons’ Use of Your Genealogy Databases
Would you like to increase the usage of your genealogy databases? As a professional genealogist and experienced speaker, I have a series of programs specifically targeting the use of your library’s databases by your patrons. Two workshops can be held in tandem on one day or each held separately.
1. Genealogy Research: What is it? How do I begin?
Would you like to begin researching your family history? Your public library is the place to start. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will present the basics of genealogy research so you can begin today. You will learn how to keep track of what you find and discover hints for more research at home and in the library.
2. Use Your Public Library for Genealogy Research
Improve your family history research by learning how to login and use your library’s online databases. Suz Bates, a local, genealogist will present step-by-step specific directions to guide you through logging in and using the database search engines. What can you find? How do you build your family tree? Please ask questions.
3. Censuses – The Backbone of Family Research
Keeping track of your research leads you to hints about your next steps. Using censuses to glean information to create a location timeline is key to moving forward and helping fill in the gaps. Suz Bates, a local, genealogist will present step-by-step directions for “doing the censuses” for your family history research.
4. Genealogy Research: Optimize Your Time and Effort
You indulge in a few minutes of family research in between a busy life so let’s make the most of it. Suz Bates, a genealogist with over 40 years of experience, will share her tried and true tips for genealogy research using the big two databases – Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. There will be plenty of time for questions.
These topics are general DNA and Genealogy presentations and suitable for beginners and intermediate level family historians. For a more detailed presentation see the next list of presentations focusing across DNA companies as well as focusing on specific DNA companies.
1. DNA Tests and Genealogy
Q: What DNA test do I buy? How will it help in my genealogy research?
R: Explore the use of DNA to enhance your genealogy research and build out your family trees. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will compare the different DNA kits available and explain some first steps to take once your DNA results are in.
2. My DNA results are in! What do they mean?
Q: I have my results and it's a list of people. What do I do with it? What do the results mean?
R: You have your DNA test results. How do you begin to use your results to rev-up your family history research? What is the difference between Paper Trail family history research and DNA Trail genealogy research and how do they come together to fill out your family tree? Examples will be presented from various DNA companies. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will present tools and techniques to begin your exploration today.
3. DNA - No Tree! No Response! I need more!
Q: How do I do more with my DNA shared matches? I’ve messaged matches but they don’t respond.
R: Bring your ancestral research to the living and in the process make more connections with your DNA matches while building out your online research tree. Examples from various DNA companies will be explored by Suz Bates, a local genealogist.
4. DNA - Beyond Shared Matches of Shared Matches to Cloaked Trees and Islands
Q: I know how to use the shared matches in various DNA kit companies but it’s not enough. I need to go beyond ThruLines®, Theory of Relativity® and Family Tree Features.
R: Use your autosomal DNA test results from Ancestry DNA, FTDNA Family Finder, MyHeritage and 23andMe to move onto the next level of making connections. Discover more MRCA, enter through the backdoor and create cloaked trees with island. Let’s look at new ways of connecting through DNA.
DNA and Genealogy Across DNA Companies Series
1. Managing DNA Kits Safely Through Different Companies?
DNA and genealogy can really help with your research but what are some ways to keep your DNA information safe? Suz Bates, a local genealogist will discuss and demonstrate managing tools in Ancestry DNA, MyHeritageDNA, 23andMe Ancestry and FTDNA kits.
2. Using Ancestry.com to Organize All your DNA Connections from All the DNA Companies
Ancestry.com has the most tools for organizing all your connections you make through DNA including connections through other companies. Let’s take advantage of your Ancestry.com research tree to organize, connect and build out your research through DNA. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will show examples from AncesetryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, 23andMe and FTDNA.
3. Using Ancestry Trees Safely and Effectively
Online ancestry trees can be a mixed bag of tricks. How can you use the trees on ancestry.com safely and effectively in your Paper Trail and DNA Trail genealogy research? Suz Bates, a local genealogist will focus on topics including security, sources, data fields, uploads, other’s trees and more. Learn how to create and use Ancestry trees safely, securely, effectively, and efficiently. Any “arborist” will be surprised by the techniques!
4. My AncestryDNA Kit is Back! What do I do now?
Q: I have my results and it's a list of people. What do I do with it?
