Meeting Schedule

Morris Area Genealogy Society meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month, from September through May, at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany, NJ. Refreshments are served at 6:30; the program begins at 7:00. (Directions to the Library)
A list of our past monthly programs, since the startup of MAGS in 1988 through 2013, can be found here.
In addition to its regular meetings, MAGS also sponsors Special Interest Groups.

2019 - 2020 MEETING SCHEDULE

3 Sept 2019

My DNA Journey: Using DNA Companies to Discover my Father's Real Biological Father : Jim Gunnis

Learn how Jim and his siblings unraveled this family mystery and properly identified his grandfather with the help of today’s DNA testing and matching services. As a hint: A similar methodology was used as the headlining news stories of Law Enforcement cracking cold cases using DNA.

1 Oct 2019

Cemetery Research in Genealogy: Mark A. J. Szep

aka Dead and Buried in the Garden State

Throughout a person’s life they leave a trail of records behind including when they die. These records can be an invaluable resource to the genealogist trying to discover new information on their ancestors. This lecture will explore New Jersey death and burial records with a focus on what records are available, where to find the records and how to analyze the information they contain.

Mark A. J. Szep is from Bloomfield, NJ. A professional genealogist (www.DiscoverURhistory.com), he is a member of Association of Professional Genealogists, GSNJ, NGS and a member of the Bloomfield Twp Historical Preservation Commission. His areas of interest include Eastern Europe, Germany, Ireland, and New York and New Jersey.

5 Nov 2019

FamilySearch.org - Helps & Hacks: Martha Corson
Free family history site FamilySearch.org offers access to over 2 billion images, plus books. But, all we are looking for are the ones pertaining to our ancestors. How can we find those records? There are good ways and better ways to search databases. We don’t have to be intimidated by the prospect of searching 13 million “browsable” images for one probate docket. The catalog provides surprising enlightenment to the discerning eye. We can even bend our mental footsteps to the portals of the FamilySearch Digital Library! Let’s learn more!

Martha Corson started researching family history in the 1970’s, when microfilm and books were the great resources. After a thirty-year break to rear 5 children, she came back-- to a brave new world of digital technology. Deeply immersed in genealogical research as a family history consultant, she also moderates the Beginners & Beyond Special Interest Group and serves as editor of the MAGS newsletter.

NOTE: This meeting ONLY will be held at the Washington Township Public Library, not the Morris County Library. See the Washington Township Public Library website for their contact information at https://wtpl.org/.
They are located at 37 E. Springtown Road, Long Valley, NJ.
This is a joint meeting with MAGS and the Washington Township Public Library - Family Roots & Shoots Genealogy Interest Group.

3 Dec 2019

Annual Holiday Party. Members Only
Come share in the fun! We’ll hear stories from members and draw for turns at the gift exchange table. If you can, please bring a treat to eat/share and an item to give away at the “gift exchange.” Such items may be items potentially of interest to a genealogist— books that you’re finished with, genealogical periodicals, reference CDs, etc.

7 Jan 2020

Military Records in Fold3: Colonel Steve Ward
Colonel Steve Ward, a retired Marine, will take you on a tour around the Fold3 website.

Steve Ward had thirty-one years of active duty as a Marine artilleryman. His Dad was a career Navy Chief Petty Officer. Genealogy became Steve’s favorite hobby, eight years ago. So, he has family and career military experience and a genealogy avocation. Steve is an active member of the Washington Township Genealogy Group, Roots & Shoots. He regularly helps club members navigate on Fold3.

Behind the Census: Ruth Daniels
We've all used the census in our pursuit of our family history. this evening Ruth will take you behind the scenes of the US census.

Ruth Daniels, President of MAGS 2017-2019, is the current Special Interest Groups coordinator, and the Computer Genealogy and Family History Writing SIG leader. She has been working on her genealogy since her high school French teacher introduced their class to the fascinating pursuit of family history.

4 Feb 2020

National Archives: Christopher Zarr
Christopher Zarr will provide a general introduction to materials available at NARA New York, He will discuss materials that have been added in the past couple of years, and the interaction between the Archives and researchers. He will also recommend the best hours to visit, and have suggestions to aid in preparation for a visit to NARA.

Christopher Zarr is the Education Specialist for the National Archives at New York City. For more than 10 years, he has worked with teachers, students, and the public uncover the rich primary sources of the National Archives. He has given presentations on genealogical topics across the tri-state area.

3 Mar 2020

Researching Your Ancestor's Locality: Michelle Chubenko

7 Apr 2019

Connecting and Celebrating with Your Cousins: Mary Jo Solomon

5 May 2020

Family Heirloom and the Discovery of an Unknown Line: Michael Schwartz

There are generally no meetings in June, July and August.