From Scattered to Sorted: Organizing Your Genealogy Research One Family Group at a Time

⚠️ Study Group Registration

The registration link for the study group will be available here starting at noon on January 17th. Space is limited, so please sign up early.

Register for the Study Group Here

Kinseekers & Pastfinders 2026 Study Group

Led by Kelli Bergheimer, professional genealogist and educator.

  • Free online bonus program for members of Kinseekers & Pastfinders GenSocs. (Initial registration is limited to memberships valid as of 7 Jan 2026.)
  • February – June 2026: Monthly classes, 4th Tuesday of the month at 7pm (ET).
  • Classes (1.5-2 hours) include lectures, task work, and discussion.
  • Lectures will be recorded and available for 30 days.
  • Optional mid-month support sessions. (2nd Tuesdays at 7pm)

Prerequisites

  • A laptop or desktop computer. A tablet is not suitable for in-class work.
  • A familiarity and basic skills with word processing, Excel or other spreadsheet software, and how to edit, save, and create these file types. Class demo’s will use Microsoft Office & Google Applications.
  • An understanding of their own laptop/desktop functionality, operations, file management, troubleshooting skills for their own device, and knowledge of how to troubleshoot their own wi-fi network.

Meeting Date Topics

  • 24 February 2026 – Systems for Success
  • 10 March 2026 – Optional mid-month support (volunteer led)
  • 24 March 2026 – Organizing What You Have
  • 14 April 2026 – Optional mid-month support (volunteer led)
  • 28 April 2026 – What’s Missing? What’s Your Plan
  • 12 May 2026 – Optional mid-month support (volunteer led)
  • 26 May 2026 – Pt 1. Layering in DNA Info & Pt 2. Triaging the Barrage of Incoming Information
  • 9 June 2026 – Optional mid-month support (volunteer led)
  • 23 June 2026 – Developing Next Steps
  • 14 July 2026 – Optional mid-month support (volunteer led)

Optional Equipment and Software

  • Highly recommended: Two monitor screens so as to have the Zoom window open, the syllabus open, and software or application open. (Having two screens also makes researching and organizing easier!)
  • A snipping tool to use for capturing research information.
  • Family Tree Maker software (or another family tree software).
  • Free Google Drive account (associated with Gmail).
  • Ancestry Pro Tools (an additional fee above and beyond your yearly membership plan).

Participants will receive a 50-page workbook designed specifically for this program.

About Kelli Jo Bergheimer

Kelli Jo Bergheimer is a writer, teacher, editor, and international genealogical speaker. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, a Master’s in Education Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s in Business Management. She is the Director of Curriculum and Assessments for Blue Kayak, a K-12 textbook company, and also works as the Director of Education for Your DNA Guide. This summer, Kelli is an instructor and course coordinator for the National Genealogical Society’s GRIP Institute.

In addition, Kelli runs Mess on the Desk, a small genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel and is the facilitator for Genetics, Genealogy, and You, an online DNA Interest Group. Kelli is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild member.

KINSEEKERS and PASTFINDERS Genealogical Societies are excited to offer you this free bonus program as a thank you for your membership.