Join the Local History/Genealogy Department in celebrating Family History Month with WEBINARPALOOZA! Peoria Public Library is partnering with the Genealogy Network of Texas to bring this full day of family history research education via webinar format to Illinois! Two options to join in the fun: In-person or on Zoom.

Drop in or come for the whole day of learning from some of the best in the business on general and specific research topics. OR if you prefer, watch the webinars via Zoom the day of the sessions. Benefits of in-person at the North branch include snacks and camaraderie – spending the day with “genies” like yourself!

NOTE: Please register to receive a link to all the handouts. A handout link will be sent the day before the event. The link to the online sessions will also be sent the day before the event. These sessions are available ONLY on Friday OCT 17, 2025. The will be no access to them before or after the 17th.

Registration: https://peoria.librarycalendar.com/event/family-history-webinarpalooza-20388

Location: Peoria Library North Branch, 3001 West Grand Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615

Time: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

10:15am – 11:25am The Stories of Our Lives: Beginning Your Family History
Curt Witcher, Director of Special Collections at the Allen County (IN) Public Library
Discover (or review) straightforward steps to take when starting your family history. Easy steps for comfortably gathering as much information as possible will be shared along with how to organize that information to lead one to next steps and new discoveries.

11:45am – 12:35pm Family Trees Get Smart: AI as Your Genealogy Assistant
Sherri Taggart Ahmadzadeh, Chief Genealogist at Family Tree Tracer, LLC
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we discover, analyse, and connect family history records. Join us to explore the emerging ways AI tools are revolutionizing genealogical research – from document analysis to pattern recognition to breakthrough research techniques. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just getting started with digital research, this presentation will help you harness AI’s potential in uncovering your family’s story.

12:45pm – 1:15pm BREAK
In-person: feel free to bring a brown bag and join in conversation at the North branch library in Peoria, IL.

1:15pm – 2:05pm All in the Family: Using Collateral Research to Build Your Family Tree
Sandra Crowley, Director of Development for the Texas State Genealogical Society
Collateral research is a powerful genealogical method that extends beyond direct ancestors to investigate the broader family network. Explore strategies to find additional records, reconstruct family dynamics, and navigate challenges posed by missing direct ancestor documentation. This approach is useful when primary records are scarce, offering contextual clues, migration patterns, and unexpected biographical details. Learn to transform fragmented family history into a rich and comprehensive narrative.

2:15pm – 3:05pm Following a Civil Case Through Documents Filed in Court
J. Mark Lowe, FUGA, Ky-Tn Research Associates Researcher
Learn the basics of the legal system. Understand the process of following a case through court including dockets, orders, depositions, etc. Find the key to solving a problem using these records.

3:15pm – 4:05pm Research Road Trips: Productive for You, Fun for Family
Jessica Horne Collins, President of the Clayton Library Friends
Uncover your family’s past with a balance of research and family fun. Learn how to prepare yourself for research trips to libraries, courthouses, archives, and other repositories. Explore ways to take completed and in-progress research and craft a road trip that showcases your family history to loved ones of all ages.

4:15pm – 5:05pm From Names to Narratives: A Simple Guide to Writing
Hannah Kubacak, Librarian from the Waco-McLennan County Library’s Genealogy Center
Learn the art of biographical writing by weaving historical context, personal anecdotes, and family lore into your ancestors’ stories. Review tips on maintaining accuracy while crafting a compelling narrative to preserve and share your family history. Join us and be inspired to transform your genealogy research into captivating biographical