BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//AFHS - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://afhs.ab.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for AFHS REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260509T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260509T120000 DTSTAMP:20260607T134910Z CREATED:20250428T191928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260607T134910Z UID:10003401-1778320800-1778328000@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Digital Genealogy / Family Genes Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:The Digital Genealogy / Family Genes Special Interest Group has two areas of focus: \n\nAll things digital that can be used for genealogy research\nThe Family Genes service offered by our Society\n\nThe Digital Genealogy / Family Genes Special Interest Group meets the second Saturday of each month (except July and August) at 10 am. Meetings are held via Zoom or hybrid from the AFHS Library at Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail SE in Calgary. \nThe topic for this Digital Genealogy Special Interest Group meeting is: To be determined. \nOur special interest groups are a member benefit\, but we welcome visitors! If the meeting is being held at the library and you live in the Calgary area\, please just come and introduce yourself. If you would like to attend a Zoom session as a guest\, please email communications@afhs.ab.ca. \n—–\nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/digital-genealogy-family-genes-special-interest-group-5-2/2026-05-09/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Jim":MAILTO:webmaster@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260509T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260509T120000 DTSTAMP:20260402T012959Z CREATED:20260402T012959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T012959Z UID:10002295-1778320800-1778328000@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Digital Genealogy / Family Genes Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:The Digital Genealogy / Family Genes Special Interest Group has two areas of focus: \n\nAll things digital that can be used for genealogy research\nThe Family Genes service offered by our Society\n\nThe Digital Genealogy / Family Genes Special Interest Group meets the second Saturday of each month (except July and August) at 10 am. Meetings are usually held via Zoom. \nThe topic is to be announced. \nOur special interest groups are a member benefit\, but we welcome visitors! If the meeting is being held at the library and you live in the Calgary area\, please just come and introduce yourself. If you would like to attend a Zoom session as a guest\, please email communications@afhs.ab.ca. \n—–\nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/digital-genealogy-family-genes-special-interest-group-5-2-2-6/2026-05-09/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Jim":MAILTO:webmaster@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260509T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260509T160000 DTSTAMP:20260607T135258Z CREATED:20250613T205223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260607T135258Z UID:10002496-1778328000-1778342400@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:AFHS Resource Centre Open DESCRIPTION:The AFHS Resource Centre is open today. \nThe public is welcome to come use our resource centre. Our knowledgeable volunteers look forward to helping you discover what we have to offer for your genealogy research. \nWe’re located at Suite 251S in the Heritage Square building (8500 Macleod Trail SE) in Calgary. \nFor more information and to search our online catalogue\, see our Resource Centre page. \n——–\nAnother excellent research resource in Calgary is the Calgary Public Library. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/afhs-resource-centre-open-5/2026-05-09/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Resource Centre Open ORGANIZER;CN="Linda":MAILTO:library@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260512T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260512T210000 DTSTAMP:20260506T140826Z CREATED:20260506T140826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T140826Z UID:10002889-1778612400-1778619600@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:DNA Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:The DNA Special Interest Group is for those who are interested in using genetic genealogy as a genealogy tool. \nThe  May meeting is being held on Tuesday night due to Mother’s Day on the regular meeting day.   \n———- \nFor more AFHS events\, please see our calendar. \nTo learn more about using DNA as a tool for genealogy\, see this website by FamilySearch. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/dna-special-interest-group/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Linda & Wayne":MAILTO:dnasig@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260514T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260514T140000 DTSTAMP:20260423T214743Z CREATED:20260423T214743Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T214743Z UID:10002880-1778752800-1778767200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:AFHS Resource Centre Open DESCRIPTION:The AFHS Resource Centre is open today. The public is welcome to come and use our Resource Centre! Our knowledgeable volunteers look forward to helping you discover what we have to offer for your genealogy research. \nWe’re located at Suite 251S in the Heritage Square building (8500 Macleod Trail SE) in Calgary. \nFor more information and to search our online catalogue\, see our Resource Centre page. \n——–\nAnother excellent research resource in Calgary is the Calgary Public Library. