Minnesota Genealogical Society

08/31/2026

Just across the aisle from us is this fantastic exhibit by the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery which was curated by one of our favorite genealogists, Mica Anders. A stop by the MGS and MAAHMG booths are a must for your 2026 fair visit!

08/31/2026

Use an old family photo to start a conversation. Ask who is pictured, where it was taken, what was happening, and what memories it brings back. A few simple questions can uncover names, dates, relationships, and stories worth preserving.

Which family photo would you ask about first?

08/30/2026

It's Day 4 at the Minnesota State Fair! Stop by the Education Building and say hello to our volunteers and learn more about what you can do at MGS!

08/30/2026

Genealogy conferences offer something a recording cannot: the chance to share the discovery with someone who understands why it matters.

At North Star 2026, you can learn from nationally known genealogists and regional experts while connecting with people who understand brick walls, surprising discoveries, and the excitement of following a new clue.

You will also have time to talk with speakers, visit vendors, enjoy the Friday evening social, and exchange ideas with fellow family historians.

Come for the learning. Stay for the experience.

Explore the conference and register:
https://mngs.org/north-star-2026

Katherine Willson is a dynamic genealogy educator who presents at regional, national, and international events and is widely regarded for her engaging presentations. Her presentations explore the social, cultural, political, and economic forces that shaped the lives and decisions of past generation...

08/28/2026

Sometimes the most valuable conference discovery happens between the scheduled sessions.

It may be a conversation with someone researching the same community, a speaker’s answer to your question, a new resource found at a vendor table, or an idea shared over lunch.

What is the most valuable connection, idea, or research clue you have ever gained by attending a genealogy conference?

Share your experience in the comments. Your story may encourage someone else to attend their first conference.

08/28/2026

What is your favorite old family photo or heirloom, and why does it matter to you?

Perhaps it captures a treasured moment, belonged to someone special, or carries a story passed down through generations. Share the meaning behind it with us!

08/27/2026

When the records leave you wondering what to do next, a research plan can help turn uncertainty into action.

Join Paula Stuart-Warren for Research Plans: A Hands-On Workshop on Saturday, September 12. Participants will learn how to identify gaps, create focused research goals, analyze existing evidence, and build a step-by-step plan.

Saturday, September 12
10:00–11:30 a.m. CDT
Minnesota Genealogy Center
$30 for MGS members
$40 for nonmembers
Class size is limited to 36

Bring your questions and discover that you may already know more than you think.

Register now: https://mgs.wildapricot.org/event-6736162

It’s not as simple as opening the refrigerator and seeing that the milk jug is almost empty. You simply add it to the shopping list. Planning our shopping list for genealogical research is more involved but not beyond reach. In our research, success improves with planning, discussion, and techniqu...

08/27/2026

Passenger arrivals. Ship lists. Immigration records. If your ancestors came through Pennsylvania, the answers might be right here. What's one immigration mystery you're still trying to solve? 👇

08/26/2026

At North Star 2026, speakers will explore difficult discoveries, hidden identities, family folklore, witch trial records, Revolutionary War claims, and stories that may not match what generations have believed.

These sessions remind us that responsible genealogy requires curiosity, evidence, historical context, and care for the people whose stories we uncover.

Explore the speakers, sessions, and registration details:
https://mngs.org/north-star-2026

Have you ever discovered that a family story was only partly true?

&Frights

08/25/2026

Journals, immigrant records, family registers — shelf after shelf of resources you won't find just anywhere. The Hoffman Research Library has what serious researchers need. What ethnic heritage are you currently researching? 👇