Genealogy Series
Discover Your Roots with the Chaska Historical Society Genealogy Series
Are you curious about your family history? The Chaska Historical Society is excited to announce our Genealogy Research Series from January to July 2025. This comprehensive series offers both expert presentations and workshops for individual attention designed to guide you through the fascinating journey of uncovering your ancestry.
$20/session - Next series starts in early 2026!
SPECIAL session
Beyond the Basics: AI-Powered Genealogy Research
Explore how free AI tools can enhance your family history research. This session will show you how to ask better questions, discover new leads, and gain historical context about your ancestors' lives using cutting-edge technology.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 · 9:30 – 11:00 AM
At the Chaska History Center
Free Event · Space is Limited
Session 1
Getting Started with Genealogy
Everything you need to know to reach your genealogy goals and keep your information organized.
Presentation: Jan 10, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Jan 24, 9:30 - 11:00 am
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 7, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Feb 21, 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 7, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Mar 21, 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 4, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Apr 18, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 5
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: May 9, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: May 23, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Session 6
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: Jun 6, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Workshop: Jun 20, 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
