NSGS
The North Suburban Genealogical Society
Preserving the Past
for
Future Generations



   




Proud member of: 

   and     

NSGS Writers' Groups



Join a Writers' Group!  All are welcome! 

See meeting dates and times below.

Members can automatically receive notices by modifying the "group participation" setting in their profile. Otherwise, if you would like to join the meeting, contact the following:

Morning Writers' Group

Meets at 10am on the 3rd Monday of the month

contact: Tina Johnston

Afternoon Writers' Group

Meets at 1pm on the 2nd Monday of the month

contact: Terry Jackson

Evening Writers' Group

Meets at 7pm on the Monday following the General Meeting

contact: Bill Nemmer

    


Benefits of Writing about Ancestors and Family

  1. Go beyond collecting records and entering names and dates on a chart

  2. Share with others who are not necessarily interested in genealogy charts

  3. Flesh out a life story or event

  4. Preserve family stories and histories for future generations

  5. Utilize your research to tell a story

Also

  1. Writing sometimes exposes gaps and inconsistencies in the data from records

  2. Writing leads you to do additional research to fill in gaps of missing information

Benefits of being in a Writers' Group

  1. Receive constructive critique and suggestions for improving your stories

  2. Learn from the approach and topics that others write about

  3. Be inspired by what you hear from others

  4. Motivation for putting pen to paper (or keying in a document) on a regular basis

  5. There is no expectation that a member write something every month

Types of writing that are shared in a Writers' Group

  1. Describe the life and family of an ancestor

  2. Write a story about the times and experiences that an ancestor was a part of

  3. Write about personal experiences or events

  4. Write about HOW you discovered information about an ancestor

  5. Write about the types of documentation and sources that were found

  6. Write about Grandma's recipes

  7. Write about careers and occupations

  8. Write about your childhood community

There are NO expectations or limits on topics or approaches

What our Writers Say

Anne Menard: "Writers' Group helps me to get stories on paper that have been passed down through the family and to research the context of those stories. The group has given me opportunities to research such things as my father's role in the Federal Writers' Project and my great-grandfather's role in the Civil War, based on the letters he sent back to Ohio from 1861-1865. I have also self-published a book of my father's poetry."

Terry Jackson: "A benefit of writing stories is that it requires revisiting sources for information and searching for new records to fill in the gaps."

Cary Stone-Greenstein: "I especially like assuring potential writers that there are no right or wrong topics, but only what appeals to them."

View stories and articles written by NSGS Members to see examples of story topics and approaches.

Click HERE  (requires a member log in)

Upcoming events

    • 31 Mar 2023
    • 23 Feb 2024
    • 11 sessions
    • Virtual

    Monthly meeting for the DNA Explorers Group is going virtual 

    The DNA Explorers Group is a valuable benefit for members. We are going virtual until further notice. If you are a member and have never attended your are more than welcome to join us. To do so, please contact publicity@nsgsil.org

    The group normally meets on the last Friday of the Month at 1:00 PM


    • 05 Apr 2023
    • 06 Mar 2024
    • 12 sessions
    • Northbrook Library - 2nd floor

    Monthly Genealogy Drop-In at the Northbrook Library - 2nd floor

    From 3pm-5pm on the first Wednesday of every month NSGS members staff the "Genealogy Drop-in" table at the Northbrook Public Library. The public is invited to stop by and get help researching their family history. Sessions are limited to 15 minutes when others are waiting.

    Contact the Northbrook Public Library for additional information.

    NSGS members interested in volunteering should contact Linda at president@nsgsil.org.

    2023 schedule of volunteers:

    Jan 4  -    Linda Dooley

    Feb 1  -   Judy Hughes

    March 1 - Bill Nemmer

    April 5   -  Alan Avery

    May 3  -   Linda Dooley

    June 7  -  Bill Nemmer

    July 5  -   Linda Dooley

    Aug 2   -  

    Sept 6  -   Bill Nemmer

    Oct 4   -    

    Nov 1  -    Linda Dooley

    Dec 6 Bill Nemmer


    • 08 Apr 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Glenview Public Library (Zoom and in Person)

    Finding Hidden Female Ancestors

    Speaker: Katharine Andrew

    "She Came from Nowhere: A Case Study Approach to Finding Hidden Female Ancestors".

