BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//AFHS - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:AFHS 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:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20270314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20271107T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261011T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261011T143000 DTSTAMP:20260529T144248Z CREATED:20260529T144248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T144248Z UID:10002981-1791721800-1791729000@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. It usually meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm except for July\, August and May (because of Mother’s Day). \nTopic: To be determined. \nThis meeting will be held via Zoom. The meeting link will be sent out to those on the SIG distribution list a few days prior to the meeting by Linda who is one of the SIG leaders. If you are an AFHS member and would like to be added to the distribution list\, please contact communications@afhs.ab.ca  \nWe welcome guests\, so if you would like to join us\, send a message to communications@afhs.ab.ca \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-2/2026-10-11/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:SIG ORGANIZER;CN="Linda & Wayne":MAILTO:dnasig@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:20261012T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261012T210000 DTSTAMP:20260606T161437Z CREATED:20260606T161153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260606T161437Z UID:10002991-1791831600-1791838800@afhs.ab.ca SUMMARY:AFHS Society Meeting CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:The AFHS Society Meeting for October 2026 has been cancelled due to Thanksgiving and the Family Roots Conference. \nOur 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! \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-6-2-2/ LOCATION:At AFHS Resource Centre & via Zoom\, Suite 251S\, 8500 Macleod Trail SE\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2H 2N1\, Canada CATEGORIES:Cancelled,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:20261015T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261015T140000 DTSTAMP:20260529T152420Z CREATED:20260529T152420Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T152420Z UID:10003027-1792058400-1792072800@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 Petwin Atrium Commons building formerly known as Heritage Square (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-2/2026-10-15/ 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:20261016T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261016T160000 DTSTAMP:20260529T155130Z CREATED:20260529T155130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T155130Z UID:10003233-1792152000-1792166400@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 Petwin Atrium Commons building formerly known as Heritage Square (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-4/2026-10-16/ 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:20261017T084500 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261017T163000 DTSTAMP:20260625T141245Z CREATED:20260507T013215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T141245Z 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\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 \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;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261017T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261017T160000 DTSTAMP:20260529T154115Z CREATED:20260529T154115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T154115Z UID:10003150-1792238400-1792252800@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 Petwin Atrium Commons building (formerly known as Heritage Square 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-3/2026-10-17/ 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 END:VCALENDAR