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• PalAm-Ohio's German Community Forum Series

  • When
    31 Jan 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    ZOOM

  Ohio chapter
  PALATINES TO AMERICA - GERMAN GENEALOGY SOCIETY

  German Community Forum Series

  

  The forum for January is RootsMagic 11’s wonderful new features and how they will help you with recording your family research.

  ALSO, bring your research questions so we can help you break through your 2025-2026 brick walls. Our facilitator this month is Carol Swinehart, who holds a Master of Education and has been researching German roots in Hesse, Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Niedersachsen since 1975.

  This talk is free, and we hope to see you online. To register, e-mail ckfsmail@gmail.com, and put “GFS” on the subject line so we don't miss your registration.

  See you on January 31st, 2026 at 10am Eastern Time.

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• Using Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy

  • When
    7 Feb 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    IN Chapter Collaborative Learning Session ZOOM only

  using artificial intelligence in genealogy

  Indiana Chapter Collaborative Learning Session
  Saturday, February 7 2026 ― 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  Zoom Virtual Only
  Free to ALL

  Join us on Zoom as we explore how AI can enhance genealogical research. From searching on websites to using smartphone features, AI already helps genealogists work more efficiently. This CLS will help you understand and use these tools.

  10 am - 11 am General introduction to AI and Genealogical Uses
  

  AI Basics and Practical Applications - Patty Wiseman will explain AI fundamentals and demonstrate how chatbots like ChatGPT can assist genealogists. You'll learn practical ways to use these tools for genealogical tasks.

  11 am - 12 pm Putting it All Together: Research Planning and Projects

  Integrating AI into Your Research Process - Andrea Ackermann will show how AI can work as a research assistant throughout your genealogical research plan. Learn specific techniques for using AI to increase your plan’s efficiency and effectiveness.

  Both presentations will include time for questions and sharing experiences. Whether you're new to AI or have been using these tools extensively, participants can join the discussion and learn from each other.

  To register: E-mail indianapalam@gmail.com with "CLS" in the subject line and your name in the message. Please include any useful AI resources you've found useful - we'll share them with all participants.
  Download flyer  for more details.

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• PA Chapter Third Tuesday for February 2026

  • When
    17 Feb 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    ZOOM

  PA chapter Third Tuesday Zoom PROgram

  The Pennsylvania Chapter’s series of Third Tuesday Zoom programs continues. Presented at 7:00 PM ET, they are free and open to all. Join us for our February program:

  Genealogical Resources of the Lebanon County Historical Society
  Tuesday, February 17, 2026

  

  The Lebanon County Historical Society (LCHS) was founded in 1898. Its building at 924 Cumberland Street is a late 18^th-century home that houses the Hauck Memorial Archives and Library. Owing to the extensive settlement of Germanic people in the Lebanon area, many of the activities of this ethnic group dominate their records. Among the original and transcribed documents held there are church records, deeds, wills, accumulated family files, family genealogy books, restricted family files, ledgers and business records, tax records, and photographs. One example is the 1717 Eisenhauer Family Bible that has 5 pages of 18^th-century manuscript pages of 1^st and 2^nd generation vital records.

  Bruce D. Bomberger has served as archivist and currently as curator for the Lebanon County Historical Society. Prior to these positions, he gained broad experience working over 35 years as a museum curator and in historic architectural preservation. He has done research, produced articles and assembled exhibits on the subjects of log building preservation, the Pennsylvania Germans, tool technology, early iron making, African American history, and Pennsylvania German furniture. He holds history degrees from Lebanon Valley College, Penn State University, and Lehigh University.

  Register here to join us for this program. If you have a question that you want to ask, feel free to email us in advance at info@pennpalam.org or pennsylvaniapalatines@gmail.com.

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• PA Chapter Third Tuesday for March 2026

  • When
    17 Mar 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    ZOOM

  PA chapter Third Tuesday Zoom PROgram

  The Pennsylvania Chapter’s series of Third Tuesday Zoom programs continues. Presented at 7:00 PM ET, they are free and open to all. Join us for our March program:

  What's in a German Name?
  Tuesday, March 17, 2026

  Have you ever wondered whether a German surname in your lineage has some significance or meaning? What about how your ancestors named their children? This presentation will explore German naming customs of both forenames and surnames to help you better understand how your ancestors got their names, the importance of naming customs, and how names evolved over time.

