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Build your genealogy skills at biennial GeneaQuest Conference

The Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois will host its biennial GeneaQuest Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at Northern Illinois University Conference Center, 5555 Trillium Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. This all-day event will feature nationally known and local speakers.

The theme for this year's conference is "Building Your Genealogy Skills". The sessions will target seven of the most important genealogy skills: Analysis, Genetic Genealogy (DNA), Geography, Organizational, Problem Solving, Research, and Technology.

GeneaQuest also will feature first-time DNA hands-on labs: "Getting the Most Out of Your Ancestry DNA Results" and "Introduction to Using GEDmatch." Each lab is $20 per person and space is limited. Jane Haldeman, a professional speaker, a DNA lab presenter and owner of It's Relative, will be leading these labs in one full-day track. She was president of the Illinois State Genealogical Society and has more than 25 years of research experience.

James M. Baker, a board-certified genealogist who specializes in German, Midwest U.S. and early American genealogy research and DNA, will present: "Finding the Hardest Ones With DNA," "Finding the Hardest Ones: Seven Strategies," "Elementary, My Dear Watson! Solving Your Genealogy Puzzles with Clues You Already Have," and "

I Thought He Was My Ancestor: Avoiding the Six Biggest Genealogy Mistakes."

Lisa Louise Cooke, renowned genealogy speaker and CEO of Genealogy Gems, a genealogy education company, will present "Update Google! What's New," "Create a Free Google Earth Map Collection for Your Research," "Genealogy On the Go With Mobile Devices," and

"How to Organize All This Genealogy Stuff."

The speaker lineup is rounded out with sessions by Marty Acks, Robert G. Allen, Liz Ross, and Jacqueline Schattner.

Acks volunteers at WikiTree where he leads multiple surname studies and collaborates with other members. He is also a CAGGNI board member and heads the technology committee of the Downers Grove Historical Society. His program is "An Introduction to WikiTree, the Free Global Family Tree."

Allen has been conducting genealogical research for 30-plus years and enjoys lecturing about FindAGrave. He currently serves as treasurer of CAGGNI. His program is "The Wonders of Find A Grave."

Ross speaks nationally, writes for print and blogs at DancingBranches.blogspot.com. In 2014, she founded "Second Saturday Genealogy." Her program is "What about Women."

Krieps Schattner teaches genealogy classes at area libraries, volunteered at the Family History Center in Schaumburg for 15 years and is active in several genealogy societies, including CAGGNI, where she is secretary. Her program is "Top 10 Genealogical Tricks and Tips."

Cost is $70. After June 12, registration by cash or check only, at the door. Lunch is not included. To register, visit caggni.org/GeneaQuest.

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