Genealogy Series
Curious about your family’s story? Our Genealogy Series returns January through July 2027 at the Chaska History Center. On the second Saturday of each month, join us from 9:30 to 11:00 am for a session on a different kind of record, then stay for a bonus program from 11:15 am to noon. Two weeks later, come back for an open research workshop and put what you learned into practice with help close by.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to get past a brick wall, there’s a place for you here.
Free and open to all. Donations are welcome and help keep programs like this going.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2027 | 9:30–11:00 am
Getting Started with Genealogy
New to family history or still trying to track down that hidden relative? Learn where to begin, what to gather from home and family, and how to work from what you know toward what you don’t. You’ll leave with a clear plan for building your family tree.
BONUS PROGRAM | 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Organizing Your Genealogy Research
Keep track of what you’ve found and where you found it.
JANUARY 23, 2027 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Open Research Workshop
Open research time, with volunteers and the center’s resources ready to help.
Session 1
Handout: Getting Started with Genealogy
Chaska History Center Pedigree Chart
Chaska History Center Documentation Record
Session 2
Genealogy Goldmine:
Insights from Vital Records
All the clues you can find in Death, Marriage, and Birth records.
Presentation: Feb 14, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Feb 28, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 3
Hidden Histories: Leveraging Census Records and Newspapers
Using census records and newspapers to uncover the hidden stories you never knew!
Presentation: Mar 14, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Mar 28, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 4
Borders and Benchmarks: Unearthing Immigration
and Court Records
Discover how to find immigration and court records, including passenger lists, naturalization records, and various court documents.
Presentation: Apr 11, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Apr 25, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 5 - SCHEDULE UPDATED
Heroes Among Us:Tracing Family Military History
Trace family military history by understanding service branches, available records like muster rolls and DD214s, and where to find these important documents.
Presentation: May 23, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: May 9, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 6
Roots and Real Estate:Discovering Family History through Land Records
Explore your family's past through land records with tools like land descriptions and plat, Sanborn, and survey maps.
Presentation: Jun 13, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Jun 27, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 7
Digital Discoveries: Navigating Online Genealogy Resources
Learn how to effectively use online genealogy resources, including reputable sites like Ancestry and FamilySearch, while avoiding common pitfalls that could mislead your research.
Presentation: Jul 11, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Jul 25, 9:30 - 11:00 am
