The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGenSM) is proud that twelve Accredited Genealogist® professionals will speak at the upcoming National Genealogical Society Family History Conference 2026. Their presentations showcase the breadth of expertise within the AG® community, covering topics such as migration, military research, court records, methodology, accreditation, religious records, African American research, land studies, and historical interpretation. From hands-on learning to advanced case studies, these sessions highlight the depth of scholarship, teaching, and professional experience that AG professionals bring to the genealogy community. Attendees will find AG speakers presenting throughout the conference, 28–30 May 2026.
AG Professionals Speaking at NGS 2026
- Alice Childs, AG®
- Sarah Day, AG®
- Diana Elder, AG®, AGL™
- Debbie Gurtler, AG®
- Karen Kowallis, AG®
- Carolyn Ladd, CG®, AG®
- Peggy Lauritzen, AG®, AGL™, FOGS
- David Rencher, CG®, AG®, FUGA, FIGRS, FNGS
- Lisa Stokes, AG®
- Michael Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™
- Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG®, AGL™
- Jennifer Zinck, CG®, CGL®, AG®, AGL™
Here’s the lineup:
THURSDAY, 28 May 2026
| Name | Talk | Time (EDT) |
| Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG, AGL | TH06 – Beneath the Stones: Genealogical Strategies for Documenting Veterans in National Cemeteries | 9:45 am |
| Alice Childs, AG | TH13 – Records in Motion: Tracing Mid-Atlantic Migration Through the American Story | 11:15 am |
| Jennifer Zinck, CG, CGL, AG, AGL | TH10 – Impact of the 2024 Model Vital Statistics Act on Genealogists’ Access to Vital Records | 11:15 am |
| Carolyn Ladd, CG, AG | TH15 – A Case Study in Land, Migration and Family Connection: Section 18 of Jackson Township, Fayette County, Indiana | 2:30 pm |
| Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGS | TH20a – More Jobs in Genealogy: Family History Research | 2:30 pm |
| Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGS | TH20 – Day in the Life of a Professional Genealogist | 2:30 pm |
| Jennifer Zink, CG, CGL, AG, AGL | TH16 – Hidden Histories: Extraordinary Insights from Ordinary Records | 2:30 pm |
| Lisa Stokes, AG & Karen Kowallis, AG | TH23 – Your Path to Accreditation: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional | 4:00 pm |
| Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGS | Panel Discussion: More Jobs in Genealogy | 4:30 pm |
FRIDAY, 29 May 2026
| Name | Talk | Time |
| Carolyn Ladd, CG, AG | FR09 – African-Americans in Indiana Before the Civil War: Peter Ladd of Cabin Creek in Randolph County | 9:30 am |
| Lisa Stokes, AG | FR07 – Lives in the Listings: Unlocking Family Stories in City Directories | 9:30 am |
| Jennifer Zinck, CG, CGL, AG, AGL | FR12 – Spot the Impossible Ancestor: Red Flags in Genealogy | 10:05 am |
| Diana Elder, AG, AGL | FR14 – Reconstructing Female Networks Through Antebellum Court Records and Property Transfers | 11:00 am |
| Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG, AGL | FR20 – Catholic Funeral Cards as Genealogical Evidence | 11:35 am |
| Michael Strauss, MA, AG, AGL | FR26 – From Contraband to Soldiers: African-Americans in the Civil War | 2:30 pm |
SATURDAY, 30 May 2026
| Name | Talk | Time |
| Sarah Day, AG | SA05 – Unlocking the Past: A Genealogy Escape Room Experience | 8:00 am |
| David Rencher, CG, AG, FUGA, FIGRS, FNGS | SA09 – Military Veteran Bounty Landy Records Digitization Project | 9:30 am |
| Debbie Gurtler, AG | Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively | 2:30 pm |
| Diana Elder, AG, AGL | SA28 – Uncovering Family Stories Through American Court Records | 4:00 pm |
| Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGS | SA29 – “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” The Underground Railroad | 4:00 pm |
About the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen℠)
The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) is a globally recognized credentialing organization dedicated to advancing professional excellence in genealogical research and reporting. Through rigorous written and oral examinations, ICAPGen evaluates and accredits genealogists who demonstrate depth of expertise, ethical practice, and mastery of regional research standards. Accredited Genealogist® professionals who earn ICAPGen credentials have met stringent competency benchmarks, providing clients and the public with confidence in their professional capabilities and commitment to industry best practices.
ICAPGen℠ 