Iowa Genealogical Society

06/14/2026

🌟Discover the stories behind your family’s journey!🌟

Join the Iowa Genealogical Society for a special in-person program with Jay Fonkert, CG, a nationally recognized genealogy educator and researcher.

🌟 Program Highlights 🌟

Pond Crossings: The Why, When & Where of Ancestral Immigrations�Uncover clues to where your ancestors came from—and why they settled where they did. Hear fascinating real-life migration stories from across the Midwest and beyond.

The “Ikea Effect”: Dutch & Ostfriesens on the Illinois & Iowa Prairie�An entertaining look at how different immigrant groups came together, settled side by side, and helped shape the communities we know today.

•Saturday, July 11
•10 AM – 1 PM
•IGS Library & Research Center
•In-Person Only
•Treats Provided

👤 About the Speaker

Jay Fonkert is a Minnesota-based genealogy educator who has presented at national conferences and taught at the Salt Lake Institute for Genealogy. A past president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, he specializes in family migration, particularly among Midwestern immigrant communities.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep into research, you’ll walk away with new ideas, valuable insights, and fresh inspiration.

Dedicated to preserving, sharing and educating about Iowa's unique and diverse heritage. Learn about classes, resources, and events to discover your ancestors.

05/24/2026

🌳 Discover the stories behind your family’s journey!

Join the Iowa Genealogical Society for a special in-person program with Jay Fonkert, CG, a nationally known genealogy educator and researcher.

🌟 Program Highlights🌟

Pond Crossings -The Why, When & Where of Ancestral Immigrations:
Uncover clues to where your ancestors came from—and why they settled where they did. Hear fascinating real-life migration stories from across the Midwest and beyond.

The “Ikea Effect” - Dutch & Ostfriesens on the Illinois & Iowa Prairie:
An entertaining look at how different immigrant groups came together, settled side by side, and shaped communities right here in our region.

•Saturday, July 11
•10 AM – 1 PM
•IGS Library & Research Center
•In-Person Only
•Treats provided!

👤 About the Speaker:
Jay Fonkert is a Minnesota based genealogy educator who has presented at national conferences and taught at the Salt Lake Institute for Genealogy. A past president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, he specializes in family migration, with a focus on Midwestern immigrant communities.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep into research, you’ll walk away with new ideas and fresh inspiration.

Dedicated to preserving, sharing and educating about Iowa's unique and diverse heritage. Learn about classes, resources, and events to discover your ancestors.

05/24/2026

🇺🇸 Join us for a FREE in-person two-part program at the IGS Library & Research Center exploring the contributions and experiences of women during the American Revolutionary War.

🌟Denise Baker Hamilton will present “Women’s Role in the Revolutionary War”. Denise is a family historian and student of Revolutionary War history who serves as Iowa America 250 Chair for the Iowa Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Regent of the Jean Marie Cardinell DAR Chapter.

🌟Dianna Baker Hoye will present “Revolutionary War Wives Buried in Iowa”. Dianna is an active member of the DAR & the Children of the American Revolution. She is an enthusiastic genealogy & history researcher, community service volunteer, and a fifth-generation Iowan from rural Hardin County.

🌟No registration required — just come join us for an engaging morning of history, discovery, and fascinating insights into the Revolutionary War era.🌟

05/22/2026

05/10/2026

🌟Join us this June at the Iowa Genealogical Society Conference Center for a special Family Tree Maker® event in Des Moines! 🌟

Whether you’re a long-time user or just beginning your family history journey, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn tips, tricks, and the latest features directly from the Family Tree Maker team during their 2026 Midwest Tour.

Family Tree Maker® Executive Director Duff Wilson and Genealogy Community Ambassador Mark Olsen will showcase new innovations, demonstrate helpful tools, and share practical ideas to help you research, organize, and preserve your family history.

Don’t miss this exciting genealogy event at IGS — register today and reserve your spot!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-tree-maker-event-in-des-moines-ia-tickets-1987621336924?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dedicated to preserving, sharing and educating about Iowa's unique and diverse heritage. Learn about classes, resources, and events to discover your ancestors.

04/30/2026

Looking for volunteers to help prep for the upcoming jewelry sale. The work isn’t complicated - just sorting into categories (bracelets, earrings, etc.) and putting tags on them. As usual, people have been very generous with their donations so we still have lots to sort. This Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, we’ll be working from 10:00 to 4:00. You can work when it fits your schedule. Next week we’ll work Tuesday through Friday for the same hours. Hope to see you.

04/22/2026

SALE STARTS TODAY!

Step into a sparkle-filled fundraiser at the IGS Library & Research Center! Our Jewelry Sale is packed with beautiful finds, vintage treasures, gently loved pieces, and timeless styles just waiting for a new home.

Whether you’re searching for something elegant, fun, or totally unique, you never know what gem you’ll discover!

SALE DATES & TIMES:
•May 14 | 10 AM – 6 PM
•May 15 | 10 AM – 4 PM
•May 16 | 10 AM – 2 PM

628 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA

Every purchase helps support genealogy programs, research resources, and preservation efforts at IGS, so you can shop & support a great cause at the same time.

✨ Come browse, discover, and take home something special!

04/18/2026

🌳 Discover the stories behind your family’s journey!

Join the Iowa Genealogical Society for a special in-person program with Jay Fonkert, CG, a nationally known genealogy educator and researcher.

🌟 Program Highlights🌟

Pond Crossings -The Why, When & Where of Ancestral Immigrations:
Uncover clues to where your ancestors came from—and why they settled where they did. Hear fascinating real-life migration stories from across the Midwest and beyond.

The “Ikea Effect” - Dutch & Ostfriesens on the Illinois & Iowa Prairie:
An entertaining look at how different immigrant groups came together, settled side by side, and shaped communities right here in our region.

•Saturday, July 11
•10 AM – 1 PM
•IGS Library & Research Center
•In-Person Only
•Treats provided!

👤 About the Speaker:
Jay Fonkert is a Minnesota based genealogy educator who has presented at national conferences and taught at the Salt Lake Institute for Genealogy. A past president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, he specializes in family migration, with a focus on Midwestern immigrant communities.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep into research, you’ll walk away with new ideas and fresh inspiration.

Dedicated to preserving, sharing and educating about Iowa's unique and diverse heritage. Learn about classes, resources, and events to discover your ancestors.