The NGS 2026 Family History Conference will offer a wide variety of pre-conference workshops that offer in-depth, hands-on learning. These workshops emphasize applied skills and active participation, providing superior learning experiences not found online.
Three workshops will be offered on the morning of Wednesday, 27 May:
WS04 America’s Story: Opportunity, Diversity, and Belonging Across 250 Years
Instructor: Katherine R. Willson
Experience how your ancestors from diverse communities shaped America’s story despite exclusion and hardship. This 3-hour interactive workshop blends short talks, guided reflection, and group discussion to explore their struggles and resilience. You’ll leave with a workbook of practical ways to preserve your family stories and place them in 250 years of American history.
WS05 From Researcher to Writer: Narrating Ancestors’ Place in History
Instructor: Laura Hedgecock
Turn your research into writing that connects. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to transform genealogical facts into stories that give voice to your ancestors, placing their lives within the broader sweep of American history. You’ll practice building context, crafting narrative hooks, and writing with emotional and historical depth.
WS06 Coming to America: Immigration & Naturalization in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Instructor: Alec Ferretti
Every immigrant story begins with movement—and paperwork. This hands-on workshop dives into 20th-century immigration and naturalization records to show how your ancestors navigated the laws, forms, and borders that defined their journey and how (and if) they became citizens. Learn which records may exist for your ancestors, where to find them, and how to navigate common research obstacles. Special attention will be given to lesser-known sources, such as correspondence files and land border entries, as well as strategies for resolving tricky citizenship cases.
You must register as an In Person Attendee (Member, Non Member, or Guest) in order to register for a workshop. Workshops are add-on options that have an additional cost.
Registration is open now.