Genealogy Club News

Denise Beeson and Vicky Ferraresi

Join us Monday, Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Eagle’s Nest Palm Room for the next Genealogy Club meeting. Our Mission: Educate and support the members of the PC Genealogy community in genealogical research, including computer databases, offline records, and source documentation.

The theme of this year’s program is “American Migration.” Suzanne Young Brayer will discuss using U.S. Land Records for genealogical research purposes. In this presentation we will learn how to understand the survey systems in the U.S.; find Patents and Warrants, U.S. deed books, and other land records; locate an ancestor’s land deed, homestead grant, and other land on a map; find homestead applications, plat maps, bounty land warrants, and more.

Suzanne Young Brayer is an educator, historical researcher, and avid genealogist with more than 30 years’ experience. She graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in history and education from Arizona State University. Her involvement in researching her family history began when she and her father worked together gathering the pieces of their ancestry puzzle. From Mayflower ancestors to Quakers to Revolutionary War patriots to 19th century German immigrants and a few criminals along the way, she, like most of us, represents the “melting pot” of American culture.

She has held numerous positions in the Family History Society of Arizona, including Past President and on the Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board (AzGAB). She is a ProGen graduate, and a member of The Arizona Council of Professional Genealogists, NGS and DAR as well as numerous local and national societies. She has taught genealogy classes and spoken to numerous groups throughout Arizona and the West.

The Business Meeting and Special Interest Groups will be after the speaker. Bring your computer laptop, tablet, family tree, etc. if you need assistance.

Mark your calendar … “Antique Roadshow” comes to Pebble Creek! Our members will have the chance to have antiques (junk) or artifacts appraised by a professional company in March. The appraisal will be free and provide us with an understanding of how best to understand what we may want to keep or not? Appointments for appraisal will be made as well as “Ask your Genealogist” individual research consultations the same day and time. Stay tuned for more information.

What did you miss? We had a great presentation from Judy Husk on USGenWeb.org demonstrating on how best to use the volunteer site to research at the county level state information. This site is free and very helpful to do American research.

In addition, we had a presentation on Vital Records—how to find them, use them, and understand what government agencies may record about our ancestors by Denise Beeson.

Our new 2024 PCGC Board: Marsha Wallick, President; Judy Husk, VP; Jayne Parise Treasurer; Sharon Asker; Secretary, and Jolene Beard, Member at Large. Please contact them if you have any suggestions about the genealogy club.

See us on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/595320584600008