Missouri State Genealogical Association-mosga

03/14/2026

Our fourth speaker for our March mini-conference and used book sale is Chelsea Clarke, the Assistant Manager of the Midwest Genealogy Center.

Chelsea's presentation, "From Clues to a Conclusion: Evaluating Evidence in Genealogy" will tie a number of aspects of basic research together. Learn how to develop effective research questions, follow a research plan, and evaluate and analyze sources, information, and evidence. We will explore how to analyze evidence in accordance with the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) to reach sound conclusions.

Only one more week until the conference! There are still plenty of seats, and you can register at: https://www.mymcpl.org/events/116684/back-basics-strengthening-your-genealogy-skills?

There will be ample time and opportunity to view the used books at the sale, so bring your checkbook or cash!

Join MGC and the Missouri State Genealogical Association (MOSGA) for a one-day mini-conference focused on essential research skills.

03/11/2026

The third speaker at our March mini-conference and used book sale is Liana Twente. Liana is a Research Analyst and eVolunteer Coordinator at the Missouri State Archives, where she has worked in reference services and overseen volunteer indexing projects for 6 years. Additionally, she has over 10 years of experience as a property and genealogy researcher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Northwest Missouri State University.

Here presentation will be "Tidying Up Your Home Archive: Digital File Organization."

Every genealogist faces the tedious task of organizing their research and personal archive. In this session, we’ll go over the basics of maintaining a digital home archive, including file management, how to name your files, and starting a scanning project.

03/07/2026

The second speaker at our March mini-conference and used book sale is Bill Eddleman. Bill is the Coordinator of the Cape Girardeau Research Center, State Historical Society of Missouri. Long interested in local and regional history, he was the president of the Cape County Genealogical Society for 14 years and has edited the society's publication for 27 years. He’s also served as President and Vice-President (Conference) for the Missouri State Genealogical Association. He is the host of the popular Basic Genealogy online series available through the State Historical Society of Missouri and often presents on this topic to groups throughout the state. Bill writes regular columns on genealogy and local history in the Southeast Missourian and hosts a bi-monthly history program on KRCU public radio in Cape Girardeau. As a ninth-generation Missourian, Bill has uncovered much of his own family's history with deep roots in the state.

Bill is presenting “Tracking Your Records and Some Helpful Hints.” Learn how to organize and summarize what you find using family group sheets and tree charts. The session will also cover the invaluable organizational skills of taking research notes, source citations, and using timelines. The presentation will also include a number of helpful hints for both beginners and experienced genealogists, so you can aim for the goal of making your research available for family and other genealogists.

03/03/2026

If you have ever considered presenting at a genealogical conference, or already have a suitable presentation, here is an opportunity!

03/02/2026

The first speaker at our March 21 mini-conference and used book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Midwest Genealogy Center, will be Mary Dempsey. There are still plenty of seats, and you may register here:
https://www.mymcpl.org/events/116684/back-basics-strengthening-your-genealogy-skills

"Introduction to FamilySearch"

Get the most out of the FamilySearch website. Learn tips for searching records, using the research wiki, finding family trees, using the Family History catalog, and more.

Presenter: Mary Dempsey, Genealogy Reference Associate, Midwest Genealogy Center

02/19/2026

There is still PLENTY of time to register!

02/09/2026

Ever wondered what is really available inside state archives and how to access those records more effectively? NGS MemberConnects! is hosting a live State Archives Crawl on 11 February that brings reference archivists from across the country together for an interactive conversation.

This Zoom event will feature a roundtable discussion and breakout rooms where participants can learn directly from archivists about unique state holdings, access procedures, and practical research tips. Because of the format, this session will not be recorded.

Nearly 30 state archives are confirmed to participate. NGS individual members should register using the link sent by email.

Not a member yet? Join NGS today to get access to this event and future MemberConnects! opportunities.

02/06/2026

Plan now to attend the free spring mini-conference hosted by MoSGA and the Midwest Genealogy Center at the MGC in Independence! The theme is "Back to Basics: Strengthening Your Genealogical Skills." If you are new to genealogy or if you are an experienced family historian who wants to learn some new ways of doing things, this is for YOU! MoSGA will also hold its annual used book sale in conjunction with the event. Registration is at this link: https://www.mymcpl.org/events/116684/back-basics-strengthening-your-genealogy-skills

The sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 21. Topics and speakers include:

• Bill Eddleman, Coordinator, Cape Girardeau Research Center, State Historical Society of Missouri - "Tracking Your Records and Some Helpful Hints”
• Liana Twente, Research Analyst and eVolunteer Coordinator, Missouri State Archives, “Tidying up Your Home Archive: Digital File Organization”
• Mary Dempsey, MGC Genealogy Reference Associate - "Introduction to FamilySearch”
• Chelsea Clark, MGC Assistant Manager – “From Clues to Conclusion: Evaluating Evidence in Genealogy”

02/03/2026

MoSGA will hold its annual used genealogical book sale at the Midwest Genealogy Center in conjunction with the spring mini-conference on March 21. There will be a larger selection this year as well. Additional details are forthcoming!

02/02/2026

10/06/2025

Seats are going fast! Call us today to reserve your spot. (573) 204-2332

10/05/2025

"LANDING" YOUR ANCESTORS: A LAND RECORDS WORKSHOP

Please join the Missouri State Genealogical Association, Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society, and Cape Girardeau County Archive Center for a workshop on using land records, from 10 AM to 2 PM Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center, 112 E. Washington St., Jackson, Missouri. Presented by Bill Eddleman, MoSGA & The State Historical Society of Missouri; Marybeth Niederkorn, Cape Girardeau County Archivist; and Drew Blattner, Cape Girardeau County Recorder and President of the Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society

Topics covered will include:
• Intro to land record types
• Metes and bounds survey system
• Researching Missouri Spanish/French land grants
• United States public land system
• Using deeds to uncover relationships
• Online research with land records

Participants will have the opportunity to apply learning using “hands-on” exercises. A laptop is recommended to get the most out of the sessions. Research time is available. Please come with questions and as much information as you have.

Limit 14 participants. Contact the Archive Center, (573) 204-2332, to register. Cape Girardeau and Jackson have numerous hotels if you are coming from out of town and need to stay the night.

Fee to attend: $5 to cover cost of supplies.

Prior to the event, we recommend participants view Dr. Eddleman's webinars on the basics of topic at the State Historical Society of Missouri’s website. (URLs in the first comment.)