    Through two case studies of early to mid-nineteenth century Hoosier women, explore different solutions to the difficult genealogical problem of finding information on a female ancestor who seemingly came from nowhere, and learn about resources that you can use.



    This program is co-sponsored with the Glenview Public Library.  You can attend in person or by Zoom.

    by Zoom: Click HERE to Register, a Zoom Link will be sent to you.

    in Person: Click HERE to Register, and go to the Community Room. The speaker will present at the Library. Come early and enjoy coffee, cookies, and conversation with fellow genealogists.

    • 10 Apr 2023
    • 11 Mar 2024
    • 11 sessions
    • Virtual

    The monthly meeting of the Afternoon Writers Group, at 1pm

    Meetings are normally held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 1pm 

    Meetings have been online but will occasionally be in-person at the Glenview Library. Please check with Terry about meeting location.

    By updating your profile, members can add themselves to the Afternoon Writers Group to receive e-mail notifications.  Contact Terry Jackson by e-mail or phone 224-432-3182 for notifications, the online Meeting Link or for questions.

    Writers Groups are a valuable benefit for members but guests are welcome to "test drive" and sit in on a session.  Open to all members and prospective members of NSGS.


    • 10 Apr 2023
    • 11 Mar 2024
    • 11 sessions
    • Virtual meeting

    Monthly meeting for the Evening Writers Group

    Writers Groups are a valuable benefit for members but guests are welcome to "test drive" and sit in on a session.

    Meetings are held at 7pm on the Monday after the monthly general meeting.

    Contact Bill Nemmer at treasurer@nsgsil.org with questions.

    • 12 Apr 2023
    • 14 Feb 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • by e-mail


    NSGS Members, we want to hear from you!

    • Do you have a family story? 
    • Have you come across a webinar you think the society would be interested in? 
    We welcome your contributions to our newsletter!

    Please email Laura by Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 if you have a story to submit for the next newsletter at newsletter@nsgsil.org


    • 17 Apr 2023
    • 18 Mar 2024
    • 11 sessions
    • by Zoom

    The monthly meeting of the Morning Writers Group, at 10am

    Meet at the Presbyterian Home, Westminster Place, 3200 Grant St, Evanston 

    Meetings are normally held at 10am on the 3rd Monday of each month and refreshments are served.

    Contact Tina Johnston at 847-201-2001 for notification or questions.

    Writers Groups are a valuable benefit for members but guests are welcome to "test drive" and sit in on a session.  Open to all members and prospective members of NSGS.


    • 09 May 2023
    • 05 Mar 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • Virtual meeting

    All meetings will he held virtually until further notice. All members are welcome. 

    The Board normally meets on the Tuesday prior to the Saturday general meeting in odd numbered months, Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, and Nov.

    Agendas are sent to Board Members prior to the meeting.  Contact president@nsgsil.org for a copy of the agenda.

    • 13 May 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Northbrook Public Library by Zoom

    Investigating Your Infamous Ancestors

    Speaker: Ray Johnson

    More and more people are interested in learning about "The Black Sheep" of the family!  Find out how to become hot on the trail by using photographs, newspapers, court cases, both civil and criminal as well as prison, paroled and other state and federal records.


    Ray Johnson is a former criminal investigator, author, local historian and tour guide. He is President and founder of "Friends of the White City" which is a 501c3 dedicated to providing educational programs on the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and raising funds to help preserve its rich history.  He has also published a number of books on Chicago history.

    This meeting is co-sponsored and hosted by the Northbrook Public Library by Zoom.  Registration is required.  A link to register will be added when the event is scheduled on the library calendar.  Thank you.

    • 10 Jun 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Glenview Public Library (Zoom and in Person)

    Cemetery Records

    Speaker: Dan Niemiec

    Learn about many tips for finding burial locations and working within the cemeteries in the Chicago area.

