Category Archives: Websites

Accreditation, Application process, Conference, Family History, Genealogy, ICAPGen, Professionals, Websites

Join ICAPGen at RootsTech 2026 and Take Your Research to the Next Level

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RootsTech 2026 is almost here! And if you’re heading to the world’s largest genealogy conference, there’s one booth you won’t want to walk past. Hosted by FamilySearch at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, this year’s event is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your skills, meet fellow researchers, and discover what professional genealogy looks like up close. Add Booth #209 to your must-visit list before you even walk through the doors.

Why Stop by Booth #209?

ICAPGen , the organization behind accrediting genealogists worldwide, will be there and genuinely excited to connect with you, whether you’re a dedicated hobbyist or a seasoned professional. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Learn about accreditation. Curious what it takes to earn the Accredited Genealogist® (AG®) credential? We’ll break it down and explain why ICAPGen’s standards matter when choosing — or becoming — a professional researcher.
  • Talk to the experts. Meet credentialed professionals with expertise across a wide range of regions, ethnicities, and record types. Bring your toughest brick-wall problems, and get a new perspective.
  • Explore a professional path. Thinking about turning your passion into a profession? Our team is happy to walk you through the credentialing process, study expectations, and what accreditation can open up for you.
  • Support a meaningful mission. As a nonprofit, ICAPGen is dedicated to advancing genealogical education and ethical research practices around the world. 

Ready to Go Deeper? The Advanced/Professional Track

RootsTech has something for everyone, including those who want to go well beyond the basics. The Advanced/Professional Track is designed for researchers who are serious about methodology and want content that genuinely challenges them. This year’s highlighted sessions include:

  • Advanced Strategies for Finding Manuscripts — Kelly Richardson, AG®
  • Untangling the Web: Same Name Resolution — Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG®, AGL™
  • The GPS in Practice: Reasonably Exhaustive Research — Angela Packer McGhie, CG®
  • Crafting a Genealogical Proof Argument — Stephanie O’Connell, CG®
  • Avoiding Research Pitfalls — Jana K. Greenhalgh, AG®, and Mindy Taylor, AG®

Take a look at the RootsTech schedule and block off the sessions that speak to your work.

Can’t Make It to Salt Lake City? Attend Virtually — for Free

Can’t be there in person? No problem. RootsTech Virtual 2026 brings the conference to you, wherever you are, at no cost. When you register online, you’ll get:

  • Livestreamed keynotes from the main stage
  • 200+ on-demand sessions in multiple languages
  • Family Discovery Day live sessions
  • Virtual Expo Hall access to explore exhibitors and discover the latest tools and resources in the field
  • Relatives at RootsTech, a fun interactive feature for connecting with cousins around the world (available through April 2026)

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re joining us in Salt Lake City or tuning in from home, we’d love to connect and talk all things genealogy. See you there!

RootsTech 2026 “Come Together” logo; used by permission.
Education, Family History, Genealogy, State resources, Websites

Mountain States Resources: New Mexico

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View_to_the_southwest_from_Sandia_Peak-NM
Photo by Fluzwup

Claire V. Brisson-Banks, BS, MLIS, AG®

The Sandia Mountains one can see when in Albuquerque, New Mexico are on the eastern edge of the Rio Grand Rift Valley. Click here to learn more about this set of mountains. Having lived in N.M. for a few years, the beauty of the mountains is often breath taking.

When searching for ancestors who lived here, it’s best to remember the state began recording births in 1920, yet the first ‘Spanish’ colony, San Juan, was established in 1598. Already occupied by the ‘Pueblo’ Indians, they revolted and drove out the Spanish, but, by the 1700s they reestablished control. The history provided in the FamilySearch Research wiki helps provide important dates needed when researching. The New Mexico History website also has a great section going back much further, however the sections from 1598 maybe far enough back for researchers.

In 1912, it became the 47st state in the United States. There are other records available going back to the 1600s in the manuscript resources and land grants at the State Records Center and Archives. Some of the earliest records are the Roman Catholic Church records covering 1694 to 1957 for the areas covered by the Archdioceses of Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Ancestry has some of the United Methodist Church records covering 1870-1970, includes places in Texas. FamilySearch.org has 9 collections with the earliest beginning in 1726.

There is a ‘Resident Index’ for 1790 with Ancestry and other early ‘territorial’ census records. Military records cover the major wars, plus the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War and a large collection of all the ‘forts’ located there during the various conflicts. Linkpendium adds some additional collections including oral histories, diaries, correspondence and more.

Cyndi’s List adds even more smaller collections depending on your area of research. When you combine these resources along with the vast online coverage chart and the Record Finder from FamilySearch, you’ll be able to aid your research even more.