Meetings & Classes
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NWIGS Meetings/Classes 2026 - Third Saturday of the Month - start time is 10:00 am
In-Person and Virtual through Zoom unless specified otherwise
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Preserved for a Purpose: An Archivist's Guide to Finding and Using Estate Records to Unlock Your Past Presented by Victoria Vasquez, Porter County Clerk's Office April 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Central Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch, 103 Jefferson St, Valparaiso IN and on Zoom Victoria Vasquez from the Porter County Clerk's Office will teach you all that you need to know about probate and estate records. Find out where to find probate and estate records as well as what they may help you to discover about your ancestors. Victoria Vasquez is a Clerk Archivist, County Deputy Clerk, and custodian of court records who is passionate about preserving the stories that shape our communities. As a dedicated, emerging genealogist of proud Mexican heritage, she brings history to life through research, writing, and commitment to honoring diverse cultural legacies. She also serves as a City Councilwoman, leading with purpose, integrity and service. Register to attend via Zoom We value the expertise of our speakers and ask that you do the same. By registering you agree to respect their copyrights by not recording this program, taking screenshots without permission, or sharing the handout with others. |
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Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Presented by Gwen Knapp May 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Central Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410, Meeting Room A and on Zoom Gwen Knapp’s passion for genealogy was launched while spending time sorting through family photos. A 2015 DNA test helped open brick walls in her family research. Gwen began assisting others with complex family history and unknown parentage cases, leading to the launch of her company, Search for Family. Today, she is a Senior Case Manager with the DNA Doe Project, a non-profit that uses investigative genetic genealogy to give names back to Jane and John Does. Dr. Knapp’s notable identifications include the 1997 Lake Michigan Jane Doe, 1977 Ramsey County MN Jane Doe, and 1989 Dane County John Chimney Doe, amongst others. She will be discussing investigative genetic genealogy and how researchers work to identify Jane and John Does. Register to attend via Zoom We value the expertise of our speakers and ask that you do the same. By registering you agree to respect their copyrights by not recording this program, taking screenshots without permission, or sharing the handout with others. |
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The Roads and Trails to Pioneering Northwest Indiana
June 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Central Presented by Serena Ard, Curator, Westchester Township History Museum Portage Branch, Porter County Public Library, 2665 Irving St, Portage and on Zoom Serena Ard, curator of the Westchester Township History Museum in Chesterton and passionate historian will speak on the Indigenous trails and the early US road system that helped bring pioneer settlers into Northwest Indiana. Like to Register to attend via Zoom coming soon We value the expertise of our speakers and ask that you do the same. By registering you agree to respect their copyrights by not recording this program, taking screenshots without permission, or sharing the handout with others. |
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Too Many Birthdates for Sarah: Finding a Birth Date Before Birth Records
July 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Central Presented by Allyson Maughan, Accredited Genealogist, Remembering Relatives Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410, Meeting Room A and on Zoom Are you looking for an ancestor’s birth details before birth records? This presentation teaches about alternative birth records such as church, military, immigration records, and newspapers. Through the fascinating case of Sarah Ellen who had a dozen different birth dates, learn to evaluate and analyze each record, placing priority on reliable records to name the correct birth year. You will leave with knowledge and tools necessary to discover birth years for your ancestors. Like to Register to attend via Zoom coming soon We value the expertise of our speakers and ask that you do the same. By registering you agree to respect their copyrights by not recording this program, taking screenshots without permission, or sharing the handout with others. |
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Circuit Riders and the Early Methodist Church
August 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Central Presented by J. Mark Lowe Ride along with the Western Cavaliers as they spread the gospel throughout the wilderness. Learn about the early church records and how to use them in your research. J. Mark Lowe, describes himself as “born to be curious.” He is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. He coordinates “Research in the South” courses at IGHR, SLIG, and TIGR, worked on several TV series, a YouTube channel, and does webinars. Like to Register to attend via Zoom coming soon We value the expertise of our speakers and ask that you do the same. By registering you agree to respect their copyrights by not recording this program, taking screenshots without permission, or sharing the handout with others. |
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Special Field Visit!