    This program is co-sponsored with the Glenview Public Library.  You can attend in person or by Zoom.

    by Zoom: Click Here to Register, a Zoom Link will be sent to you.

    in Person: Click Here to Register, and go to the Community Room.

    • 08 Jul 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL

    Using School Records in Your Family History

    Speaker: Tina Beaird

    Find details about your ancestors in school records like yearbooks, school schedules, teacher’s registers, school newspapers, alumni directories and more. This is one class you won’t want to ditch!

    Join Tina Beaird for an informative session on using school records for your genealogy. Learn about the many ways you can access cool details about your ancestors.


    Tina Beaird is a Librarian, Author, Historian, and Lecturer and owner of Tamarack Genealogy.

    • 12 Aug 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Glenview Public Library (Zoom and in Person)

    Irish Emigration to North America: Before, During and After the Famine

    Speaker: Paul Milner

    Learn about the routes taken and the reasons for the emigration from Ireland to the U.S. and Canada before, during and after the famine. Learn how this mass movement of people can affect your research, plus what tools and records are available to trace your Irish ancestor.

    Paul Milner, a native of northern England, is a professional genealogist and internationally known lecturer with 30 years’ experience, specializing in British Isles research.


    This program is co-sponsored with the Glenview Public Library.  You can attend in person or by Zoom.

    by Zoom: (Future Link) to Register, a Zoom Link will be sent to you.

    in Person: (Future Link) to Register, and go to the Community Room.

    • 14 Oct 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Glenview Public Library (Zoom and in Person)

    The Best Web Sites for German Genealogy

    Speaker: Dan Jungclas

    This program is co-sponsored with the Glenview Public Library.  You can attend in person or by Zoom.

    by Zoom: Click Here to Register, a Zoom Link will be sent to you.

    in Person: Click Here to Register, and go to the Community Room.

    • 11 Nov 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave.

    In-person 2-Part presentation on researching Military records.

    Presenter: Jennifer Holik

    #1 Research a Veteran 

    Please note this is part 1 of 2 in military research.

    World War II research is surrounded by stories and myths which often give people the perception they cannot obtain any information about military service. What most people do not realize is military research should be done in two parts. Starting at the end with a discharge unit will usually lead you down the wrong path where you will waste time and money.

    This program will focus on what is available first at home and then within the archives and online repositories. You will learn how to put a timeline of service together, how to properly reconstruct military history, what can be found within service files and company-level types of records, and where else to look. At the end of this webinar you will have the tools to proceed to the next step in military research - contextual history.

    Everything I teach, while WWII focused, also applies to WWI, Korea, and Vietnam.


    #2 Exploring the Greatest Generation

    Please note this is the 2nd part of my research strategy. 

    The next step after creating a timeline of military service and understanding through military records, what units your service member was in and where they were, is obtaining contextual documents. Providing context through records, maps, and photographs will bring to life the story of your family member and help you better understand who they were.