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/afhs-resource-centre-open/2026-05-14/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Resource Centre Open ORGANIZER;CN="Linda":MAILTO:library@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260516T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260516T120000 DTSTAMP:20260425T135657Z CREATED:20260425T135656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260425T135657Z UID:10002176-1778925600-1778932800@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:English/Welsh Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:The English/Welsh Special Interest Group is for those researching in England or Wales. If you are doing genealogy research in either of these areas\, come join us! Our members have a wealth of information to share. \nThe English/Welsh Special Interest Group meets on the third Saturday of each month (except June\, July and August) at 10 am. \nMeetings will be held via Zoom. \nTopic for this meeting: This meeting will be a “book club” with everyone giving suggestions for summer reading (fiction and non-fiction). \nOur special interest groups are a member benefit\, but we welcome visitors! If the meeting is being held at the library and you live in Calgary and area\, please just come to the library and introduce yourself. If you would like to attend a Zoom session as a guest\, please email communications@afhs.ab.ca to receive the Zoom invitation. \n—– \nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. \nAlberta Family Histories Society is a member of the Family History Federation – an organization that supports family historians research\, especially in the United Kingdom. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/english-welsh-special-interest-group-3/ LOCATION:To be determined CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Bev Smith - Eng/Wel SIG":MAILTO:englishwelshsig@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260518 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260519 DTSTAMP:20251221T173803Z CREATED:20251221T173803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T173803Z UID:10002546-1779062400-1779148799@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Victoria Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/victoria-day-2/ CATEGORIES:Holiday END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260518T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260518T203000 DTSTAMP:20260504T020430Z CREATED:20260504T020429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T020430Z UID:10002517-1779130800-1779136200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:AFHS Chit Chat Session DESCRIPTION:Alberta Family Histories Society hosts a monthly “Chit Chat” session to offer a time for casual conversation. Bring your stories or questions. Share your favourite resources. Come meet others who are also passionate about family history! Invite a guest if you want\, be it a cousin\, neighbour or co-worker. \nThe suggested topic for this session is Names. Was there a naming pattern in your family? Any unique surnames? Was there a name passed down through several generations? Bring along any story that has to do with names. \nThese sessions are held by Zoom. Please register for the meeting using this link. \n——– \nFor more AFHS events\, see our calendar URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/afhs-chit-chat-session-8/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Linda & Kelly":MAILTO:library@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260523T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260523T120000 DTSTAMP:20260522T134710Z CREATED:20260518T143035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T134710Z UID:10002287-1779530400-1779537600@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Celtic Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:The Celtic Special Interest Group is for anyone with Scottish and/or Irish ancestry. If you are doing genealogy research in either of these countries\, come join us! Our members have a wealth of information to share. \nThe Celtic Special Interest Group usually on some fourth Saturdays at 10 am. In the 2025-2026 season\, the meetings will be held in September\, October\, November\, January\, February\, April\, and May. \nThe May meeting will be held by Zoom only as our tech person is not going to be in town on that day. The meeting details and Zoom invitation will be sent out a few days prior to the meeting by Stephanie to AFHS members who are on the Celtic SIG distribution list. If you would like to attend as a guest\, email communications@afhs.ab.ca at least a day prior to the meeting. \nThe topic for this Celtic Special Interest Group meeting is Prominent Calgarians that had Irish and Scottish backgrounds presented by Elizabeth Rodier. \nOur special interest groups are a member benefit\, but we welcome visitors! If the meeting is being held at the resource centre and you live in the Calgary area\, please just come and introduce yourself. If you would like to attend a Zoom session as a guest\, please email communications@afhs.ab.ca to receive the Zoom invitation (no later than 24 hours ahead of time). Please say you are requesting a guest invitation for a Celtic SIG meeting and include the date. \n—— \nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. \nAlberta Family Histories Society is a member of the Family History Federation – an organization that supports family historians research\, especially in the United Kingdom. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/celtic-special-interest-group-7-3-4-3/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Stephanie":MAILTO:celticsig@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260530T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260530T150000 DTSTAMP:20260529T225850Z CREATED:20251204T203232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T225850Z UID:10002528-1780146000-1780153200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:CPL Coaching Program DESCRIPTION:Alberta Family Histories Society partners with the Calgary Public Library to offer a coaching program. This is held the last Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 pm (except July\, August and December). Experienced library staff and AFHS volunteers will be available to provide one-on-one consultation on any aspect of genealogy or family history from getting started to busting those brick walls. Register on the CPL website. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/cpl-coaching-program/2026-05-30/ LOCATION:Calgary Central Library\, 800 3 St SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2G 2E7\, Canada CATEGORIES:Genealogy Coaching Program ORGANIZER;CN="Linda":MAILTO:library@afhs.ab.ca GEO:51.0454696;-114.0549037 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Calgary Central Library 800 3 St SE Calgary Alberta T2G 2E7 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=800 3 St SE:geo:-114.0549037,51.0454696 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260601T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260601T210000 DTSTAMP:20260530T163534Z CREATED:20260530T163534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260530T163534Z UID:10003365-1780340400-1780347600@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:AFHS Board Meeting DESCRIPTION:Alberta Family Histories Society holds regular Board Meetings\, and AFHS members are welcome to attend! \nFor the 2025-26 year\, these meetings will be held via Zoom. \nIf you are a member and would like to attend\, please contact communications@afhs.ab.ca for the Zoom invitation. \nWhy attend? Board meetings are an opportunity to review progress\, present ideas\, assess risks and make strategic decisions to keep AFHS on the path to success (source). \nFor the dates and times of other AFHS Board meetings and events\, see our calendar. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/afhs-board-meeting-5/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Board Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Sharon White":MAILTO:events@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260602T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260602T120000 DTSTAMP:20260602T191912Z CREATED:20260602T191912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T191912Z UID:10003373-1780394400-1780401600@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Finance Committee Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Finance Committee will meet at the Resource Centre at 10 am. Members welcome! URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/finance-committee-meeting-3/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Anna Babaeva":MAILTO:finance@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260606T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260606T120000 DTSTAMP:20260425T141710Z CREATED:20260425T141055Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260425T141710Z UID:10002166-1780740000-1780747200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:This special interest group is for those who use Family Tree Maker software or would like to learn about it. Bring your questions! We learn from each other. \nThe Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group normally meets on first Saturdays each month except July and August at 10 am (Edmonton time). PLEASE NOTE: for 2026\, the June meeting has been cancelled due to the surgery of one of the leaders.  \n———\nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. \nTo learn more about Family Tree Maker software\, see the Mackiev website. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/family-tree-maker-special-interest-group-4/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Cancelled ORGANIZER;CN="Nola":MAILTO:ftmsig@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260608T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260608T210000 DTSTAMP:20260715T164332Z CREATED:20251009T142433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T164332Z UID:10002061-1780945200-1780952400@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:AFHS Society Meeting DESCRIPTION:The AFHS Society Meeting is our regular meeting for all members\, usually held on the second Monday of each month from September to June. Guests are welcome to attend! \nTopic: Irish Name Books presented by Ron Gilmore \nDescription: A “How To” on accessing the mountain of documents produced as a byproduct of the Griffith’s Valuation\, specifically the Name Books which detail the source\, the variations and background of over 64\,000 place names throughout Ireland. The books also include sketches\, building details\, genealogies\, letters\, maps and discussions on related topics. These books are a little-known treasure of Irish history. \nAbout Our Speaker: With a degree in Electrical Engineering and a master’s degree in mathematics\, Ron worked for industrial giants such as General Electric and IBM before