Barker Mansion: Meet the Barkers Talk and Tour September 19, 2026, 12:30 p.m. Central The Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN Tour Cost: $15 Presented by Michele Gustin, Program & Operations Manager Take a step back in time with a visit to The Barker Mansion--a museum and monument to the Gilded Age, celebrating the Barker family legacy and impact on the American railroad industry. Join NWIGS as we tour the Mansion with our guide, Michele Gustin, Program & Operations Manager at the Mansion. Upon arrival at the Mansion, please pay your $15 tour fee (this is a discounted price for NWIGS attendees) at the front desk. We will begin our monthly meeting at 12:30pm in the Thomas P. McCormack theater room, downstairs at the Mansion. At 12:45pm to 1:00pm, you’ll have time to view the permanent exhibit: Haskell & Barker Car Company and The Legacy of Freight which is also downstairs. The tour begins at 1:00pm on the main floor with Michele as our guide. The tour includes both inside the Mansion and outdoors in the Garden. The tour lasts until approximately 2:15 to 2:30pm. Please RSVP by September 17 by clicking this link (coming soon) so we can give a total guest count to the Mansion. We look forward to seeing you at the Mansion for this unique monthly meeting. Please note: the Barker Mansion offers limited accessibility due to its historical status. The tour includes several flights of stairs. However, several areas of The Mansion and its campus are wheelchair accessible. If you have questions about the tour or venue, please contact the Barker Mansion at (219) 873-1520 or online at www.barkermansion.org. |
Past Meetings 2025
These are archived announcements for past meetings and classes. Handouts and recordings for past meetings, when available, can be accessed by members on the Meeting Videos & Notes Page.
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Taking a Genealogical Tour
Presented by Gerard Dupczak March 21, 2026 Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410, Meeting Room A and on Zoom Many Americans can trace their ancestry back to other countries. Our immigrant ancestors came here, sometimes willingly, sometimes not. If the urge to travel back to your roots is something on your bucket list, try a genealogical tour. This presentation recaps my extended family’s recent trip to Poland in 2025. It describes our experiences organizing such a trip and offers insights that may help you put yours together. It is not an endorsement of any particular travel company, but a general guide based on two trips I put together—one using a commercial tour company and the other using a genealogy-based company. Gerard Dupczak has been a member of NWIGS over 20 years. He served on the board as treasurer for about 12 years and has given other presentations. Gerard has been working on his family’s history for more than 30 years. His wife’s family has a long history in Porter County. One of her ancestors is the second white child born after the founding of the county. Her ggggg-grandfather is buried in Fleming Cemetery in Valparaiso. |
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Research in Indiana's Church Records
Presented by John Beatty, Allen County Public Library February 21, 2026, 10:00 A.M. Central On Zoom Our February meeting will include a presentation by John Beatty of the Allen County Public Library. "Research in Indiana's Church Records" will examine the records of various denominations in Indiana and show examples. It will offer strategies for how to use them. |
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Discovering Your Roots: A Beginner's Genealogy Workshop
Saturday, Nov 15, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 503 Burlington Beach Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383. And on Zoom Presented by the Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society in partnership with the Valparaiso FamilySearch Center, learn how to unlock the mysteries of your family history at this free multi-session seminar. Whether you’re a student, adult, or senior, this exciting opportunity will teach you the essential tools and techniques to explore your ancestry. Led by experienced genealogists and historians, attendees will gain valuable insights into genealogical research methods. Come to one class or stay all day.
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Dying in Duneland: 1860-1920
Presented by Serena Ard and Angel Goins October 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Central Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St., Portage, IN 46368 and on Zoom Serena Ard and Angel Goins will present Dying in Duneland: 1860-1920. They will discuss the history of funerary practices, the development of area cemeteries and undertakers, and the curious causes of death found in the Flynn-Lundberg Undertakers records from Chesterton. Serena Ard is the curator at Westchester Township History Museum in Chesterton. Angel Goins is a retired professor of biology at Indiana University Northwest. |
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Genealogy Software Battle
September 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Central Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch 103 Jefferson St, Valparaiso IN and on Zoom Which desktop genealogy software program is right for you? Find out as our panel of presenters, drawn from the membership of the Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society, make their case for their favorite desktop app. These days online sites get most of the attention, but desktop programs can be invaluable for keeping track of your genealogical research. Attend this session to learn about the capabilities, benefits, and potential limitations of a variety of desktop genealogy applications. Presenters include:
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Germans to the Midwest 1848-1900
Presented by Scott Norrick August 16, 2025: 10:00 a.m. Central Porter County Public Library Valparaiso Branch 103 Jefferson St, Valparaiso IN and on Zoom Over 46 million Americans have some German ancestry. The largest German immigration wave to America was 1848-1900, and the majority of those that came then settled in America’s Midwest. This presentation will examine the reasons why so many Germans were leaving their homeland during this period as well as why so many settled in America’s Midwest. In addition, the presentation will cover:
