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Spring Seminar 2025

From Ship to Shore: Uncovering Immigrant Origins with Rich Venezia

Saturday, March 29, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a full-day seminar led by expert genealogist Rich Venezia, where we explore the journeys our immigrant ancestors took to reach new shores. Rich’s expert guidance will equip you with the tools and insights needed to break down brick walls in your research. Whether you’re just starting out or have been tracing your family’s history for years, this seminar is your opportunity to unlock new avenues in your genealogy journey.

Sessions include:

  • Discovering Immigrant Origins
  • Alien Registration in America
  • Ship Manifests: An In-Depth Look
  • Immigration Records Roadshow

Tickets will be $40 and light refreshments and lunch will be included.

Register Now

This is an in person-only event.
If you need to cancel, please consider donating your registration fee to support the MGC Program Fund. Refunds will only be granted through March 13th, 2025.  

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Meet Our Speaker

Rich Venezia is a New Jersey native who now calls Philadelphia home. He was a member of the research team of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS) for two seasons, and also consulted on Follow Your Past (Travel Channel). He is an expert in the research of 20th-century immigrant ancestors, especially underutilized record sources and federal records. He also specializes in Italian and Irish research. Additionally, he assists clients with dual citizenship applications for Ireland and Italy, and is a proud Italian dual citizen. He lectures nationwide and spoke about "How to Grow Empathy From Uncovering Your Roots" at TEDx Pittsburgh 2017.

FAQs

  • Can I buy a ticket the day of the event?
    No, advance registration only. Midwest Genealogy Center has limited accommodations for seating and food. Our staff will not be able to accept any registrations the day of the event. Deadline for all registrations and payments is Friday, March 14th 2025 by 5:00pm CT.
  • What can/can't I bring to the event?
    You may bring all devices, laptops etc. Make sure your devices are fully charged as there will be limited outlets to plug them in.
  • Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
    No.
  • Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
    We will have a list of attendees at the facility. You won't need a ticket to enter. 
  • What is the refund policy?
    If you need to cancel, please consider donating your registration fee to support the MGC Program Fund. Refunds will only be granted through March 13th, 2025.  
  • Are you able to accommodate patrons with a disability?
    Yes. Our facility is wheelchair accessible, and we offer disabled parking. Please let us know if you need special seating.
  • Are there any special food options, or may I opt out of the lunch buffet for a reduced ticket price?
    No. The menu is set and cannot be changed. The ticket price covers more than just food and is not negotiable.
  • Where can I contact the organizer with any other questions?
    khopkins@mymcpl.org | (816)252-7228

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