Seminars and Conferences
Member Societies' Seminars and Conferences
Listed are seminars annd conferences sponsored by the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies and Member Societies. Click on a listing below for the information and registation forms.
21 September 2026, 19 October 2026
DU-OLLI Classes
Council Webinar Chair Bob Larson is presenting two hybrid genealogy classes at Denver University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI is a popular national learning organization for mostly seniors, but really for all ages! They offer hundreds of classes each year in different categories. We are pleased they are offering our genealogy classes in a hybrid format!
Webinar Chair Bob Larson has been teaching genealogy classes for over 20 years at his Larimer County Genealogical Society. He has been deeply involved in genealogy for over 25 years, serving in multiple leadership and educational roles. He has been the education chair of his local genealogy society for 15 years, a class instructor for 18 years, and its webmaster for a decade. He also served as the society’s president for four years.
At the state level, Bob is the current webinar chair and a past president of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies. A dedicated researcher and educator, he has shared his expertise as a regional genealogy speaker and as a credited instructor at Motorola. Additionally, he was the executive producer of 16 half-hour genealogy TV programs for a Fort Collins cable channel and his society’s website.
He is the author of his 210-page family history book, a current Zoom specialist, and video producer for multiple non-profit groups. He holds degrees in electronics engineering, marketing, and an Executive MBA, as well as over 20 specialized business and international classes from Motorola University in Chicago besides creating videos at his company: Larson Video Productions.
Participants will need to register at DU-OLLI on their website at olli welcome.
Introduction to Genealogy Part 1
Monday Afternoon, 1pm to 3pm on September 21, 2026
Location: Hybrid - Offered simultaneously in person and online (currently only available on DU Campus)
Class Description
Curious about your family’s past? This engaging course provides a comprehensive introduction to genealogy, exploring its growing popularity, and offering guidance on researching and documenting your family lineage. Explore the various categories of genealogy, discover key historical records and where to find them, and gain insight into major online databases. You'll also learn how to organize your findings and connect with genealogy societies, including those in Northern Colorado. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to refine your research skills, this course will help you uncover and preserve your family’s unique story.
Introduction to Genealogy Part 2
Monday Afternoon, 1pm to 3pm on October 19, 2026
Location: Hybrid - Offered simultaneously in person and online (currently only available on DU Campus)
Class Description
Curious about your family's past? Part 2 explores how easy it is to search historical record collections in the top three online genealogy databases: Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, and FamilySearch.org. Bob will review these top three genealogy databases in more detail, covering the special features of each. In addition to showing how to create a family tree or add ancestors, Bob shows how to attach records and sources to each ancestor. Join us to uncover your ancestors and preserve your family's unique history!
3 October 2026
Colorado Palatines to America Fall Seminar.
The Colorado Chapter of Palatines to America is pleased to announce that Gail Blanenau has accepted our invitation to be the speaker at our Fall seminar, 3 October 2026 at 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
See attached Flyer and Registration Form.
Blanenau’s Topics:
1. Power Combination: German Church Records and Farm Histories
2. Finding your family in Numbers: How to Find and Navigate German Census Records
3. Finding your Germanic Home Village and Parish
4. Mountian Peaks and Trails: Your Swiss Ancestral Journey
3 October 2026
CCGS/DPL Genealogy Fair
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Denver Public Library – Central Branch, 7th Floor
10 W. 14th Ave., Denver, Colorado
The Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies (CCGS) and the Denver Public Library (DPL) invite you to the 2026 CCGS/DPL Genealogy Fair.
The Genealogy Fair is free and open to the public and brings together genealogy and family-history organizations from throughout Colorado. Visitors will have an opportunity to discover genealogical resources, learn about educational programs, meet representatives from genealogy organizations, and connect with others interested in researching their family history.
A growing number of genealogy societies and organizations have already signed up to participate, and we hope to have even more of Colorado’s genealogy community represented.
Genealogy Organizations — Join Us!
Colorado genealogy societies and related organizations are encouraged to have an information table at the Fair. This is a great opportunity to:
• Introduce your organization to the public
• Attract potential new members
• Showcase your programs, classes, and events
• Share your genealogy resources and expertise
• Connect with other genealogy organizations
Setup begins at 11:00 AM when the Denver Public Library opens. DPL provides tables and electrical outlets if needed.
Can’t Attend in Person?
Your organization can still be represented. The signup form includes instructions on where to send brochures or other materials so they can be displayed at the Fair.
Sign Up for a Table
Genealogy societies and organizations wishing to participate should complete the Genealogy Fair signup form:
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE GENEALOGY FAIR SIGNUP FORM
We look forward to bringing together the public and Colorado’s genealogy community for an afternoon of discovery, resources, education, and connection.
Questions?
Contact Sylvia Tracy Doolos, CCGS Speakers Bureau Chair, at sylvia@newleafgenealogy.com, or Kelly Glenn, CCGS President, at skellyglenn@comcast.net.
I particularly like “A growing number of genealogy societies and organizations have already signed up” because it shows momentum without creating a list the webmaster has to continually update.
18 October 2026
Colorado Jewish Genealogy Society,Colorado Annual Jewish Genealogy Seminar.
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado (JGSCO) will host its Annual Jewish Genealogy Seminar on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Denver JCC entrance at the Elaine Wolf Theater, featuring internationally recognized Jewish genealogy expert Nolan Altman.
This full-day, in-person program includes four engaging presentations on JewishGen resources, cemetery and headstone research, Holocaust-era records, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in genealogy. Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or are an experienced researcher, you'll learn practical tools and strategies to uncover new discoveries.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; the program begins at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $5 for JGSCO members and $20 for non-members. $5 surcharge day of event. Become A Member And Save.
Bring your own lunch.
Register at https://www.jgsco.org/event-6677980
24 October 2026
Mesa CGS presents "Discover Your Roots - Where Stories Come Alive"
For our first fall conference "Discover Your Roots - Where Stories Come Alive" to be held Saturday, October twenty fourth; 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM. Details of the conference can be found in the attached flyer.
Something Exciting Is Coming!
The Mesa County Genealogical Society is excited to announce that we will be holding our FIRST-EVER Genealogy Conference!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or you've been researching your family for years, this special event will be filled with opportunities to learn, discover, and connect with others who share a passion for genealogy.
We have been working hard behind the scenes to put together a wonderful day, and we can't wait to share all the details with you!
Be sure to check back THIS SATURDAY for registration information!
Space will be limited, so you'll want to watch for the announcement and get registered early.
Discover Your Roots – Where Stories Come Alive!
We look forward to seeing you on October 24!
