The importance of digital preservation for churches, historical societies, libraries, organizations, and other entities

What happens when a flood, wind storm, blizzard, fire, or other disaster hits a place with one of a kind records. Think about your own records at home. None of these can be replaced. No one way exists to protect records. The infamous “cloud” can fail you. The place you choose for a backup of […]

The Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Genealogical Society

Interested in genealogy? Combine that with attending the world-famous Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota Genealogical Society is sponsoring a booth in the Education Building from August 27 – September 7, 2026. It’s in Falcon Heights, adjacent to Saint Paul. Stop and see the volunteers from MGS and its partners. Ask questions, learn about additional help, […]

Genealogy research plans a bit mystifying? Join this class in Minnesota for a path to understanding and creating them.

Join me at an in-person class on 12 September 2026 at the Minnesota Genealogy Center in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. It’s a suburb outside of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Free parking, too! Research Plans: A “Hands-On” Workshop is hosted by the Minnesota Genealogical Society. It’s not as simple as opening the refrigerator and seeing that the […]

GRIP Genealogy Institute 2027 Announcements

Gena Philibert-Ortega, GRIP Genealogy Institute Manager, has announced the courses for 2027. She made video and social media announcements and some direct emails over the last four days. More updates will be seen as additional details are finalized. In June of 2027, I am again coordinating BEYOND Digging Deeper: Sources, Methods, & Practices. This course […]

New preservation grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

One of my favorite blog topics was in an email press release today. “WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 22, 2026) —The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) today announced $41.4 million in grants for 81 humanities projects across the country. These include an online version of Noah Webster’s 1806 and 1828 dictionaries, a new permanent exhibition at […]

Law enforcement historical societies and museums

 I’ve attended a couple events sponsored by the Saint Paul Police Historical Society. I have collateral relatives who served their communities in law enforcement roles here in Minnesota. Does your family have a police officer or other law enforcement official in the past? Check for a police or sheriff historical society. Some offer a website, […]

My upcoming genealogy presentations and registration

Some major events coming up. Click on the links to learn more and to register. Additional ones can be found by clicking on the Speaking tab above. August 6-9, 2026.  Virtual Conference. PaGE. Pennsylvania’s Genealogy Event! Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. Topics on Pennsylvania records, religions, and regions, military, immigration, and occupations. 32 top speakers! My […]

2026 North Star Genealogy Conference registration opens

Do you know why it’s called the North Star conference? Time for some online sleuthing to figure out why. Registration is now open for the 2026 North Star Genealogy Conference and pre-conference, to be held October 29-31, 2026, at the Eagan Community Center in Eagan, Minnesota.,  ALL of this is included in your conference registration! […]