Are you looking for a speaker for your society, group, or library? Do you need help looking up records or on site research? Email me at: brooksfamilyhistory@hotmail.com to discuss terms and for pricing info.

Class Info

My classes typically last one hour. Choose from one of the following topics or contact me to discuss a topic tailored to fit your needs. I can travel to locations within southwest Michigan and northern Indiana.

Boots on the Ground:  Following the Footsteps of Our Military Ancestors

Bring the stories of your military ancestors to life by combining information across multiple record sources in person and online.  

Fact or Fiction: Discovering the Truth of Your Family Stories

Family stories keep us connected to relatives we know and ancestors long before us.  But are those stories true? How can we tell? Learn the importance of verifying what you know, how to search for evidence in records, and expanding on the details.  You may be surprised at what you think you know (or don’t know.)  

Family History 101:  Ideas to Get You Started and Keep You Going

Start or continue your family history journey!  Learn the basics of the research process, helpful tips, examples of record types, and activity ideas to help you connect with your family past and present.    

FamilySearch: Tips and Tricks

Ideas and strategies to help users old and new have a successful experience on FamilySearch.

Finding Military Records at the NPRC

Learn what records are available at the National Personnel Records Center, how to order them, and what to expect.

Finding Family in the 1950 U.S. Census

On April 1, 2022, the National Archives and Records Administration released the 1950 U.S. Census records to the general public.  Learn where you can access these records, why they can help in your genealogy research, and how to pull the story of your family from its pages.  

Read All About It: Using Newspapers to Advance Your Research

Newspapers are a written record of people, places, and events.  Learn how to find newspapers, what to look for, and how it can help your research.

Serendipity and Family History

Is it luck, a coincidence, or something else?  Moments of serendipity in our family history research happen when we least expect it and often lead to great and meaningful discoveries.  

Tuberculosis in the 20th Century: Rise and Fall of the TB San

For family historians, understanding tuberculosis and its impact on society may help us connect with our ancestors in unexpected ways. With an emphasis on Michigan, learn about the history and nature of tuberculosis, the threat to public health, community response and attitudes, cultural changes, life as a patient at a TB sanatorium, treatment methods over time and more.  

What’s Your Story? 

Ideas for making family history a part of your life, now.

 

Upcoming Events

Thursday, April 6, 2023: Livingston County Genealogical Society (virtual event)

• Tuberculosis in the 20th Century: Rise and Fall of the TB San

Wednesday, May 24, 2023: Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society

• FamilySearch Tips and Tricks

Research Help

Do you need help with on site record look-ups?  I am available to assist you in the following locations and the surrounding areas:*

Kalamazoo, MI

Battle Creek, MI

Lansing, MI

Jackson, MI

*Please note that I do charge mileage and a look-up fee.  I also charge the client for any parking, copy, or other fees associated with the request.