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Conference, Family History, Genealogy, ICAPGen, Professionals

Accredited Genealogist® Professionals to Speak at NGS

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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

NameTalkTime
Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG, AGLTH06 – Beneath the Stones: Genealogical Strategies for Documenting Veterans in National Cemeteries9:45 am
Alice Childs, AGTH13 – Records in Motion: Tracing Mid-Atlantic Migration Through the American Story11:15 am
Jennifer Zinck, CG, CGL, AG, AGLTH10 – Impact of the 2024 Model Vital Statistics Act on Genealogists’ Access to Vital Records11:15 am
Carolyn Ladd, CG, AGTH15 – A Case Study in Land, Migration and Family Connection: Section 18 of Jackson Township, Fayette County, Indiana2:30 pm
Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGSTH20a – More Jobs in Genealogy: Family History Research2:30 pm
Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGSTH20 – Day in the Life of a Professional Genealogist2:30 pm
Jennifer Zink, CG, CGL, AG, AGLTH16 – Hidden Histories: Extraordinary Insights from Ordinary Records2:30 pm
Lisa Stokes, AG & Karen Kowallis, AGTH23 – Your Path to Accreditation: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional4:00 pm
Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGSPanel Discussion: More Jobs in Genealogy4:30 pm

FRIDAY, 29 May 2026

NameTalkTime
Carolyn Ladd, CG, AGFR09 – African-Americans in Indiana Before the Civil War: Peter Ladd of Cabin Creek in Randolph County9:30 am
Lisa Stokes, AGFR07 – Lives in the Listings: Unlocking Family Stories in City Directories9:30 am
Jennifer Zinck, CG, CGL, AG, AGLFR12 – Spot the Impossible Ancestor: Red Flags in Genealogy10:05 am
Diana Elder, AG, AGLFR14 – Reconstructing Female Networks Through Antebellum Court Records and Property Transfers11:00 am
Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG, AGLFR20 – Catholic Funeral Cards as Genealogical Evidence11:35 am
Michael Strauss, MA, AG, AGLFR26 – From Contraband to Soldiers: African-Americans in the Civil War2:30 pm

SATURDAY, 30 May 2026

NameTalkTime
Sarah Day, AGSA05 – Unlocking the Past: A Genealogy Escape Room Experience8:00 am
David Rencher, CG, AG, FUGA, FIGRS, FNGSSA09 – Military Veteran Bounty Landy Records Digitization Project9:30 am
Debbie Gurtler, AGUsing the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively2:30 pm
Diana Elder, AG, AGLSA28 – Uncovering Family Stories Through American Court Records4:00 pm
Peggy Lauritzen, AG, AGL, FOGSSA29 – “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” The Underground Railroad4:00 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. 

Accreditation, Application process, Education, Family History, Four Generation Project, Genealogical Writing, Genealogy, ICAPGen, Skillbuilding, Study Groups, Testing

2026 ICAPGen℠ Study Groups: Join us and Get Help Preparing for the Accredited Genealogist® Credentialing Process

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Upcoming 2026 deadlines for ICAPGen℠ Study Groups.

ICAPGen Study Groups are a great option to add in preparing for the credentialing process. Study Group leaders are experienced AG® professionals equipped to help you understand, improve, and ultimately succeed.

Summer 2026 Four Generation Study Group, application deadline 1 June 2026

This group meets over Zoom seven times over four months.
Participants receive feedback and targeted help with their Four Generation Project.

Applicants must have chosen an accreditation region and through their experience researching in the region, have most of their research completed for all generations of their Four Generation Project. Bring your most challenging generation to the group to receive feedback with the broadest relevance.

Fall 2026 Test Prep Study Group, application deadline 1 September 2026

This group meets over Zoom every other week for a total of nine weeks. Applicants must have successfully passed the Four Generation Project –OR- completed a Four Generation Study Group AND submitted your project.

Winter 2027 Four Generation Study Group, application deadline 1 November 2026

This group meets over Zoom seven times over four months.
Participants receive feedback and targeted help with their Four Generation Project.

Applicants must have chosen an accreditation region and through their experience researching in the region, have most of their research completed for all generations of their Four Generation Project. Bring your most challenging generation to the group to receive feedback with the broadest relevance.

Assess your readiness to participate in a Study Group

Email us for information to help you decide when you’re ready. Make your request and submit your application early to allow time for a potential readiness assignment and feedback.

For more details or to apply, visit the Study Groups webpage or email studygroup@ICAPGen.org for more information.

About the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGenSM)
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.