Past events

11 Mar 2023 Your Next Step: Write Your Family History
11 Feb 2023 Timelines in Genealogy
14 Jan 2023 MyHeritage: Unique Technologies for Researching Your Family
12 Nov 2022 Newberry Library Genealogy Resources
08 Oct 2022 Advanced Polish Genealogy Research
10 Sep 2022 Mining for Genealogical Treasures in the Internet Archive
13 Aug 2022 Revisiting the Great Chicago Fire
09 Jul 2022 CANCELED: Your Next Step: Write Your Family History
25 Jun 2022 Canceled: Summer Picnic
14 Jun 2022 What’s New in Family Tree Maker Q&A Discussion
11 Jun 2022 Genealogy: It's not the size of the Tree, it's the Quality of the Nuts
14 May 2022 Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors
09 Apr 2022 Enslaved & Enslaver; Finding Descendent Connections
12 Mar 2022 Search techniques on the new FamilySearch Interface
12 Feb 2022 21st Century Italian Genealogy
08 Jan 2022 1950 Census - Are You Ready ?
11 Dec 2021 Explore U.S. Church Records: Find Family
13 Nov 2021 400th Anniversary of the First Thanksgiving
09 Oct 2021 From the Source’s Mouth
11 Sep 2021 My DNA results are in! What do they mean?
14 Aug 2021 The Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois
10 Jul 2021 What’s New in British Isles Research
12 Jun 2021 Norwegian Genealogy Research
08 May 2021 Cyber Sleuthing Your Family Tree
10 Apr 2021 Cemetery Symbolism
13 Mar 2021 Beginning Steps to Finding Your Chinese Ancestors
13 Feb 2021 Maps and Land Records in Family History Research
09 Jan 2021 Follow the Money: Go-To Records for Tracing Ancestors on the Move
14 Nov 2020 Votes for Women: The 72-Year Struggle for Women’s Suffrage
10 Oct 2020 The Coded Census – Deciphering US Census Codes
12 Sep 2020 Mayflower - 400th Anniversary of Landing at Plymouth Rock
08 Aug 2020 Local Histories Add Clues & Color to your Genealogy
11 Jul 2020 Give Me Your Huddled Masses Yearning To Breathe Free: Immigration and Naturalization
07 Jul 2020 NSGS Board Meeting
13 Jun 2020 Space-Time for Family Historians
09 May 2020 Adventures with Lost Postcards
09 May 2020 POSTPONED Meeting topic: What’s New in British Isles Research
18 Apr 2020 PANDEMIC 1918! Combating the Influenza Epidemic During the Great War
11 Apr 2020 rescheduled to 2021: Maps and Land Records in Family History Research
08 Feb 2020 The First Frontiersmen: The Scots-Irish
18 Jan 2020 How to Choose the Right Genealogical Software Program
30 Nov 2019 DNA Discovery Group
18 Nov 2019 Morning Writers Group
11 Nov 2019 Evening Writers Group
11 Nov 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
09 Nov 2019 Annual Luncheon and Program
26 Oct 2019 DNA Discovery Group
21 Oct 2019 Morning Writers Group
14 Oct 2019 Evening Writers Group
14 Oct 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
12 Oct 2019 Researching Colonial American Ancestors
28 Sep 2019 DNA Discovery Group
16 Sep 2019 Evening Writers Group
16 Sep 2019 Morning Writers Group
14 Sep 2019 DNA and Research Working Together
09 Sep 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
31 Aug 2019 DNA Discovery Group
19 Aug 2019 Morning Writers Group
12 Aug 2019 Evening Writers Group
12 Aug 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
10 Aug 2019 Polish Genealogy: Four Steps to Success
27 Jul 2019 DNA Discovery Group
15 Jul 2019 Evening Writers Group
15 Jul 2019 Morning Writers Group
13 Jul 2019 No Photo? No Problem! - How Slides and Negatives Capture the Past.
08 Jul 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
29 Jun 2019 DNA Discovery Group
17 Jun 2019 Morning Writers Group
10 Jun 2019 Evening Writers Group
10 Jun 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
08 Jun 2019 Newspapers & Genealogy Research