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Renewing Old Associations and Recovering Old Events Since 1875: Celebrating 150 Years of the Lake County Historical Society
Presented by Jeanene Letcher, Lake County Historical Society July 19, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Central Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410, Meeting Room A and on Zoom Learn about the history of the LCHS, its members, development, and outreach. Jeanene Letcher is the President and Historian of the Lake County Historical Society. Letcher is also the Indiana Room Specialist of the Crown Point Community Library. She has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History, with specializations in historic preservation, and museum and archival studies. With over 30 years of archival and research experience, Letcher brings her skills to the community through historical tours, historical and genealogical research, and a love of local history. |
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Dr. Almira Fifield, Civil War Physician and "Nurse" from Porter County
June 21, 2025, 10:00am - 10:30am NWIGS Business Meeting Valparaiso Public Library 11:00am - 12:30pm Commemoration of the Life of Dr. Almira Fifield on the South Lawn of the Porter County Courthouse (Valparaiso) Followed by a Memorial Marker Dedication at the Old City Cemetery in Valparaiso The NWIGS monthly meeting will be held at the Valparaiso Public Library where we will conduct a 30 minute business meeting and hold our annual board elections. At 10:30am, all are invited to transition to the south lawn of the Porter County Court House at 16 Lincolnway, Valparaiso for a unique event commemorating the life of Dr. Almira Fifield (1833-1863), First Woman Physician of Porter County, Teacher, and Civil War Veteran. The event will include several speakers and a proclamation for Almira Fifield Day by Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. The Indiana Historical Bureau will dedicate and unveil the permanent Indiana State Historical Marker. After the marker dedication, the ceremony continues at the Old City Cemetery (403 Union Street) at approximately 12:30pm. The ca. 1841 pioneer cemetery is a 10 minute walk from the marker but is not ADA accessible and there is no parking at or near the cemetery, however, buses will be provided for those who don’t care to walk. A wreath laying ceremony and 21-gun salute will be held at the cemetery. Event sponsors include the William Henry Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Porter County Museum, Indiana Historical Bureau, City of Valparaiso, and Porter County Board of Commissioners. |
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Connecting Faces Through Time – How Related Faces Can Help Identify Unknown People in Old Photos
Presented by Tina LaFreniere, Founder and CEO of Related Faces Technologies May 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Central Time Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410, Meeting Room A and on Zoom This presentation will step you through how to identify unknown people in old photographs by utilizing the features of Related Faces. This class discusses the basics of how facial recognition works, the importance of properly digitizing your photos and how to do it with just a cell phone. It covers techniques for making positive identifications with real-world examples. Tina LaFreniere is the founder and CEO of Related Faces Technologies. Her genealogical journey began in 1998 when she inherited thousands of family photos, hundreds of which were unidentified. This inspired her to create Related Faces which was officially launched in February 2022 and has since been awarded two U.S. Patents. In addition to her work with Related Faces, Tina is a board member of the Comal County Genealogical Society in New Braunfels, Texas. She is also a member of several genealogical societies, including the National Genealogical Society, The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society and the Texas State Genealogical Society. Related Faces is a FamilySearch Registered Solutions Provider, and an Amazon Web Services “Activate Entrepreneur” company. |
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Genealogy: Headlines to Heritage
April 19, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Central Time Porter County Public Library Valparaiso Branch 103 Jefferson St, Valparaiso IN and on Zoom Join us to explore how to utilize newspapers for researching your family history! Hosted by the Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society (NWIGS), the Porter County Public Library System and the Larry J Clark Genealogy Center in Valparaiso. |
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Riding a Cabinet Card into Indiana's Historic Past: How to Add Magic Pixie Dust to Your Family Story, Too February 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Central On Zoom “Barbara Tien, “ringleader” of the not-for-profit Projectkin.org online community will join us to share how adding “project magic” can be useful for engaging your extended family in your shared history. As an example, she’ll use a project she built to explore her own family’s story in Indiana where her Quaker ancestors arrived in the early 19th century as part of the outpouring of families into the region from North Carolina. Her story begins with a curiosity about a cabinet card and results in a framed piece and a digital interactive whiteboard to tell the story. Everyone joining the program will be invited to explore the whiteboard on their own using their browser and a web link.” |
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Sharing Session
January 18, 2025, 10:00 A.M. Central On Zoom Share your genealogy projects, discoveries, or stories with others. This is your opportunity to bounce your research conundrums off of others who may have had the same issue but have found a way to solve it. Feel free to speak up and share what you have been up to verbally. Those who wish to create short presentations that include photos, documents, maps, or other visuals that help to illustrate their story will be invited to share their screen. Register on Zoom to attend. |