Current KCGS members will receive notification of both KCGS and Town and Country Public Library (TCPL) genealogy meetings.
Guests interested in attending any KCGS sponsored meeting encouraged to supply their name and email address to kcgsinfo@gmail.com. For TCPL programs, register with the library directly, via the provided link.
Unless otherwise specified, in-person meetings are held at the Town and Country Public Library, 320 E North St., Elburn, IL.
The start time for all events listed is 7:00 p.m. Central Time, unless otherwise noted. Meeting topics and speakers are subject to change.
26 March 2026
KCGS Sponsored: From New York to the Heartland: The Orphan Train Experience in Illinois
Presented by: Jamie Poorman
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a remarkable and heart-wrenching chapter of American history unfolded as thousands of children embarked on a journey from the crowded streets of New York City to new lives in rural communities across the nation. This was the Orphan Train Movement, a unique initiative that left a lasting impact on the children themselves, as well as on the communities that welcomed them. The movement would last for 75 years and impact an estimated 250,000 children. We will explore the beginnings of this movement, the organizations involved and the journeys taken by the children, and then take an in-depth look at the lives of a handful of orphan train riders.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
09 April 2026
TCPL Sponsored: Too Good to Be True
Presented by: Candace Marx
The genealogy world has a long history of fraudsters and fabricated facts. Good family historians want to create truthful trees and avoid being conned by information that looks “too good to be true”. In this presentation we learn about genealogy scams of the past and present, and discuss tips to avoid modern day “snake oil salesmen.”
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Registration with TCPL required.
23 April 2026
KCGS Sponsored: Mayhem on the Manifest: Intrigue and Deception Caught My Eye
Presented by: Suzanne Hoffman
Manifests are typically a key component to identifying basic information about an immigrant’s background and destination.
What happens when the manifest becomes a Pandora’s box of intrigue and deception? We are going to investigate the Saratov from the Russian fleet and learn why it only had nine trips to the US, and how it changed immigration regulations.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
14 May 2026
TCPL Sponsored: Great Graves of Illinois: Exploring the State’s Most Storied Cemeteries
Presented by: John Kokoris
Join Illinois traveler John Kokoris for a look at the graves of great Illinoisans and notable monuments to lives well lived. There will be a look at art and literature inspired by these storied cemeteries. The perfect program for cemetery lovers, road trippers, and history buffs alike.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Registration with TCPL required.
28 May 2026
KCGS Sponsored: American Genealogy: Researching in the Colonial Days and New Republic (1607-1800)
Presented by: Laura Street Chaplin
Focuses on the first years of American exploration and settlement, showcases an historical overview of the time span, offers comments on cultural context for our ancestors, and even suggestions for research collections & repositories.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
25 June 2026
KCGS Sponsored: American Genealogy: Researching During Expansion, Fracture, and Reconstruction (1800-1914)
Presented by: Laura Street Chaplin
Focuses on events of the fledgling country through the War of 1812 and early American expansion, the Civil War fracture and efforts to reunite, until the onset World War I.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
23 July 2026
KCGS / BPL Sponsored: America at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors
Presented by: Scott Norrick
About 200 thousand Americans served in the Patriots’ cause in some capacity.
This presentation will provide a deep dive into discovering and researching your revolutionary ancestors covering topics such as resources, strategies, websites, libraries, and archives. Resources and documents available at the
National Archives, DAR, SAR, as well as state and local organizations will be included. It is an exciting time to jump in and learn as much as you can about your revolutionary ancestors!
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual with Batavia Public Library as host. Registration at BPL required.
27 Aug 2026
KCGS / BPL Sponsored: Family Tree DX: Including Medical Information in Your Family Tree
Presented by: Laura Kovarik
Genealogists typically collect information about names, dates, and places of ancestors. However, genealogists are in an advantageous position to collect information about medical information on their family members. This can be used now and, in the future, to guide health care. Speaker Laura Kovarik will teach you the basics of including medical information in your family tree. This program will be co-hosted by the Batavia Public Library and Kane County Genealogical Society.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual with Batavia Public Library as host. Registration at BPL required.
27 September 2026
KCGS Sponsored: One-Step Webpages: A Potpourri of Genealogical Search Tools
Presented by: Stephen P Morse
The One-Step website started out as an aid for finding passengers in the Ellis Island database. Shortly afterwards it was expanded to help with searching in the 1930 census. Over the years it has continued to evolve and today includes about 300 web-based tools divided into 16 separate categories ranging from genealogical searches to astronomical calculations to last-minute bidding on e-bay. This presentation will describe the range of tools available and give the highlights of each one.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
22 October 2026
KCGS Sponsored: What is Cyndi’s List
Presented by: Jenny Warner
During this presentation, you will learn all about Cyndi’s list and how this will help you with your genealogy journey.
Presentation method: Hybrid in-person and virtual. Members will receive Zoom meeting invitation.