R: You have your AncestryDNA test results. How do you use your results to rev-up your family history research? Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will walk through using your Ancestry DNA test results concentrating on shared matches and using the Star, Dots and Notes tools to start organizing your results.
5. AncestryDNA Quickly Build out your Research Tree!
Use Ancestry DNA to quickly build out your Ancestry.com Research Tree with valid information and direct connections to your DNA shared matches. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will walk you through step by step showing you how to use the Common Ancestor tool on AncestryDNA to make more connections with your shared matches.
6. FTDNA Family Finder In Common and Not In Common Tools
Use FTDNA Family Finder tools to make more DNA connections. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will present step by step directions for using the In Common, Not in Common and the Matrix tools.
7. AncestryDNA ThruLines®
Ancestry DNA ThruLines ® can be used to make valid and confirmed connections to your family line. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will show you in detail how to use the ThruLine® tool on AncestryDNA in conjunction with your AncestryDNA research tree.
8. 23andMe Family Tree Feature®
23andMe Family Tree Feature® can be used to make DNA connections possibilities and confirm the paper trail. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will show you step by step how do fill in the Family Tree Feature® and then how to relate it to your research tree.
9. MyHeritage DNA Theory of Relativity®
MyHeritage DNA probable- connection tool is Theory of Relativity®. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will focus on using Theory of Relativity® and its suggested path’s to connect your shared matches to your research tree of family lineage.
Genealogy Fundamental How-To
Going Vital! - Birth, Death and Marriage Records
Q: How do I a get a copy of birth records, death records and marriage records in the US? Each state seems to have its own rules. I want to get vital records efficiently and cost effectively?
R: Learn how to find the information needed to obtain copies of your ancestors’ US vital records: birth records, death records, and marriage records presented by Suz Bates, a local genealogist. Each state has its own research strategies but vital records are prized primary source documents to validate your research. Welcome to the world of genealogy mail!
Censuses – The Backbone of US Research
Q: How do I know if I can move onto the next generation back?
R: You don’t want to get the wrong great great grandfather but how can you be sure you’re headed in the right direction? Follow the Genealogy Triad of Interconnections. Using the censuses together with city directories to keep on the correct path. Learn how to efficiently and effectively find the censuses and directories and glean information to head back in time.
Using Ancestry Trees Securely and Effectively
Online ancestry trees can be a mixed bag of tricks. How can you use the trees on ancestry.com safely and effectively in your Paper and DNA Trail genealogy research? Suz Bates, a local genealogist will focus on topics including security, sources, data fields, uploads, other’s trees and more. Learn how to create and use Ancestry trees safely, securely, effectively, and efficiently. Any “arborist” will be surprised by the results of just a few tweaks of your online trees!
Gleaning Clues Series
1. Gleaning Clues from Birth Records Line by Line
Each type of vital records has a myriad of types and every type has specific hints for gaining more information about your ancestors. Going line by line through the records, Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will explain how and where to find more information based on the clues found in various birth records.
2. Gleaning Clues from Death Records Line by Line
Each type of vital records has a myriad of types and every type has specific hints for gaining more information about your ancestors. Going line by line through the records, Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will explain how and where to find more information based on the clues found in various death records.
3. Gleaning Clues from Marriage Records Line by Line
Each type of vital records has a myriad of types and every type has specific hints for gaining more information about your ancestors. Going line by line through the records, Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will explain how and where to find more information based on the clues found in marriage records.
Do a Double Take for More Research Clues
Vital records, censuses, city directories and more hold overlooked clues about your ancestors. Propel your research into action by doing a double take on records you’ve already hold. There is more to find.
Family Historian in 3 Basic Steps
Learn three basic steps of being a family historian: finding information, attaching it to your ancestors and storing it so you can find it again. Get organized and get connected as you research your family history.
Basic Research Skills for the Family Historian
Step by Step directions for research in the big three databases, and online general searches for genealogy research. How do you download to save the documents you found and what are some ways to keep track of your research?
Google Your Way to Genealogy Gems
You won’t know all the hidden genealogy gems until you start googling for genealogy. Learn some tricks of the trade for effective online research including state, county, local, and international websites and databases, including online government sites and more.