25 May 2019 DNA Discovery Group
20 May 2019 Morning Writers Group - NO Meeting in May
13 May 2019 Evening Writers Group
13 May 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
11 May 2019 Archive - Passing down your Family History
27 Apr 2019 DNA Discovery Group
15 Apr 2019 Evening Writers Group
15 Apr 2019 Morning Writers Group
13 Apr 2019 Finding the Answers: "World War II Online"
08 Apr 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
30 Mar 2019 DNA Discovery Group
18 Mar 2019 Morning Writers Group
11 Mar 2019 Evening Writers Group
11 Mar 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
09 Mar 2019 Where the Murderers Roam
23 Feb 2019 DNA Discovery Group
18 Feb 2019 Morning Writers Group
11 Feb 2019 Evening Writers Group
11 Feb 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
09 Feb 2019 A Family Story of Race and Racial Passing
26 Jan 2019 DNA Discovery Group
21 Jan 2019 Morning Writers Group
14 Jan 2019 Evening Writers Group
14 Jan 2019 Afternoon Writers Group
12 Jan 2019 The Power of the Story
12 Nov 2018 Evening Writers Group
12 Nov 2018 Afternoon Writers Group
03 Nov 2018 Annual Luncheon and Program
30 Oct 2018 NSGSIL Board Meeting
13 Oct 2018 Members Show and Tell
10 Sep 2018 Evening Writers Group
10 Sep 2018 Afternoon Writers Group
08 Sep 2018 Creating and Sustaining Your Family Newsletter
04 Sep 2018 NSGSIL Board Meeting
25 Aug 2018 DNA Discovery Group
20 Aug 2018 Morning Writers Group
13 Aug 2018 Evening Writers Group
13 Aug 2018 Afternoon Writers Group
11 Aug 2018 Rediscover Your WWI Soldier’s Experience
28 Jul 2018 DNA Discovery Group
16 Jul 2018 Evening Writers Group
16 Jul 2018 Morning Writers Group
14 Jul 2018 FamilySearch® - Preserving Your Family History on Family Tree
09 Jul 2018 Afternoon Writers Group
30 Jun 2018 DNA Discovery Group
18 Jun 2018 Morning Writers Group
11 Jun 2018 Evening Writers Group
11 Jun 2018 Afternoon Writers Group
09 Jun 2018 Discovering your UK/Irish Roots Online
12 May 2018 Jewish Genealogy, Online Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland
14 Apr 2018 Glenview Naval Airbase - Hangar One Foundation
10 Mar 2018 The Most Helpful Genealogy Tools You’ve Never Used
10 Feb 2018 Using DNA Test Results in the Genealogical Proof Standard
13 Jan 2018 Looking for European Roots
11 Nov 2017 Annual Luncheon
06 Nov 2017 Board Meeting
14 Oct 2017 Tapping the Power of FamilySearch.org
09 Sep 2017 So, You've Found Your German Town of Orgin, Now What?
05 Sep 2017 Board Meeting
12 Aug 2017 Illinois State and County Resources
08 Jul 2017 Adding Context: Social History for Genealogists
05 Jul 2017 Board Meeting
10 Jun 2017 Ancestry.com Tips and Techniques
16 May 2017 Harold Washington Library tour
13 May 2017 How Genealogy is Healthy for You
08 May 2017 Board Meeting
08 Apr 2017 The Day That Lived in Infamy: Navigating Basic WWII Records
11 Mar 2017 Genealogy Research - Beyond the Basics
06 Mar 2017 Board Meeting
11 Feb 2017 The Chicago 1893 World's Columbian Exposition: What Remains and New Links to H. H. Holmes
14 Jan 2017 Writing Family History: Using Narrative in Genealogy
12 Nov 2016 Annual Luncheon
07 Nov 2016 Board of Directors meeting
08 Oct 2016 Get the Scoop: Interviewing to Gather Family Stories
10 Sep 2016 How I Use DNA in My Genealogy Research
06 Sep 2016 Board of Directors meeting
13 Aug 2016 Finding Daddy
09 Jul 2016 Show and Tell
05 Jul 2016 Board of Directors meeting
11 Jun 2016 Researching Colonial American Ancestors
14 May 2016 Navigating the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Archives
09 May 2016 Board of Directors meeting
09 Apr 2016 Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors
12 Mar 2016 DNA, Behind the Scenes
07 Mar 2016 Board of Directors meeting
13 Feb 2016 Truth or Fiction? Unraveling a Family Yarn
09 Jan 2016 Discovering Your UK/Irish Roots Online: Websites and Resources for English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish Ancestry
14 Nov 2015 Annual Luncheon
12 Nov 2015 Board of Directors meeting
10 Oct 2015 Sound Research Practices: Sources and Citations
12 Sep 2015 Cemetery Sleuthing
10 Sep 2015 Board of Directors meeting
01 Aug 2015 Genes for Genealogists
11 Jul 2015 Why You Should Write
09 Jul 2015 Board of Directors meeting
13 Jun 2015 Unbroken
09 May 2015 Pinning Down Your Past: Adding Social Media to Your Genealogy Repertoire
07 May 2015 Board of Directors meeting
11 Apr 2015 NSGS Panel Discussion
14 Mar 2015 Researching at the Appomattox Court House
14 Feb 2015 Ancestry.com Primer
10 Jan 2015 Who Will Look At Your Genealogical Collection?
08 Nov 2014 Annual Luncheon
06 Nov 2014 Board Meeting
11 Oct 2014 Mining the National Archives
13 Sep 2014 Write Your Family History NOW!
11 Sep 2014 Board Meeting
09 Aug 2014 Naturalization – Beginning of Your U.S. Family Heritage
19 Jul 2014 Using Family Tree Maker
17 Jul 2014 Board Meeting
14 Jun 2014 Spreadsheets 101: Excel, The Genealogist Underutilized Tool
10 May 2014 18th and 19th Century English Parish Records
12 Apr 2014 Swab Your Cheek: How to Make the Most Out of DNA Kinship Results
08 Mar 2014 Reading Between the Lines of the City Directory
08 Feb 2014 Military Genealogy
11 Jan 2014 When Life Becomes A Myth: History, Myth and Family Stories
09 Nov 2013 Annual Luncheon
09 Nov 2013 Annual Luncheon
07 Nov 2013 Board Meeting
12 Oct 2013 No Birth Certificate - No Problem
12 Sep 2013 Board Meeting
07 Sep 2013 What's New in Technology
10 Aug 2013 Where Did I Put Grandpa?
20 Jul 2013 Hiring a Professional Genealogist
11 Jul 2013 Board Meeting
08 Jun 2013 Breaking Down a Brick Wall: A Case Study
11 May 2013 Cobbler, Tailor, Trunkmaker: How My Grandpappies Made A Living
09 May 2013 Board Meeting
13 Apr 2013 Lessons From A Snoop
09 Mar 2013 Space Time for Family Historians
07 Mar 2013 Board Meeting
09 Feb 2013 What Is “The Cloud” and Why Do I Care?
12 Jan 2013 Finishing the Story: Tracing the Life of A Deceased Soldier
10 Jan 2013 Board Meeting
08 Dec 2012 NO MEETING
10 Nov 2012 Annual Luncheon
08 Nov 2012 NSGS Board Meeting
13 Oct 2012 Finding Grandma's European Ancestors
08 Sep 2012 The Secret Message in Lincoln Watch - Case Study
06 Sep 2012 NSGS Board Meeting
11 Aug 2012 Loyalist, foreign protestants, and Canadians: tracking your once or future ancestors north of the border
21 Jul 2012 Hunting for Henry - A Case Study Using Collaterals
12 Jul 2012 NSGS Board Meeting
09 Jun 2012 Accessing Newspapers Online
12 May 2012 Social Networking for Genealogists
10 May 2012 NSGS Board Meeting
14 Apr 2012 Dating Photographs Through Clothing
10 Mar 2012 Using Family Search Web Site for Genealogical Research
08 Mar 2012 NSGS Board Meeting
11 Feb 2012 Using a Digital Camera and Scanner in Genealogical Research
14 Jan 2012 Mapping the Past: Navigating your family history with maps
12 Jan 2012 NSGS Board Meeting
12 Nov 2011 Annual Luncheon
10 Nov 2011 NSGS Board Meeting
08 Oct 2011 Compiling Your Medical Family Tree
08 Sep 2011 NSGS Board Meeting
13 Aug 2011 Courthouse Research: Where Do I Start?
16 Jul 2011 Byron Kinney: Unbroken
14 Jul 2011 NSGS Board Meeting
11 Jun 2011 Solving German Ancestry Problems Teresa McMillin
14 May 2011 Software Programs Panel Discussion
12 May 2011 NSGS Board Meeting

The North Suburban Genealogical Society,   P.O. Box 3032,   Glenview IL  60025

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