transitioning to a consulting career\, assisting large organizations cope with installing and leveraging information technology. His work took him across Canada\, USA and Europe. Now\, he is enjoying a journey of discovery in genealogy. His focus is Ireland\, Scotland\, England\, France/Germany and some rather entertaining family history sagas. Ron belongs to four genealogical societies in California and is a past president of Alberta Family Histories Society. He has shared his presentations with genealogical groups in Canada and USA. \n \nThis meeting will be a hybrid Zoom meeting held at our Resource Centre (Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail SE in the Petwin Atrium Commons building\, formerly known as Heritage Square). If you are in Calgary and area\, we’d love to have you join us in person. \nWe welcome guests! \n——- \nFor more AFHS events\, see our calendar. \nTo see our other two society websites\, browse to https://albertaancestors.ca or https://familygenes.ca. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/afhs-society-meeting-10/ LOCATION:At AFHS Resource Centre & via Zoom\, Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Society Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Alberta Family Histories Society":MAILTO:info@afhs.ab.ca GEO:50°58'35.7"N;114°04'11.5"W X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=At AFHS Resource Centre & via Zoom Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE Calgary Alberta T2H 2N1 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail SE:geo:114°04'11.5"W,50°58'35.7"N END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260609T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260609T210000 DTSTAMP:20260511T131823Z CREATED:20260511T131823Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T131823Z UID:10002891-1781031600-1781038800@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Legacy Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:This special interest group is for those who are using Legacy Family Tree software or those who want to know more about it. Bring your questions! We learn from each other. \nThe Legacy Family Tree Special Interest Group will meet on Tuesday\, June 9 via Zoom. Those on the SIG distribution list will be sent the link a few days before the meeting by Bev who is the SIG leader. \nOur special interest groups are a member benefit\, but we welcome visitors! If you would like to attend this meeting as a guest\, please email communications@afhs.ab.ca to receive the Zoom invitation. \n———\nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. \nThe popular Legacy software may be downloaded for free from https://legacyfamilytree.com/. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/legacy-special-interest-group-3/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Bev A.":MAILTO:legacysig@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260610T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260610T160000 DTSTAMP:20260524T153147Z CREATED:20260520T134301Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T153147Z UID:10002899-1781096400-1781107200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Filming Session DESCRIPTION:The Resource Centre has been reserved by Diane Duncan and Jim Benedict for a filming trial during this time. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/filming-session/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Jim":MAILTO:webmaster@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260622T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260622T153000 DTSTAMP:20260709T213429Z CREATED:20260228T174405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T213429Z UID:10002038-1782135000-1782142200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Ontario Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:If you are interested in Ontario genealogy research\, come and join us! Meet other genealogists researching in Ontario records\, connect with those with expertise in Ontario research\, join in small group discussions\, find out about new resources\, get help with your Ontario brick walls and learn about the extensive collection of Ontario resources found at the AFHS Resource Centre. \nThe Ontario Special Interest Group meets the fourth Monday of each month (except July\, August and December) at 1:30 pm. This meeting will be held by Zoom. \nThe topic for this meeting is My Earliest Ontario Ancestors. It will be a sharing session. Who were the first ones in your family to settle in Ontario? Where did they come from\, and where did they live? \nOur special interest groups are a member benefit\, but we welcome visitors! If the meeting is being held at the Resource Centre and you live in Calgary and area\, please just come and introduce yourself! If you would like to attend a Zoom session as a guest\, please email communications@afhs.ab.ca to receive the Zoom invitation. Include the name of the SIG and the date of the meeting. \n————— \nFor other Special Interest Group meetings and AFHS events\, see our calendar. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/ontario-special-interest-group-3-2-4/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Bev Swan":MAILTO:ontariosig@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260625T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260625T203000 DTSTAMP:20260611T165842Z CREATED:20260602T191734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T165842Z UID:10003372-1782412200-1782419400@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Finance Committee Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Finance Committee will meet at the Resource Centre at 10 am. Members welcome! URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/finance-committee-meeting-2/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Anna Babaeva":MAILTO:finance@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260627T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260627T160000 DTSTAMP:20260530T203821Z CREATED:20260529T154728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260530T203821Z UID:10003185-1782565200-1782576000@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Alberta Roots Filming Session DESCRIPTION:The Search for Judith\nWould you like to see how a YouTube event is recorded? Come to the AFHS Resource Centre on June 27th for the inaugural presentation of our new Alberta Roots feature. \nAlberta Roots is a new YouTube channel for presenting fascinating stories from our own members. Join our live audience to experience the storytelling of family history by one of our own. This will be video recorded and then published on a new YouTube channel for the public. \nThis first recording event will be of our member\, Glynn Davis\, telling the story of a quest for a lost niece\, the daughter of Glynn’s uncle\, who signed up in World War Two with the RAF\, only to die overseas. He left his wife and daughter behind. Follow Glynn’s sharing of this tragic story as Glynn’s mother\, then Glynn and his brother try to find the daughter and make a family connection. Glynn will share the path of searching for Judith\, before the days of internet and commercial genealogy websites. \nThe recording will be done in our AFHS Resource Centre on June 27th\, a Saturday\, starting at 1 pm and running about two hours. The address is Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail\, S.E. Seating is available in the room and there will be time for Q & A from the audience. The event will be released in a couple of weeks on YouTube\, in case you cannot attend in person. This is an in-person event and will not be on Zoom. The intent is to have new episodes created monthly\, interviewing different members with their intriguing family stories. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/alberta-roots-filming-session/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Jim":MAILTO:webmaster@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260701 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260702 DTSTAMP:20251221T173840Z CREATED:20251221T173840Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T173840Z UID:10002547-1782864000-1782950399@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Canada Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/canada-day-2/ CATEGORIES:Holiday END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260725T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260717T211444Z CREATED:20260717T211444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T211444Z UID:10003407-1784984400-1784995200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Alberta Roots Filming Session DESCRIPTION:DNA Revealed our Lost Nephew\nWould you like to see how a YouTube event is recorded? Come to the AFHS Resource Centre on June 27th for the second production of our new Alberta Roots feature. \nAlberta Roots is a new YouTube channel for presenting fascinating stories from our own members. Join our live audience to experience the storytelling of family history by one of our own. This will be video recorded and then published on a new YouTube channel for the public. \nThis second recording event will be of Paul Elkins\, telling the story of his being adopted and growing up in an isolated town on the north west coastline.  Later as an adult\, he wanted to find our his biological parents through DNA.  The finding were startling\, from the loss of his biological mother and then the stunning discovery of a full family\, from an aunt in Calgary to uncles and cousins in New Brunswick. \nThe recording will be done in our AFHS Resource Centre on June 27th\, a Saturday\, starting at 1 pm and running about two hours.  Seating is available in the room and there will be time for Q & A from the audience. The event will be released in a couple of weeks on YouTube\, in case you cannot attend in person. This is an in-person event and will not be on Zoom. The intent is to have new episodes created monthly\, interviewing different members with their intriguing family stories. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/alberta-roots-filming-session-2/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Jim":MAILTO:webmaster@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260729T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260729T113000 DTSTAMP:20260704T145749Z CREATED:20260228T165832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260704T145749Z UID:10002564-1785319200-1785324600@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Historic Calgary Week Presentation DESCRIPTION:Alberta Family Histories Society is pleased to once again be participating in Historic Calgary Week. \nAlberta Family Histories Society volunteer Christine Hayes will review genealogical resources available in-person and online for worldwide family history research and will discuss some of the “residents” of our local cemeteries. These include heroes\, business giants\, villains\, gunslingers and the World’s Tallest Man. \nTalk will take place at Alberta Family Histories Society Office\, Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail S.E. Contact info@afhs.ab.ca or 403-214-1447 to register and receive further information including parking. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/historic-calgary-week-presentation/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260803 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260804 DTSTAMP:20251221T173919Z CREATED:20251221T173919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T173919Z UID:10002548-1785715200-1785801599@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Civic Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/civic-day/ CATEGORIES:Holiday END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260830T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260830T143000 DTSTAMP:20260821T152059Z CREATED:20260715T164918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T152059Z UID:10003406-1788089400-1788100200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:End-of-Summer Event DESCRIPTION:You are invited to the End-of-Summer Event on Sunday\, August 30 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at the AFHS Resource Centre. \nWe’ll provide the plates\, cutlery\, napkins and beverages. Please bring a dish to share – sandwiches\, salads\, squares\, cookies\, etc. \nIf you plan to be more than two hours\, please pay for parking. Free two-hour parking is available (both in the parkade and along the east side of the building) if you come in to the building to register your license plate number. \nFOOD | REFRESHMENTS | MINGLE \nRSVP by August 27\, 2026 to events@afhs.ab.ca URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/end-of-summer-event/ LOCATION:AFHS Resource Centre\, 712 - 16 Avenue NW\, Calgary\, Canada CATEGORIES:Event ORGANIZER;CN="Sharon White":MAILTO:events@afhs.ab.ca GEO:51.0670797;-114.0772142 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=AFHS Resource Centre 712 - 16 Avenue NW Calgary Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=712 - 16 Avenue NW:geo:-114.0772142,51.0670797 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260911T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260911T113000 DTSTAMP:20260606T161729Z CREATED:20260606T161729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260606T161729Z UID:10003391-1789119000-1789126200@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Writing Special Interest Group DESCRIPTION:This special interest group will help you record the stories of your family research. It will meet via Zoom on the second Friday of each month beginning at 9:30 am. \nDue to the nature of this group\, we’ve decided to limit the number of participants. Please contact communications@afhs.ab.ca to see if there is any space in this group. \nSpecial Interest Groups are a member benefit for all Alberta Family Histories Society members. If you would like to attend a session as a guest\, please contact communications@afhs.ab.ca \n  URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/writing-special-interest-group/2026-09-11/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Kelly":MAILTO:writing@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260930 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261001 DTSTAMP:20251221T174114Z CREATED:20251221T174035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T174114Z UID:10002550-1790726400-1790812799@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Truth & Reconciliation Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/truth-reconciliation-day/ CATEGORIES:Holiday END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261005T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261005T210000 DTSTAMP:20260710T125730Z CREATED:20260710T125523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T125730Z UID:10003405-1791226800-1791234000@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Strategic Planning Session DESCRIPTION:We will be holding a strategic planning session at the AFHS Resource Centre from 7 to 9 pm. The Board will be working towards the production of a 2-year plan. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/strategic-planning-session/ LOCATION:Resource Centre – Petwin Atrium Commons\, Suite 251S 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Board Meeting ORGANIZER;CN="Sharon White":MAILTO:events@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261012 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261013 DTSTAMP:20251221T174155Z CREATED:20251221T174155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T174155Z UID:10002551-1791763200-1791849599@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/thanksgiving-day-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261017T084500 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261017T163000 DTSTAMP:20260825T135153Z CREATED:20260507T013215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T135153Z UID:10002890-1792226700-1792254600@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Family Roots Conference 2026 DESCRIPTION:Alberta Family Histories Society is excited to welcome you to Family Roots 2026 – The 3 Rs of Genealogy: Relationships\, Research and Resources. We’re looking forward to a great day of learning and connecting in person at our conference!  \nWhen: Saturday\, October 17\, 2026 from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm \nWhere: Hotel Blackfoot\, 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta (see map here) \nWhy attend? Come learn and connect with other family historians! Find inspiration and learn about new research skills. Expand your knowledge and make new discoveries. \nRegistration Fee of $90 (AFHS members) or $100 (non-members) includes: \n\nFour sessions (6 presentations\, but there is a choice for two of the time slots)\nContinental breakfast\nBuffet lunch\nDigital syllabus\n\nReady to register? See the section below. Registrations close at midnight on October 10 or when we reach our maximum of 100 attendees\, whichever comes first. