Bring a Detective's Eye to Your Family History
Looking for an engaging presentation for your organization?
Below you'll find the presentations I currently offer to genealogical societies, historical societies, libraries and community groups. All talks are available virtually through Zoom for organizations anywhere, or in person throughout Minnesota.
Planning an upcoming event? Download my Presentation titles and descriptions, along with my Speaker Profile Sheet for information about my background and experience.
See a presentation that fits your group? Select Request a Presentation and I'll follow up with you to discuss available dates, presentation, format and fees.
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Introduction to Genealogy
Every family has a story.
Here's how to start finding yours.
Beginners learn essential first steps—setting goals, understanding core records, and organizing finds—so they leave with a clear plan, not website overload.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Your beginners walk out knowing exactly what to do first.
Beyond Beginning Genealogy
You've found the easy answers.
Now find the rest.
Sharpen your skills with the strategies and sources experienced researchers rely on. Learn to focus your research, track down the right records, and weigh the evidence to answer your genealogy questions.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
It turns record collectors into real researchers.
US Census Records
More than just names —
every census hides a story.
The census is far more than a head count. Discover what each census year really reveals and the problem-solving strategies that squeeze every last clue from the columns.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Attendees find new clues in records they thought they'd finished with.
UK Census Records
“Single night in time” / “Census Night” — unlocking the secrets of British household schedules.
A British census captures one exact night in history. Learn to navigate 1841–1921 rules, trace mobile ancestors, and spot the hidden clues often missed.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Attendees gain the confidence to bridge the gap between US and UK research, turning unfamiliar British census records into breakthrough clues.
Finding Minesota Records in Free Genealogy Resources
Minnesota's best records won't cost you a dime.
Expand your family history toolbox with free Minnesota resources: the Minnesota Historical Society People Finder, the Iron Range Research Center, the MOMS marriage index, and the digitized city directories.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Attendees start finding records that very day – for free!.
Naturalization Records
Follow the paper trail your immigrant ancestors left behind.
Naturalization files can hold birthplaces, arrival dates, and family details found nowhere else. Learn how the process worked, how it changed over time, where the records live, and how to interpret what you find.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
One naturalization file can break an immigrant brick wall — this talk shows exactly where to find it.
Hatch, Match and Dispatch
Births, marriages, deaths — the records closest to the truth.
Vital records were created near the event, by people who knew the facts, which makes them the backbone of every family tree. Learn where to find birth, marriage, and death records and how to get the most from them.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
These are the three records every family tree stands on — master them and everything
else gets easier.
Research Strategies and Tools for Tackling Your Genealogy Brick Wall
Every brick wall has a weak spot. Learn how to find it.
When the usual searches come up empty, it's time to work the problem like an investigator. This session details the methods, tools, and underused records that crack the cases standard searching can't.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
These strategies come from someone who solved real cases for 24 years — they work.
Case Study in Genealogical Problem Solving
Who was Ellen Call?
Solve the case with me.
Work a real identity mystery from open question to sound conclusion. Timelines, spreadsheets, comparison tools, SMART research questions, and the Genealogical Proof Standard — applied to a live case, not just explained.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Watching a real case unfold teaches more than any lecture about method ever could.
Problem Solving Using Cemetery Records
The headstone is only the beginning.
Cemeteries hold far more than what's carved in stone. Explore the types of cemeteries, the records they kept, and the research strategies that turn a cemetery visit into a genuine discovery.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Cemetery offices keep records most researchers never think to ask for — your members will.
Researching at the County Courthouse
Your ancestors' whole lives filed cradle to grave.
Births, marriages, deaths, deeds, mortgages, wills, probate, and guardianships — courthouse records follow a family through every chapter. Learn what's waiting there and how to research it with confidence.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
The courthouse is the richest record source most researchers have never visited — this talk takes the intimidation out of it.
Navigating FamilySearch
70% of FamilySearch is hidden.
Here's your map.
Only about 30% of FamilySearch's records are indexed — if you only use the search box, you're missing the rest. Learn the filters, wildcards, full text search and techniques that unlock the other 70%.
The #1 reason to book this talk:
Most attendees find a record in the unindexed 70% before the Q&A even starts.