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Trilogy Genealogy Club's Eleventh
FAMILY HISTORY CONFERENCE
Monday, March 23rd, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Kiva Club's Tewa Ballroom
(doors open at 8:15 am)
From Records to Reasoning: Building Proof Step by Step
A practical day devoted to understanding how genealogists move from finding records
to forming well-reasoned conclusions about the life of an ancestor --
bridging the gaps between searching, thinking genealogically and reconstructing a life story.
REGISTER SOON!
Download the paper registration form here
OR
Register online here
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 8
2025 was a year of victories - and we celebrated them together at our December meeting. But now you're facing a different kind of challenge: "The One." That mystery ancestor with a name but nothing else, the one who's stumped you and several generations before you. You've discovered two promising new records, but... is this really the right person? How do you prove it? How would a professional genealogist tackle this? On March 23rd, you'll discover the answers.
Denise Beeson, founder and instructor of Genealogy for the LifeLong Learning Program at Santa Rosa Jr. College, will deliver our keynote address. She will open the day by doing something we've all wanted to see: she'll work through a real genealogical puzzle, showing us exactly how she evaluates each record, weighs the evidence, and builds her case. Then -- here's the exciting part -- you'll immediately apply what you just learned. At your table, you'll receive a packet of historical documents. Your challenge: working together, you'll figure out what the evidence actually says about a particular ancestor.
In the afternoon, expert genealogist Suzanne Brayer will build on our morning skills and take them to the conclusion we're aiming for -- assembling our proof argument. Through a detailed case study, you'll see how to evaluate and resolve conflicting evidence, whether from census records, land deeds, DNA, or other sources. Next, as in the morning, comes the exciting part: you'll turn your morning findings into statements of proof. You'll practice building defensible arguments that your ancestor is who you say she is.
Whether you're just getting started on your family history journey or you've been researching for decades, this conference meets you where you are.
Beginners and early intermediates will learn the fundamental thinking skills that separate casual searching from solid research. Experienced genealogists will sharpen their ability to resolve complex puzzles and conflicting evidence. Here's how it works: morning and afternoon workshops use the same case, but different tables receive different levels of evidence - ensuring appropriate challenge for everyone.
When you leave, you'll know how to evaluate your evidence and document your reasoning steps. You'll have experienced the skill and the thrill of transforming information into evidence and evidence into defensible proof.
Everyone learns. Everyone succeeds. Everyone grows.
WHAT YOU'LL TAKE HOME:·
- Framework for evaluating evidence (the Genealogical Proof Standard)
- Hands-on experience analyzing real historical documents
- Completed proof statements you wrote during workshops
- Templates and worksheets for your own research
- New strategies for resolving conflicting evidence
- Connections with fellow genealogists
- Renewed confidence in your research abilities
💵 Cost: $50 (includes lunch and all materials)
📝 Register online or with the paper form. Registration & payment must be RECEIVED no later than March 8th
⚡ Space limited to 72 participants, so register early!