Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society (CCNGS)

02/16/2026

📜✨ Join Us for the February Meeting of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society (CCNGS)! ✨📜

CCNGS invites you to our upcoming monthly meeting:

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 All are welcome!

We’re excited to welcome guest speaker Jonelle Hilleary for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation that will help us look beyond names and dates to truly understand our ancestors’ lives.

🔎 Presentation: Putting Clues in Context: Using Locality, Culture, and History Tools and Timelines to Break Through

From a curious 1870s long-distance courtship in “The Preacher Done It”…

To a 1940s racketeering case involving a New Mexico rancher and a landmark WWII federal antitrust battle in Washington, DC…

To uncovering the real story behind two women listed as simply “Keeping House” in mid-20th century census records…

Jonelle will demonstrate how using locality guides, cultural studies, AI-generated historical summaries, and carefully built timelines can transform scattered facts into meaningful stories. Learn how to put your ancestors back into their historical context—and finally uncover the why and how behind their decisions.

🎤 About Our Speaker

Jonelle Hilleary is a writer, teacher, and retired government consultant from Washington, DC. Her love of genealogy began as a teenager after receiving her grandmother’s biographical book, No Dudes, Few Women...the story of life with a Navajo Range Rider.

Since retiring, Jonelle has completed advanced genealogical training through programs at SLIG, GRIP, IGHR, TIGR, and American Ancestors (NEHGS), and has participated in conferences including NGS, UGA Summit of Excellence, and PaGE. She was part of GenProof91 and the GenFed 2024 cohort.

Jonelle enjoys researching her Southwestern roots and collaborating with local historians, librarians, courthouse clerks, and museum docents to uncover hidden records that tell “the rest of the story.” She is currently digitizing 127 years of forgotten Bulletins written by women across the nation.

Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or are an experienced researcher, this program will give you fresh tools and inspiration to dig deeper into your ancestors’ stories.

👉 Bring a friend and join us on February 21 at 10:00 AM!

We look forward to seeing you there!

02/04/2026

Genealogists rely on access to records, and access depends on advocacy. The Records Preservation and Access Coalition is organizing Family History Hill Day in Washington, DC on 15 April 2026, giving family historians a chance to speak directly with lawmakers about records access and preservation.

Preparation starts early. The first training takes place on 25 February. Signing up now ensures you are ready to participate and have your voice heard.

Learn more and register using the link and help protect access to the records we all depend on. https://www.recordsadvocate.org/register-for-family-history-hill-day-on-15-april-2026

Learn more about RPAC at https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/records-preservation-access-coalition.

01/14/2026

Genealogy Friends—Mark Your Calendars!

Join us for the next meeting of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society on
🗓 Saturday, January 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Paseo Verde Library, Henderson, Nevada

We’re excited to welcome Jeanette Sheliga of Jeanette’s Genealogy, joining us virtually from Lockport, New York, as our guest speaker! 🌎
Jeanette has been researching family history since 2002 and lecturing since 2011. She’s a nationally recognized speaker, published genealogy author, and former leader in local and national genealogical organizations.

🎤 Program: Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Genealogy
Discover how these incredibly detailed 19th- and 20th-century maps can help you visualize your ancestors’ neighborhoods, homes, and communities—and bring their stories to life when combined with other records.

✨ Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting out, this presentation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
👉 Guests are always welcome, so bring a friend who loves history and family stories!

We hope to see you there!

12/17/2025

🎄 Holiday Genealogy Gathering – You’re Invited! 🎄

Join us for a festive and fun meeting of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society on

📅 Saturday, December 20, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Paseo Verde Library, Henderson, Nevada

This meeting will be extra special as we celebrate the holiday season together!

✨ What to expect:
🎉 Holiday refreshments
🎁 Prize drawings
🧬 Member-led sharing — you are the speakers!

Instead of a formal presentation, we invite anyone who wishes to share:
• An interesting fact about an ancestor
• A genealogy breakthrough or surprise from this year
• A favorite research success or lesson learned

Sharing is completely optional—whether you speak or just listen, we’d love to have you join us for a relaxed, cheerful morning of fellowship and family history.

Help us close out the year by celebrating our shared passion for genealogy.
🎄 Warm holiday wishes—we hope to see you there!

11/17/2025

📣 Join Us for a Special Lunch & Learn! 📣
🗓 Thursday, November 20, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Paseo Verde Library, Henderson

Ready to dive into the world of Norwegian genealogy? Don’t miss this month’s Lunch & Learn featuring:

🇳🇴 “Reading and Translating Norwegian Records”
Presented by Tegan R. Price
Genealogist & Las Vegas FamilySearch Center Consultant

Tegan brings more than six years of experience helping families uncover their stories. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, an instructor, and a specialist in Scandinavian research, she has guided countless individuals through the challenges of Norwegian records and language. Currently pursuing a degree in Advanced Family History Research at BYU–Idaho, she continues to expand her expertise while sharing her passion nationwide.

Whether you have Norwegian roots or simply love learning new research skills, this session is sure to inspire!

🥪 Lunch optional — bring your own if you like!
We hope to see you there for learning, connection, and community.

11/11/2025

📣 Join Us for Our November Genealogical Society Meeting!

🗓 Saturday, November 15, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Paseo Verde Library @ 280 S Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89012

✨Virtual Guest Speaker: Morag Peers of Glasgow Genealogy
🗣 Topic: “Unusual, Free Sources for Your Scottish Research”

Thinking about tracing your Scottish roots but not sure where to start — or how to keep costs down? Morag will introduce a variety of free online resources to help you discover your ancestors and learn more about their lives — from directories and maps to government notices and transcriptions.