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n OPENING KEYNOTE SESSION \nTwo Steps Forward\, One Step Back: Is This Genealogy or the Cha Cha? – Sara Cochran \nRevisiting and reevaluating our early research and home sources of information might seem like a waste of time\, but often\, it’s the key to getting past a roadblock in our research. We’ll discuss techniques for finding new clues in records we already have and look at several small case studies to see the value of taking the time to go backward in order to go forward. \nMORNING SESSION – Choose one of two presentations \n1) Navigating\, Sensitivities\, Trauma and Secrets in Storytelling – Rhonda Lauritzen (presenting via Zoom) \nAre you grappling with how to address a family secret or trauma? This session will equip you to write about tough topics with empathy and grace. Tackle the challenge of crafting stories that heal rather than harm\, avoiding “time bombs” that disrupt relationships. Through case study examples\, learn critical mindsets to approach adversity in a story. You will come away with practical language for writing about sensitive topics and guidance for when to share or withhold stories. You will come away feeling empowered to draft a story that fosters transformation and connection. Discover how to write “time capsules” that inspire\, ensuring your family history unites rather than divides. \n2) Genealogy Starter Kit – Ron Gilmore \nThis presentation will introduce the notions of genealogy and the “Why” of this incredibly popular hobby with some examples. The session covers software\, websites\, DNA\, genealogical organizations and sources of information. Ron will suggest a best practice set of structures for storing documents and digital files. The presentation includes many real-life samples of diverse aspects of Family History\, far beyond simple birth\, marriage and death dates. Genealogy has many fascinating dimensions\, but the family stories uncovered are simply incredible. \nAFTERNOON SESSION – Choose one of two presentations \n1) To Spit or Not to Spit? Is DNA Testing Right for Your Research? – Sara Cochran \nCovering the very basics of Genetic Genealogy\, we will review the types of DNA tests available; list the companies that offer them\, and determine how to choose which is best for your research and which family members to test – if any! \n2) Advanced Genealogy Resources – Christine Hayes \nCalgary offers a wealth of resources for genealogists\, making it an excellent place to explore family history. In this session\, Christine – an AFHS member and former library genealogist – will guide you through some of these valuable tools and collections. She will also share practical strategies to help you locate comparable genealogical resources in your own community.  \nFINAL PLENARY SESSION \nMissing: Reward! Locating Widows\, Spinsters and Bachelors – Sara Cochran \nHave some of the folks on your family tree disappeared?  Pick up some new ideas on how to find widows and never-married adults and then watch these techniques in action in three short case studies.. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n8:45 am\nDoors Open for Registration. Continental Breakfast\n\n\n9:15 am\nWelcome\n\n\n9:30 am\nOpening Keynote: Two Steps Forward\, One Step Back: Is This Genealogy or the Cha Cha? – Sara Cochran\n\n\n10:30 am\nCoffee Break\n\n\n11:00 am\nNavigating\, Sensitivities\, Trauma and Secrets in Family Storytelling – Rhonda Lauritzen (presenting via Zoom) OR Genealogy Starter Kit – Ron Gilmore\n\n\n12:00 noon\nBuffet Lunch\n\n\n1:30 pm\nTo Spit or Not to Spit? Is DNA Testing Right for Your Research? – Sara Cochran OR Advanced Genealogy Resources: Insights from Calgary Collections – Christine Hayes\n\n\n2:30 pm\nBreak\n\n\n3:00 pm\nPlenary Session: Missing: Reward! Locating Widows\, Spinsters and Bachelors – Sara Cochran\n\n\n4:00 pm\nDoor Prizes & Closing Remarks\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sara Cochran – The Skeleton Whisperer \nSara is a full-time professional genealogist with over thirty years of research experience. Her research has taken her to nearly every state in the USA and Ireland. She especially enjoys breaking down brick walls\, discovering the stories of black sheep ancestors\, and helping individuals preserve their photographic legacy. She holds a Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate\, a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science\, and is an alum of the ProGen Study Group. She is a member of DAR and other lineage societies\, the Association of Professional Genealogists\, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild. You can find her online at TheSkeletonWhisperer.