Today is Day 2 of summer 2025 and it’s the season for relaxing, vacation and, of course, genealogy!
With the hot temperatures that arrive in summer, it’s a great time to focus on honing those genealogy research skills.
If you’re looking to register for one of the big institutes, it’s probably too late. However, it’s never to late to view excellent presentations, some free, some not, right at home.
Here are a few resources to get you started:
- Conference Keeper is a website/calendar all about genealogy events. Many organizations list their upcoming monthly meetings, seminars and conferences. It’s free to view the calendar. Some events are free to attend, but each event clearly states free or pay and the calendar lists months and months of upcoming activities. Check it out!
- Legacy Family Tree Webinars is a subscription website ($49.95/year), BUT if you attend live webinars, they are FREE and you can pre-register for them. A handful of webinars are only available to paid members (e.g. a series with Elizabeth Shown Mills) and handouts are also a member benefit. I’d recommend subscribing, though, because there are more than 2000 past recorded webinars on a large selection of genealogy topics, with handout access, available to members. Instead of binging on TV shows, binge on genealogy!
- DearMyrtle has been “unretired” now for quite a while. The platform has changed, though. Previously, programs were presented on Zoom, but Myrt now has a YouTube channel. Programs are presented live, with discussions excellent discussions about many genealogy topics. Visit the DearMyrtle Archives and subscribe to her channel. She has recently also begun her Substack.
- The Virtual Genealogical Association, as its name implies, is a virtual-only organization. Membership is only $25 per year and provides access to many member activities. VGA also has a YouTube channel where some of their past presentations can be viewed for free.
- FamilySearch Classes and Webinars are offered free to everyone. Many of the classes are geared towards beginners, or an experienced genealogist venturing into new research territory, but the events are presented by experienced knowledgeable speakers.
Only 5 resources, but each will provide you with hours and hours of free genealogy education. Take advantage and check them out!