💡 You’ll learn how to:
✅ Start your Scottish family history research
✅ Use free indexes to uncover key details
✅ Access valuable resources without paying for subscriptions
✅ Save money while expanding your genealogy toolbox

👩‍🏫 About Morag Peers:
Morag is a professional genealogist from Glasgow, Scotland, with a Master’s in Genealogical, Palaeographical and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. Her passion for family history began as a teen and has grown into a career helping others uncover their Scottish and Irish roots.

🌿 Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced researcher, you’ll leave with new tools, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration!

📚 Don’t miss this engaging session — everyone is welcome!

Image Source: © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

10/16/2025

🍀 Celtictraganza 2025: Irish Roots Await! 🍀
Join the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society for a special Celtic-themed presentation you won’t want to miss!

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Paseo Verde Library, Henderson, NV

We're thrilled to welcome Irish genealogy expert Karlee Twiner as our featured speaker for “The Diaspora: Following Your Irish Ancestors.” 🧬🌍

Dive into the sweeping history of Irish emigration and discover practical tools to trace your Irish heritage across the globe. Whether your ancestors left during the Great Famine or long before, Karlee will guide you through:

✅ Key Irish & international records (census, ship lists, parish registers & more)
✅ Strategies for overcoming missing records and name changes
✅ How DNA testing and online tools can advance your search
✅ Practical tips for both beginners and experienced researchers

Karlee Twiner is the founder of Return to Éire and a professional genealogist with deep roots in Irish family research. With experience at the Irish Family History Centre in Dublin and a degree in genealogy from BYU, she brings expert insight and real-world experience to her engaging presentations.

💚 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your Irish heritage, ask questions, and take your research to the next level!

🔗 Open to the public – all are welcome! Bring a friend, your curiosity, and maybe a lucky shamrock! ☘️

10/09/2025

📣 Big News — RootsTech 2026 Registration is OPEN! 🎉

Mark your calendars and start your countdown! 🗓️ Registration for RootsTech 2026 opened on September 24, and you won’t want to miss the world’s largest family history conference happening March 5–7, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah — or from the comfort of your own home! 🙌

🌍 Attend in person or join online for FREE — yes, completely free!

Whether you’re just starting your genealogy journey or you’re a seasoned researcher, RootsTech has something for everyone:
✅ Sessions in 40+ languages
✅ Topics from countries around the globe
✅ Cutting-edge tools and tech from top family history companies

Come connect with your past, discover new stories, and find your place in history. 💬🌳

🔗 Don’t wait — register now and be part of something unforgettable!

10/01/2025

🎉 October is Family History Month — Let’s Celebrate! 🧬📜

This October, take a moment to begin (or restart!) your family history journey. It’s easy to keep putting it off, thinking you’ll get to it tomorrow… but as we all know, the best time is NOW.

There’s no better time than today to scan old photos, record stories from loved ones, and write down the memories that matter. These are the pieces that make our history rich, personal, and unforgettable. ❤️

To support you on your journey, join the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society for just $20 and enjoy a full year of membership benefits:
✨ Monthly Presentations & Classes
📬 Quarterly Newsletter delivered to your inbox
🔒 Access to our Members-Only Facebook Group
🧭 Research Assistance & Resources

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned researcher, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Join us and make this Family History Month truly meaningful. 🌳

👉 Learn more & sign up today! https://www.ccngs.org/join

09/21/2025

🔎💀 Lunch & Learn: How to Write a Genealogical Crime Mystery
📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Paseo Verde Library, Henderson, Nevada
🎥 Pre-Recorded Webinar - Bring Your Lunch & Your Curiosity!

Ever wondered how to turn your family history into a thrilling mystery novel? 🕵️‍♂️📚 Join us for a fascinating Lunch & Learn session featuring Nathan Dylan Goodwin, internationally acclaimed author of The Chester Creek Murders, the Forensic Genealogist series, and more!

In this pre-recorded webinar, Nathan will guide you through the art of writing your own genealogical crime mystery, covering:
✍️ How to outline your story
🧬 Crafting characters rooted in genealogy
💬 Writing realistic dialogue
📜 Turning family secrets and records into gripping plotlines

Whether you’re a genealogy buff, an aspiring writer, or just love a good mystery, this event is for you!

🎤 About the Speaker:
Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a genealogist, educator, and bestselling author known for blending rich historical detail with suspenseful storytelling. He’ll share insider tips and tools to help you uncover the hidden stories in your family tree—and reimagine them as page-turning mysteries!

✅ Free to attend – just bring your lunch and your imagination!

Send a message to learn more

09/21/2025

📣 Exciting News from the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society! 🌿

We’re thrilled to announce the newly elected officers of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society (CCNGS)! These dedicated individuals were officially elected during our Annual Meeting on September 20, 2025, and we are confident they will lead our society into an inspiring and productive new chapter.

🎉 Please join us in congratulating our 2025–2027 Board of Officers:

✨ Kharisma Rodriguez – President
📚 Becky Aaronson – Vice President of Education
🛠️ Kelley Barrett – Vice President of Operations
🖋️ Doug Pilarski – Secretary
💰 Vanessa McCallson – Treasurer

We look forward to the vision, experience, and passion each of these leaders brings to our organization. Here's to a fantastic year of learning, discovery, and connection! 🌟

Send a message to learn more

09/19/2025

Join us tomorrow at the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson, Nevada at 10:00 AM for the first presentation of Celtictraganza 2025! Irish genealogy expert Claire Bradley will be presenting "Tracing Your Irish Ancestors." Hope to see you there!