Hover over a logo, or tap it on mobile, to learn more about each SIG.
AI SIG
Explore practical ways artificial intelligence can support genealogy research, organization, and problem solving. Designed for curious members who want real examples without needing a technical background.
See upcoming meetingsIrish SIG
Focus on Irish family history research, records, migration patterns, and problem solving. A welcoming group for both beginners and experienced Irish researchers.
See upcoming meetingsRootsMagic SIG
Learn how to use RootsMagic more effectively for organizing, cleaning up, and sharing your family tree. Sessions often highlight reports, mapping, workflows, and member questions.
See upcoming meetingsRoundTable SIG
An informal genealogy discussion group where members share research wins, challenges, and ideas. Beginners and friends are welcome to join the conversation in person.
See upcoming meetingsOnce you are signed in, you will be able to use the Zoom registration button for any SIG meeting.
Upcoming SIG Meetings Next 40 Days
To be Determined
To be Determined
Scots Irish and the southern US
Explore the history of the Scots-Irish and their migration from Ulster to the southern United States. We’ll discuss why they left Ireland, where they settled, how they shaped the communities they joined, and which records can help genealogists trace Scots-Irish ancestors on both sides of the Atlantic.
General Discussion
The meeting will be held the second Wednesday of each month and held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL in the Shackley Room.
Introduction To RootsMagic
Join us for an introduction to RootsMagic and the NWSGS RootsMagic Special Interest Group. We will provide an overview of the RootsMagic genealogy software, highlight its key features, and explain how it can help you organize, document, and share your family history research. We will also discuss the purpose and format of our SIG meetings, available resources, and topics planned for the coming year. This session is appropriate for both new RootsMagic users and experienced users who would like to learn more about the group.
Introduction To RootsMagic
Join us for an introduction to RootsMagic and the NWSGS RootsMagic Special Interest Group. We will provide an overview of the RootsMagic genealogy software, highlight its key features, and explain how it can help you organize, document, and share your family history research. We will also discuss the purpose and format of our SIG meetings, available resources, and topics planned for the coming year. This session is appropriate for both new RootsMagic users and experienced users who would like to learn more about the group.
Later Upcoming SIG Meetings
To be Determined
To be Determined
The Irish in Australia
Explore the history of Irish migration to Australia, from transported convicts to free settlers seeking new opportunities. We’ll discuss why they left Ireland, where they settled, the lives they built, and the records available to help genealogists trace Irish ancestors in Australia.
General Discussion
The meeting will be held the second Wednesday of each month and held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL in the Shackley Room.
Creating a Family Tree with RootsMagic
Learn how to create a new family tree in RootsMagic and begin entering information about your ancestors. This session will cover adding individuals and families, recording names, dates, places, and relationships, and organizing your research as your tree grows. We will also review basic tips for documenting sources and avoiding common data-entry mistakes.
Creating a Family Tree with RootsMagic
Learn how to create a new family tree in RootsMagic and begin entering information about your ancestors. This session will cover adding individuals and families, recording names, dates, places, and relationships, and organizing your research as your tree grows. We will also review basic tips for documenting sources and avoiding common data-entry mistakes.
To be Determined
To be Determined
The Irish in Barbados, the Carribean
Explore the often-overlooked history of Irish migration to Barbados and other Caribbean islands, including indentured servants, political prisoners, soldiers, merchants, and voluntary settlers. We’ll discuss the lives they built, their influence on Caribbean communities, and the records available for tracing Irish ancestors in the region.
General Discussion
The meeting will be held the second Wednesday of each month and held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL in the Shackley Room.
Adding Images and Documents in RootsMagic
Learn how to add photographs, certificates, obituaries, census records, and other documents to your RootsMagic family tree. This session will cover attaching media files to individuals, families, events, and sources, adding captions and descriptions, organizing your media collection, and keeping file links working when information is moved or backed up.
Adding Images and Documents in RootsMagic
Learn how to add photographs, certificates, obituaries, census records, and other documents to your RootsMagic family tree. This session will cover attaching media files to individuals, families, events, and sources, adding captions and descriptions, organizing your media collection, and keeping file links working when information is moved or backed up.
To be Determined
To be Determined
General Discussion
The meeting will be held the second Wednesday of each month and held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL in the Shackley Room.
Creating a Family History Book with RootsMagic
Learn how to use RootsMagic to create a family history book that brings together your research, photographs, reports, charts, and stories. This session will cover selecting and arranging content, adding titles and narrative sections, customizing the book’s appearance, and preparing the finished project for printing or sharing electronically.
Creating a Family History Book with RootsMagic
Learn how to use RootsMagic to create a family history book that brings together your research, photographs, reports, charts, and stories. This session will cover selecting and arranging content, adding titles and narrative sections, customizing the book’s appearance, and preparing the finished project for printing or sharing electronically.
Creating Reports in RootsMagic
Learn how to create and customize reports in RootsMagic to review, organize, and share your family history research. This session will cover commonly used reports, including family group sheets, pedigree charts, narrative reports, and individual summaries. We will also discuss selecting the people and information to include, adjusting report options, and saving, printing, or sharing completed reports.