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The next Annual Membership Meeting for Palatines to America will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm EDT. In past years, the meeting was held in person or as part of a PalAm National Conference or IGGP Conference. To make participation in the meeting available to as many members as possible, the 2025 Annual Membership Meeting will be held virtually. A Zoom link will be provided to the membership so many members can take part in the business and awards sessions during the meeting. As required by PalAm’s Bylaws, the membership will be informed of the business (such as election of officers and budget) prior to the meeting.
Click Here for an Important Update About Hotel Reservations
The 2025 IGGP Conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio, from June 12-15. The Conference coincides with IGGP’s 10th Anniversary and PalAm’s 50th Anniversary. The Conference theme will be Celebrate Your German-Speaking Ancestors. PalAm will be hosting the conference at the beautiful Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in north Columbus.
For more details, see https://iggp.org/2025-iggp-conference/
Finding and Deciphering German Records Featured Speaker Dana PalmerSaturday August 2 2025Registration 10:15 AM-10:45 AM EDT - Program 10:45 AM to 3:45 PM EDT West Perry Branch--Indianapolis Public Library6650 S Harding Street, Indianapolis, IN & Zoom
Three presentations:
This year’s featured speaker is Dana Palmer, CG®, CGL(SM), a nationally known genealogist and lecturer specializing in Midwestern research and German ancestry. Dana brings a wealth of knowledge from her work with lineage society applications, family book publishing, and the Mayflower Silver Books team. She has lectured at top genealogical conferences, including RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society.
The program will explore FamilySearch, focusing on locating records and making the most of available digital and onsite resources. Dana will also provide essential instruction on one of the biggest challenges for German researchers—deciphering old German handwriting—with a dedicated session on tools and strategies to interpret German documents accurately.
The cost is $30 for PalAm members and $40 for nonmembers or registrations after July 19. For details and registration, visit inpalam.org. 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 August 2nd, and take the next step forward in your genealogical journey!
A session in the Pennsylvania Chapter Third Tuesday Zoom programs Tuesday August 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT Free and open to all PalAm members.
Before Facebook and Twitter, the local paper was the place to get the scoop on your neighbors. Historical newspapers are indispensable to genealogy research and learning about your ancestors and their community. This program will highlight the importance of this resource as well as the range of details that can be discovered, including how and where to access digitized US newspapers, plus search techniques and tips.
Laura Cubbage-Draper, CG, is a genealogical researcher, lecturer, and the owner of LCD Genealogy Services. A New Jersey native with deep Pennsylvania roots, she earned the Certified Genealogist credential in 2024, holds a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and is a graduate of ProGen40. Laura has spoken at local and regional societies and libraries where she enjoys teaching about genealogical methodology and resources.
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.
The Pennsylvania Chapter’s Fall Webinar and Annual Membership Meeting is happening on Saturday, September 13, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm EDT. Join us via Zoom for two interesting presentations, then stay connected for our Annual Membership Meeting.
Migration Patterns of Germans Within America and Hitting Pay Dirt: Tunneling into Pennsylvania’s Land Records
Our first session on Migration Patterns explores how topography and history channeled Germans into certain areas, how chain migration drew allied families together, and what tools you can use to follow their footsteps. In our second session on Pennsylvania’s Land Records, we will learn how people bought, traded, and earned land in Pennsylvania through several means, leaving a plethora of land records.
Sharon Cook MacInnes is a professional genealogist, lecturer, teacher, and writer. As a recently past member of the Board of Directors of the National Genealogical Society, she co-authored the NGS course “Advanced Skills in Genealogy.” She is the author of several books, and posts many free PA resources on her website, https://ancestortracks.com/.
Our Annual Membership Meeting will convene at approximately 3:15 pm, following a brief break at the conclusion of the presentations. Please join us for this important look back at the past year and overview of upcoming activities, as well as the election of officers for the next year. Agenda and background material will come out closer to the meeting date.
Register Here to join us for this event. If you have questions about the presentations or the annual meeting, please email us at info@pennpalam.org.
Come join us on the 2025 PalAm FamilySearch Library Research Trip!
A deposit of $100 is required with registration. Balance is due July 31, 2025. Fees do not include parking at the hotel, meals, or transportation costs.
Register online here or Download the flyer with more details and offline registration form.
Questions? Contact Lloyd Shenberger, group leader, at LWShenberger@gmail.com
• Hotel accommodations at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel—a 2-minute walk to the Library • 7-nights [Sunday, September 28 thru Saturday, October 4 (depart Oct 5) • Special hotel rate for our genealogy group • 4 floors of extensive research resources―microfilm, books, periodicals, maps, etc. • Research specialists to provide assistance and translations • View microfilm onsite that otherwise requires vising a FamilySearch Center or Affiliated Library or may be restricted outside of FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake • Transfer a wide variety of media to digital format at no cost―includes photos, VCR, cassette tapes, movies, etc. • Going as part of a group that can be supportive is especially good for first time visitors to the FamilySearch Library • Social time with fellow researchers • FamilySearch Library classes scheduled for group • The remainder of the time is yours to use for research as you desire. • Travel arrangements and additional expenses provided by each attendee
Palatines to America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. PO Box 141260, Columbus OH 43214 © 2023
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