  

  As a native Pennsylvania Dutchman, Ken Weaver can trace most every line of ancestors to an 18th century German-speaking immigrant, so it was only natural that he learned to speak German and did so in high school under the tutelage of an inspiring immigrant German teacher. Majoring in German at Millersville University, he also studied during his junior year at Philipps-Universität and upon graduation began a career as a German teacher. He went on to become a principal but continued his language studies by earning certification in ESL. Upon retirement from the public education, he taught at the university level until retiring to Florida in 2014. Now he works on his genealogy, and as a member of several different societies, spends considerable time teaching language tips to any genealogist who’ll listen, as well as transcribing and translating their old German records.

  Register here to join us for this program. If you have a question that you want to ask, feel free to email us in advance at info@pennpalam.org or pennsylvaniapalatines@gmail.com.

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• IN Chapter Spring Meeting 2026

  • When
    28 Mar 2026
  •  
    10:15 AM - 3:45 PM
  • Location
    Indianapolis Pike Branch Library & ZOOM

  in chapter spring meeting

  German Research Tchniques
  Featured Speaker Teresa Steinkamp McMillin CG®
  Saturday March 28 2026

  Registration 10:15 AM-10:45 AM EDT - Program 10:45 AM to 3:45 PM EDT
  Chapter Membership Meeting 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM
     Zoom or Pike Branch Indianapolis Public Library
  6525 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis

  Three presentations:
  

  • Genealogy.net: Germany's Genealogy Mega Site
  • Discover the Holdings of German Archives
  • Hunting for Harry: A Case Study Using Collaterals

  Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, Certified Genealogist ®, author of the Guide to Hanover Military Records, 1514-1866 on Microfilm at the Family History Library, is the owner of Lind Street Research, a company dedicated to helping people discover their German ancestry. She has taught at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) Academy for Professionals. She created and recorded courses for Ancestry Academy and Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Teresa conducts research on behalf of the U.S. Army to aid in repatriating soldiers missing from the nation’s past conflicts.

  The cost is $40 for PalAm members and $50 for nonmembers or registrations after March 14. For details and registration, visit inpalam.org or download the flyer. Please contact indianapalam@gmail.com with any questions. Attendees are eligible for LEU credit. This program is not sponsored by the Indianapolis Public Library.

  Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical skills, connect with fellow researchers, and find your German ancestors. Mark your calendar for March 28th, and take the next step forward in your genealogical journey!

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• 2026 Pal Am National Conference

  • Start
    18 Jun 2026
  •  
  • End
    20 Jun 2026
  •  
  • Location
    DoubleTree Resort Hotel Lancaster, Pennsylvania

  

  Our German Ancestors: Building America

  The Palatines to America 2026 National Conference will be held
  

  June 18-20, 2026 at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel in Lancaster, PA.
  Join us in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country near where many early Palatines settled.  Learn from local experts and nationally recognized speakers.  Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday just a few miles from where it all started. Registration opens January 2, 2026.

  Planning to attend?  Save the dates!
  Coming up June 18-20, 2026: the Palatines to America 2026 National Conference - presented by us - the Pennsylvania Chapter!

  We're deep in the planning phase at the moment but here's what's real so far:

  • The conference will take place at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel in Lancaster, PA. Registration will open January 2, 2026. (When you register for the Conference, we'll be sending instructions with your conference registration confirmation about how to get "Conference Pricing" if you choose to stay at the DoubleTree.)
  • There will be two days packed with (as yet unconfirmed) speakers / presenters on a variety of topics for anyone who is interested in their German Heritage.
  • We are planning for a variety of exhibitors and vendors with materials to support or enhance your German genealogy.
  • The schedule of events will be published here, so bookmark the page and check back often. Also, keep an eye out for more information in upcoming issues of the PennPal and Palatine Patter newsletters.
  • When confirmed, the speakers, exhibitors, vendors and activities will be published on this page.

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