Free for Members of Stearns History Museum, $10 for guests

Visit different cemeteries and learn about stories of some of the people celebrated there.

Join Stearns History Museum for an interactive program designed to boost your research skills.  Learn simple but helpful search tips and tricks to navigate catalogs and online databases with confidence.  We'll also introduce you to historical records that can open new windows into your research.  Perfect for beginners and anyone curious about digging deeper into the past.

Speakers: Brendon Duffy and Ann Weismann of St. Cloud Area Genealogists

This beginner-friendly presentation will introduce you to the basics of genealogy research, including how to start building your family tree, gather information from relative and home sources, organize your findings and avoid beginner mistakes.  Whether you are curious about your ancestors, hoping to preserve family stories or just beginning your genealogy journey, this program will provide practical tips, helpful resources and the confidence to start exploring your roots.  No experience is necessary, just bring your curiousity and love of family history!

Have you seen a new museum being built on Highway 371 and wondered what’s happening? Look no further! Randal Dietrich, the executive director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum will present “The Making of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum” for the St. Cloud Area Genealogists online on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Whitney Senior Center (1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud). The presentation will be available remotely and will be recorded for members of SCAG and registered guests. Attendees will learn about the journey to build the museum and some of the resources that will be available when the museum opens this September. Randal Dietrich is a lifelong Minnesota resident who has served as museum director for the last eight years.  During his tenure, he made a concerted effort to chronicle Minnesota's post-9/11 story and secured the property and funds necessary to open the new 40,000 square foot facility on 32 acres at the intersection of Highways 371 and 115.  He previously worked with Twin Cities Public Television and the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS).  His focus was special initiatives concerning the Civil War, the World Wars and Vietnam.  During his decade at MNHS, he worked closely with General John W. Vessey and other senior leaders.

The Upper Midwest Genealogy Institute returns to MGS 7-8 August 2026. Popularly known as UMGI—pronounced like “bungee”— it is a small, but intense, two-day institute-style program geared to experienced researchers who want to advance their skills. UMGI 2026 will focus on resources and strategies for 19th and early 20th century family history research—with an emphasis on families moving to or through the Midwest. This year’s program will blend lectures with small group student exercises that give attendees an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. UMGI 2026 instructors include are J. H. Fonkert, CG, Jessica Fontana, and Elizabeth Williams Gomoll, CG. Registration is expected to open 15 March. Watch the March MGS newsletter and the MGS website for more information.

The Gale Family Library is a public library specializing in Minnesota history, housing extensive collections of books, newspapers, photographs, and state archives.  It features over 500,000 published materials, including county histories, city directories, maps, and the largest collection of Minnesota newspapers (1849-present) on microfilm.

Enjoy exclusive access! The library space will be dedicated to SCAG and MCGS members only during our research event.  Spend 4 hours (12:00 – 4:00 p.m.) researching to your heart's content.

Carpooling from St. Cloud and from Little Falls will be available.  Research is from 12:00 - 4:00, but remember to allow for travel time to and from St. Paul when planning your day.

Learn how to make the most of your visit!  In preparation for your Exclusive Research Day, attend our May membership meeting where the Gale Family Library staff will present an overview of the collections, advise on pre-research techniques, and explain how to pre-order records so they are waiting for you upon your arrival.

Sign up for the event by filling out the form below.