2025 Montana State Genealogical Society Conference

Join us at the 2025 Montana State Genealogical Society Conference to learn and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts.

About this Event

Welcome to the 2025 Montana State Genealogical Society Conference!

Date: 18-20 September 2025

Location: Heritage Inn, 1700 Fox Farm Road, Great Falls, Montana

Join us in Great Falls for our 33rd annual conference. This year's event will feature engaging workshops, expert speakers, the Book Frolic sale, the annual membership meeting, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting out, there's something for everyone. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn more about your heritage. See you there!

Thursday, September 18


🕑: 03:00 PM - 05:30 AM
Registration Desk open

🕑: 03:00 PM - 07:00 AM
Book Frolic Sale drop-off

Info: Drop off your gently-used book donations in the Montana/Alberta Room for inclusion in our annual fundraiser. The Book Frolic will be a progressive sale this year. Hard covers will start at $5, soft covers at $3, and prices will decrease throughout the conference.

🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
MSGS Board Meeting

Info: Lewis/Clark Room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Workshop 1: First Families & Early Settlers Certificate Program

Info: Lewis/Clark Room. Learn how to certify your ancestors who were in Montana either prior to statehood, or between 9 November 1889 and 31 December 1929.

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Workshop 2: Great Falls History Museum

Info: Missouri Room. Megan Sanford with the Great Falls History Museum will provide an overview of this valuable resource.

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Dessert Social

Info: Mingle with other attendees and enjoy dessert on us! No cost to attend, but registration is required.

Friday, September 19


🕑: 07:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration Desk open

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Opening Remards

Info: ABC Room

🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Your Family Tree Plus: Using Social History to Enrich Your Genealogy
Host: Gena Philibert-Ortega

Info: ABC Room. Genealogy isn’t just about tracing lineage—it’s about understanding the world our ancestors lived in. This presentation will introduce the role of social history in family history research, showing how daily life influenced past generations. Discover how to use historical sources to add depth to your family history and bring your ancestors’ stories to life.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Following the Tracks: Your Ancestors on the Railroad
Host: Michael Strauss

Info: ABC Room. Railroads for nearly two centuries have been the preferred mode of transportation for many of our ancestors. Their rich history includes details on when lines started, ceased, merged, or filed bankruptcy. Records including employee, manuscripts, directories, pensions, social security, and other organizations including the Pullman Porters and Harvey Girls are examined.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch and Society Reports

Info: Main Convention Area. Deli Sandwich Buffet.

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Objects of the Past: An Introduction to Researching Material Culture for Genea
Host: Gena Philibert-Ortega

Info: ABC Room. Family history isn’t just found in documents—objects tell powerful stories too. This presentation introduces genealogists to the study of material culture, exploring how heirlooms, textiles, tools, photographs, and everyday artifacts can provide insights into ancestors’ lives. Learn how to analyze and interpret these items, trace their origins, and use them to deepen your understanding of family history and social heritage.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Historical Maps: The World at Your Fingertips
Host: Michael Strauss

Info: ABC Room. For many centuries, maps have been the preferred choice of travelers the world over. They not only serve as reliable guides to desired destinations, they also assist the user in getting his or her bearings straight. But beyond direction and bearing, maps enrich the genealogist’s journey through the roadways and byways of personal history. From fire insurance maps that provide minute detail of our ancestors’ homes, to election maps that detail boundaries of registered voters in large cities, you’re sure to find a research path not yet considered.

🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:45 PM
Analyzing Cemetery Grave Markers for Genealogical Clues
Host: Gena Philibert-Ortega

Info: ABC Room. Cemeteries are rich with history, offering valuable insights into the lives of our ancestors. This presentation explores how to analyze grave markers for genealogical research, from deciphering symbols and epitaphs to understanding materials, styles, and burial customs over time. Learn how to interpret headstones to uncover new details about your family’s past.

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Annual Membership Meeting

Info: ABC Room. General Society business, vote on Bylaws updates, officer elections. All are encouraged to participate!

🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Banquet Dinner

Info: Main Convention Area. Pork tenderloin medallions wrapped in bacon, chocolate cake for dessert. Presentation of the Anna Mae Hanson Award and the Al Hunstman Award. Presentation by Tim McGonigal.

Saturday, September 20


🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration Desk open

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Introduction to Military History Research
Host: Michael Strauss

Info: ABC Room. Beginning genealogy research on your ancestors who served in the military is not without rewards; research can be both challenging and daunting for persons not familiar with the records, repositories, and the methodology employed to find details of military service. This lecture focuses on a large number of records, strategies, and techniques on how to research military ancestors from the colonial era through Vietnam that can be used to discover facts about your ancestor’s life.

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
A House Divided: Research in the Civil War
Host: Michael Strauss

Info: ABC Room. Sectional differences and ideology tore apart the United States between 1861 and 1865. This lecture, separated in two parts, is an in-depth examination of the various military records used to search for soldiers, sailors, and marines on both sides during this conflict. Compiled Service Records, Pensions, Draft Registrations, and related genealogical material is covered in this presentation. Civilian records covering the war period are also examined in both segments of this lecture.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 AM
Lunch and Society Reports

Info: Main Convention Area. Baked Potato Bar.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Raffle Drawings

Info: ABC Room.

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Hidden in the Margins: Unusual Sources for Researching Historical Women
Host: Gena Philibert-Ortega

Info: ABC Room. Traditional records often overlook women’s lives, but with the right approach, their stories can be uncovered. This lecture explores unconventional sources for researching historical women, including court records, diaries, midwife journals, community cookbooks, textiles, and more. Learn how to navigate these lesser-known resources to piece together their lives.

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