WCGS SPONSORS FREE SEMINAR
Featuring Professional Genealogist and WCGS member Jill Nock
Saturday, April 18, 9 AM – 12 Noon
Bishop Place Independent Living Social Room
815 SE Klemgard St., Pullman, WA
Jill Nock, AG®, is a professional genealogist accredited through ICAPGen℠ in the U.S. Upper South with nearly five decades of research experience. She operates Mountain State Genealogy and also subcontracts with Family Locket Genealogists. A graduate of ProGen59, she has completed advanced training at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in Advanced DNA Evidence, Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy, and Tools & Strategies for Tackling Tough Research Problems.
A former Level 1 Mentor for ICAPGen℠ study groups, Jill has helped genealogists develop professional skills and meet accreditation standards. Her expertise combines traditional record analysis with advanced DNA interpretation, specializing in transforming complex research findings into clear, professionally written reports.
9 AM—Doors open. 9:30-10:30—Topic #1. 10:30-10:45—Break. 10:45-11:45—Topic #2.
SEMINAR TOPICS
“Reading Between the Lines: What to Look For in Probate Records” (Beginner to Intermediate)
Description: This practical session teaches genealogists how to recognize family dramas, relationships, and circumstances hidden in probate records beyond basic name and date extraction. Using compelling real case studies, attendees learn systematic approaches for identifying language patterns, property distributions, and timing clues that reveal untold family stories. The presentation demonstrates how small variations from standard legal language often indicate the most significant family events and relationships.
“Learning to Think Like a Genealogical Detective” (Advanced Beginner to Intermediate)
Description: When key records are missing, genealogy doesn’t stop—it shifts into detective mode. This presentation introduces a practical, step-by-step approach to solving family history mysteries using indirect evidence, pattern recognition, and the FAN Club (Family, Associates, and Neighbors) strategy. Through a real-life case study, attendees will learn how to connect clues across records and build confident conclusions even when direct answers don’t exist.
Each topic will be 45 minutes in length with a Q and A time at the end of each and a break in between. To accommodate handouts and refreshments please RSVP to whitmancgs@gmail.com or text/call WCGS President Sue Kreikemeier at 509-595-3307. Drop-ins welcome.