Download and Uploading
Download sources, books and images to your digital archive. Upload them to your online research tree. Upload your DNA to another company. Downloading and upload between websites and databases can be tricky. Learn some ways to make the smooth transition.
Social Security and Naturalization Records
Q: It seems the records I found online are incomplete Are there more?
R: Social Security and Naturalization Records have layers of paperwork you can access. Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will discuss what you are looking for and how to find these records so you can build a more complete story around your ancestor and may solve some mysteries.
Genealogy Treasures in Cemetery Records
Q: I have found cemeteries I need to visit. How do I even start?
R: Cemetery, funeral home, and stonecutter records hold clues to your family history whether you are searching online, locally or out of state. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will teach some onsite and online hints for this unique research including often overlooked cemetery record treasures.
From Old Worlds to New Worlds: Genealogy in Passenger Lists
Q: Where did my ancestor come from?
R: Ship Manifests hold clues to finding the members of your family as they entered the US or left their country of heritage. Local genealogist, Suz Bates, will present tips for finding these records as well as how to read them?
Preparing to Visit Your Ancestor’s Town
Q: How do I plan for a research trip to my Ancestor’s town?
R: Genealogy Road Trip! Make the most of visiting your ancestor’s town by being prepared. Do your pre-trip research and plan you visits with genealogy in. Suz Bates will present some tried and true hints to make the genealogy research part of your vacation enjoyable for all.
It’s Not Online! The Other 90% of Records
Q: I checked Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org but I need more!
R: Many useful records for genealogy research are not online. How do you find these records and then how do you access them? Suz Bates, a local genealogist, will present ways to find and use archives, repositories, depositories, historical societies, and more to expand your family history research.
Creating a Family Archive and Genealogy Library
Q: I have organized many of my papers but have books, photos and documents I need to protect.
R: Learn an easy but effective way to organize your books, photos, and documents? The goal is to have a place for every paper, book and artifact and to be able to find each item when you need it.
Mind the Gap – Filling Holes in Genealogy Research
We all have gaps in our family research. Suz Bates will share a tried-and-true method using a location timeline for finding holes in your research while simultaneously gleaning hints for the next step in filling those holes.
The Beginning Family Historian Series
1. Genealogy Research: What is it? How do I begin?
Would you like to begin researching your family history? Your public library is the place to start. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will present the basics of genealogy research so you can begin today. You will learn how to keep track of what you find and discover hints for more research at home and in the library.
2. Family Historian in 3 Basic Steps
Learn three basic steps of being a family historian: finding information, attaching it to your ancestors and storing it so you can find it again. Get organized and get connected as you research your family history.
3. Keeping Track on Paper? in Software? Online?
You do not have to have a subscription or special software to begin your journey into family research. We’ll explore some options and get you started today!
4. Basic Research Skills for the Family Historian
Step by Step directions for research in the big three databases, and online general searches for genealogy research. How do you download to save the documents you found and what are some ways to keep track of your research?
The Library Series
Increase Your Patrons’ Use of Your Genealogy Databases
Would you like to increase the usage of your genealogy databases? As a professional genealogist and experienced speaker, I have a series of programs specifically targeting the use of your library’s databases by your patrons. Two workshops can be held in tandem on one day or each held separately.
1. Genealogy Research: What is it? How do I begin?
Would you like to begin researching your family history? Your public library is the place to start. Suz Bates, a local genealogist will present the basics of genealogy research so you can begin today. You will learn how to keep track of what you find and discover hints for more research at home and in the library.
2. Use Your Public Library for Genealogy Research
Improve your family history research by learning how to login and use your library’s online databases. Suz Bates, a local, genealogist will present step-by-step specific directions to guide you through logging in and using the database search engines. What can you find? How do you build your family tree? Please ask questions.
3. Censuses – The Backbone of Family Research
Keeping track of your research leads you to hints about your next steps. Using censuses to glean information to create a location timeline is key to moving forward and helping fill in the gaps. Suz Bates, a local, genealogist will present step-by-step directions for “doing the censuses” for your family history research.
4. Genealogy Research: Optimize Your Time and Effort
You indulge in a few minutes of family research in between a busy life so let’s make the most of it. Suz Bates, a genealogist with over 40 years of experience, will share her tried and true tips for genealogy research using the big two databases – Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. There will be plenty of time for questions.