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rhonda Lauritzen – Evalogue \nRhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer and keynote speaker\, holding an MBA from the University of Utah. She served as CEO of her family’s business and was a state college vice president. Her storytelling began with her parents’ business saga\, leading to founding Evalogue.Life in 2016. Rhonda has written over a dozen books with four traditionally published. She is a regular feature writer for Family Tree Magazine and has been interviewed by major media worldwide. Her professional work has included being hired to tell the stories of families\, buildings\, and cities. Rhonda believes that when you tell your story\, it changes the ending. Rhonda will be doing her presentation via Zoom. A full bio and a short highlight reel can be found here: http://evalogue.life/rhonda-lauritzen \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Christine Hayes – AFHS Member \nFrom a young age\, Christine was the kid who perched quietly nearby\, eavesdropping on the conversations of grown-ups and wondering about the people behind the names. Years later\, after taking a job in the genealogy department at the public library\, those names she’d heard resurfaced in census records—and she was hooked. Christine spent the bulk of her career helping people trace their ancestry. She believes that storytelling is the bridge between past and present\, and that preserving family history is the most powerful way to keep our collective memory alive. Christine now serves as the Program Committee Chair of the Alberta Family History Society\, where she continues to work with genealogists looking to find family and discover the lives of those who went before. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ron Gilmore – AFHS Member \nWith a degree in Electrical Engineering and a master’s degree in mathematics\, Ron worked for industrial giants such as General Electric and IBM before transitioning to a consulting career\, assisting large organizations cope with installing and leveraging information technology. His work took him across Canada\, USA and Europe. Now\, he is enjoying a journey of discovery in genealogy. His focus is Ireland\, Scotland\, England\, France/Germany and some rather entertaining family history sagas. Ron belongs to four genealogical societies in California and is a past president of the Alberta Family Histories Society. He has shared his presentations with genealogical groups in Canada and USA. His website can be viewed here. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our conference committee is looking for donations for door prizes! If you would like to donate something\, we will list your business here\, include them in our syllabus and add them to the PowerPoint that will be shown during the lunch hour. Please contact familyroots@afhs.ab.ca \nConfirmed door prizes to date are: \n \n \n \n \n \n Donated by Wendy Schultz – To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My Heritage – Certificate for 1 Year – MyHeritage Complete Plan (Full Access) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My Heritage – Certificate for 1 Year – MyHeritage Old News Subscription \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My DNA – Coupon for the e-book version of Your DNA Guide: the Book \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Donated by Amber Godfrey – Book ends \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Donated by Marion Peterson – 2 I Want to have Your Story Books \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Donated by Nancy Carson – Tracing Your Ancestors Using What They Left Behind by Simon Wells \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Donated by Legacy Family Tree Webinars – 2 certificates\, each for a 1-year subscription \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Donated by the Provincial Archives of Alberta – pencils and stickynotes for our conference “swag bags” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We hope that you are ready to register! Registration will open on June 6 and close on October 12 at midnight. There will be no registration at the door of the conference as we have to make seating and catering arrangements in advance. \n\nTo register online with credit card payment\, go to Eventbrite.\nIf you prefer to pay by cheque\, download and print this registration form and mail it with payment to the address on the form. Mail-in registration forms must be received at our office no later than October 9.\nWe will offer payment by cash or cheque at the following Society meetings at our Resource Centre: June 8 and September 14.\n\nIf you have special dietary requests\, please note them during the registration process. \nAccommodations: If you would like to stay at the conference hotel\, please contact Hotel Blackfoot and reference AFHS Conference 2026 to book your accommodation. Attendees are responsible for making payment directly to the hotel. The rates are as follows: 1 or 2 queen beds – $198.41 (includes taxes) OR 1 king bed – $233.07 (includes taxes). \nPhotography and Filming Disclaimer – Please note that photographs and footage may be taken at this Family Roots event. These may be used for marketing and publicity in our publications\, on our website and on social media. Please contact familyroots@afhs.ab.ca if you have any concerns. URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/family-roots-2026/ LOCATION:Hotel Blackfoot\, 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE\, Calgary\, AB\, T2H 2B5\, Canada CATEGORIES:Family Roots ORGANIZER;CN="Sharon White":MAILTO:events@afhs.ab.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261111 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261112 DTSTAMP:20251221T174240Z CREATED:20251221T174240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T174240Z UID:10002552-1794355200-1794441599@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:Remembrance Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://afhs.ab.ca/event/remembrance-day/ CATEGORIES:Holiday END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR