Iowa PBS is partnering with the Iowa Genealogical Society to offer a beginner to intermediate genealogy workshop series, Genealogy for All. This series will consist of four (4) two-hour sessions focused on tools you can use in order to start or continue your genealogy search.

Each session will feature a combination of lecture and discussion and question and answer time. The Zoom webinars will be recorded and registrants can view the sessions later. However, because this workshop is interactive, we encourage all registrants to attend the live sessions in order to get the most out of the series.

These sessions will provide valuable information to guide researchers as they dive into genealogical pursuits and each session will use Iowa examples.

Registration is $100 and includes access to all four live sessions, the Zoom recordings and any supplemental materials provided by the instructors. Registered attendees will receive each workshop recording within 48 hours after the workshop. 

February 12, 2026

Mining Federal Census Schedules for Genealogical Gold

Presented by Kevin Spire

Most genealogists are familiar with the basic population schedules of the U.S. Federal Census, but they miss a goldmine of information hiding in plain sight. This class will take you beyond the basic name, age, and birthplace data collection and explore the rich details found in Agricultural, Veterans, and Manufacturing schedules that can transform your understanding of your ancestors’ lives. Discover the secrets that these comprehensive census schedules hold and add new depth and dimension to your family history research.

State, Local, and Foreign Census Records

Presented by Theresa Liewer

In every beginning genealogy class, you are urged to find your family in the Federal census records. But did you know that many states took their own censuses and these can ask very different questions than the federal ones? The 1925 Iowa census is a remarkable example. Another one is the 1890 New York City Police Census which can fill the gaps caused by the loss of the 1890 Federal census. And of course, foreign census records may be just what you need to locate your ancestors’ origins in the old country. We’ll explore all of these resources.

February 26, 2026

AI and Genealogy Research

Presented by Dennis Allen

This presentation steps you past the traditional search engines like Google, with modern AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot. It highlights how AI goes beyond retrieving information by engaging in conversations, offering context-aware answers, and assisting with tasks like problem solving, writing, and coding. The key message is that while Google is great for quick facts, AI delivers interactive and personalized guidance that feels more like a conversation and find things that you might miss.”

Full Text Search in Family Search - A Game Changer

Presented by Theresa Liewer

This free FamilySearch tool keeps getting better. We’ll see how it quickly searches over 2 billion records for a name or keyword and delivers the original image as well as a transcription. This means you may find the handwritten will that names your great-great grandmother as an heir and daughter of a person who has been unknown to you all these years. You’ll learn how to use filters and wild cards in your search, how to save and even how to edit the transcription if you find misspellings.

March 12, 2026

Mastering Your Genealogy Research with Essential Forms, Worksheets, and Digital Tools

Presented by Kevin Spire

Unlock the power of systematic genealogy research using forms, specialized worksheets, and cutting-edge digital tools designed to maximize your family history discoveries. From foundational documents like pedigree charts to collection sheets for military records, immigration data, and court documents, you'll quickly advance your research to the next level. Explore innovative technology solutions that streamline citation creation, provide research guidance, translate foreign documents, and visualize complex genealogical problems with clarity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced genealogist, you'll leave with practical resources to advance your investigative success.

Genealogical Desktop Software Options

Presented by Linda Greethurst, Sheri Snodgrass and Theresa Liewer

We will explore the primary features of the three major software products, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree and RootsMagic. These software applications will help you capture and organize your family history research on your computer, help you find the one that will work for you. Handouts will provide detailed examples for each product, links to training videos and how to join our Special Interest Groups (SIG) available for each.

March 26, 2026

Thinking about using DNA to find your relatives

Presented by Sheri Snodgrass

Whether you’ve taken a test or are thinking about getting a test, we’ll start with a look at DNA basics. Then identify what your results will include and how you can look at those results and spend some time looking at matches that may help you find your near or distant family. We’ll be using an Ancestry test for examples, but the processes will work for the other testing companies as well. The handout will provide DNA science details as well as steps to help you apply the results to your research. Additionally, you’ll learn about the Special Interest Group (SIG) where you can get support, learn about tools and share your discovery experiences.

Question and Answer Session / Storytelling

During these workshops, we’ve covered records, analysis, and problem-solving techniques. We encourage you to share a moment when you took what you learned here and applied it in your own family research? Maybe you broke through a brick wall, connected with a distant cousin, or finally made sense of an old record?

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn how to build your family tree and connect with your heritage.