“Turning Hearts”: Join us for our annual Tulsa Family History Conference.

Classes & Workshops

Class Descriptions

Bloodlines & Blueprints- Understanding DNA and Ancestral Connections (by Rikisha Morgan Harrison)

This workshop explores how DNA serves as both a biological blueprint and a historical roadmap, helping individuals uncover ancestral origins, cultural connections, and family relationships. Participants will learn how DNA testing can support family tree building, reconnect adoptees with biological roots, and provide deeper insight into inherited identity beyond traditional records. 

Between Two Histories- Freedman Identity and Genealogical Research (by Rikisha Morgan Harrison)

This workshop explores the unique position of Freedmen descendants within both African-American and Native Nation histories. Participants will learn why researching Freedman ancestry differs from traditional African-American research, the role of the Freedmen Bureau, treaty obligations, and enrollment records, and how these sources show identity, documentation, and belonging.

Connecting Generations Across Ancestry & FamilySearch (by Karli Baker)
In this class, we will focus on building, expanding, and connecting multiple generations of family history using both Ancestry and FamilySearch. Participants will learn practical strategies for moving information to and from each platform, ensuring their research is thorough, accurate, and well supported.

We’ll explore the strengths of each system Ancestry’s user friendly interface and private, owner-controlled trees, alongside FamilySearch’s shared, collaborative global tree, which is vital for connecting families and accessing unique records. While FamilySearch offers powerful opportunities for collaboration, we’ll discuss why careful sourcing and verification are essential, since anyone can edit shared information.

You’ll also learn how to compare trees between platforms, identify discrepancies, evaluate sources, and confidently merge or connect records while maintaining accuracy and integrity in your research. By the end of the class, you’ll understand how to use both tools together effectively leveraging Ancestry for personal research control and FamilySearch for broader family connections and long term preservation.

Evaluating Evidence (by Lisa South)

Evaluating evidence in Family History work is critical and one of the most important things you need to learn in this work. This class will teach you how to analyze your sources and be confident in building your family tree accurately. It is tragic to build a large family tree and later have to cut off a huge branch because you took a “wrong turn” many generations back by not evaluating your sources carefully.

Introduction to AI Genealogical Integration (by Dee Ann Young)

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way family history research is conducted. In this workshop, you will explore how AI can breathe new life into your research by combining traditional methods with modern technology. Learn about the latest tools and techniques that help you seamlessly blend technology with genealogical practices, opening new possibilities for discovering your family’s unique story.

Using AI as Your Tireless Research Assistant (by Dee Ann Young

Unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence to enhance your family history projects. This session will demonstrate how AI can serve as your translator, archivist, storyteller, photo restorer, and even assist with DNA analysis. Discover practical strategies for delegating time-consuming tasks to technology, allowing you to focus more on making meaningful discoveries and less on routine work.

Expanding Your Research with Wills, Deeds, and Land Records

Delve deeper into your family history by examining the valuable details contained within wills, deeds, and land records. This class will guide you in uncovering family relationships, property transfers, and community connections that are often overlooked by traditional genealogical sources. Learn how these documents can enrich your understanding and expand the scope of your research.

Top Ten Brick Wall Solutions (by Dee Ann Young)

Every genealogist encounters obstacles, or “brick walls,” that seem insurmountable. This class introduces ten effective strategies to overcome even the toughest research challenges. Enhance your genealogical research by discovering hidden clues and leveraging contemporary resources to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful progress.

Discovering Your Ancestors Through Land & Location: Using GeoHistory.com and Family Maps Books (by Charlotte Ker)

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to use GeoHistory.com and the popular Family Map Books to uncover the land, neighborhoods, and physical landscapes where their ancestors lived.

This class is designed for all levels—from beginners to experienced researchers—and will help participants visualize their ancestors’ world with clarity and confidence. Bring your curiosity and a family name you’d like to explore!

Hidden Clues in Census Records (by Juli Bulleigh)

Learn how to get the most out of census records using often-overlooked clues which can provide hints to where to look for numerous other records. We will also discuss the “FAN Club” method: looking at the records of Family, Associates, and Neighbors to help you climb over that brick wall that has you stumped.

Finding Obituaries and Using FindAGrave and Billion Graves (by Juli Bulleigh

Learn where to find family history-rich obituaries from newspapers and funeral home records. In addition, we will be learning about the FindAGrave and Billion Graves web sites and analyzing the information they contain, as well as discovering how you can help to add data to these free, volunteer-supported sites.

Navigating FamilySearch (by Mina Jarman)

This class introduces participants to the powerful and completely free tools available at FamilySearch, one of the world’s largest genealogical resources. Attendees will learn how to build and expand a family tree, explore key FamilySearch features, and understand how collaboration works within a shared global tree.

Organizing Your Research & How to Effectively Organize Documents & Photographs (by Keetah Mackay) 

This class will cover some forms available for organizing research and why you should use them.  An emphasis will be placed on creating a simple, consistent, and maintainable genealogy filing system for forms, documents, and photographs. Key considerations include naming conventions for documents and photographs, organizing files hierarchically or by last name, and regularly backing up digital files in multiple ways.

FamilySearch.org Basics (by Keetah Mackay)

This hands-on class offers an introduction to FamilySearch, covering account setup and navigation of the homepage tabs: Family Tree (building your tree), Search (finding records), Memories (photos/stories), Get Involved (indexing/contributing), and Activities (fun, shareable family history games), guiding beginners through their first steps in genealogy.