Join us for this free virtual event where you will learn from expert speakers about how to research your Wisconsin and Midwestern ancestors.

Speaker: Nancy Loe

European Immigrant Ancestors: Their Experiences and the Records

Many factors pushed or pulled Europeans to emigrate to the United States between 1820 and 1920. In this presentation, Nancy explores questions like: What did our European ancestors experience when they decided to leave their homes and sail to America? What was the voyage like? How did they make their way in the new world?

Join Miranda Stueckrath and Grant Wilson as they discuss their upcoming book “Images of America: St. Cloud”, the research involved, the process of choosing photos from the collection, and how the book came together.  $7/person Members Free

Speaker: Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD presentation.

Could new advances in DNA research solve a genealogical mystery in your family? Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., will share a case study on this topic, titled the “Helen Marley Story,” for SCAG on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

In this presentation, you’ll hear how Blaine identified the mother of his great-grandmother, Helen Marley Johnson, who was adopted at birth. Although not one record exists that identifies Helen’s biological mother, indirect evidence and DNA testing make the case.

Blaine is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, author of “The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genealogy” and co-author of the award-winning “Genetic Genealogy in Practice.”

Visit the website of Stearns History Museum to view numerous events they have.

Join Stearns History Museum for personalized instruction on how to locate, set-up and use microfilm readers and learn about the materials they have available.