Ancestry Search and Trees: Confusion to Confidence - September 2026
September 16, 2026 3PM - 6PM ET
Unlock the full power of Ancestry
Ancestry is the go-to tool for family historians, boasting over 71 billion global records and cutting-edge DNA testing. But are you truly maximizing your subscription?
Most users only scratch the surface. This course dives deep into Ancestry’s advanced record collections and family tree tools, taking you far beyond casual searches. Join us to unlock expert tips, break through research brick walls, and get the full value of your membership.
This live, three-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Gena Philibert-Ortega you’ll benefit from:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
- Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
- PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Ancestry Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE!
Q&A: Get your questions answered during the live session and through our exclusive online forum for one week, ensuring all your questions are answered and you receive personalized guidance as you apply what you've learned.
What You’ll Learn
- Master Advanced Search: Move beyond basic queries to run precise, exhaustive searches that get results.
- Uncover Hidden Records: Locate buried or lesser-known record sets that standard searches often miss.
- Build an Accurate Family Tree: Create a complete, high-quality tree backed by proper source citations.
- Troubleshoot & Fix Errors: Learn how to easily spot and correct mistakes in your existing tree.
By the end of this course you'll be able to:
- Navigate the Platform Like a Pro: Confidently search the Card Catalog and utilize Ancestry's various search engines for targeted results.
- Build & Manage Your Tree: Effectively start a family tree, manage your privacy settings, and accurately evaluate and accept hints.
-
Ensure Research Quality: Add proper source citations to back up your findings and easily correct mistakes in your tree.
Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert

Gena Philibert-Ortega holds a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s degree in Religion. Presenting on various subjects involving genealogy, women’s studies, and social history, Gena has spoken to groups throughout the United States and virtually to audiences worldwide. Gena is the author of hundreds of articles published online and in print. Her books include Cemeteries of the Eastern Sierra (Arcadia Publishing, 2007) and From the Family Kitchen (F+W Media, 2012). Her current research interests include social history, community cookbooks, signature quilts, and researching women’s lives
September 16, 2026 3PM - 6PM ET
Unlock the full power of Ancestry
Ancestry is the go-to tool for family historians, boasting over 71 billion global records and cutting-edge DNA testing. But are you truly maximizing your subscription?
Most users only scratch the surface. This course dives deep into Ancestry’s advanced record collections and family tree tools, taking you far beyond casual searches. Join us to unlock expert tips, break through research brick walls, and get the full value of your membership.
This live, three-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Gena Philibert-Ortega you’ll benefit from:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
- Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
- PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Ancestry Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE!
Q&A: Get your questions answered during the live session and through our exclusive online forum for one week, ensuring all your questions are answered and you receive personalized guidance as you apply what you've learned.
What You’ll Learn
- Master Advanced Search: Move beyond basic queries to run precise, exhaustive searches that get results.
- Uncover Hidden Records: Locate buried or lesser-known record sets that standard searches often miss.
- Build an Accurate Family Tree: Create a complete, high-quality tree backed by proper source citations.
- Troubleshoot & Fix Errors: Learn how to easily spot and correct mistakes in your existing tree.
By the end of this course you'll be able to:
- Navigate the Platform Like a Pro: Confidently search the Card Catalog and utilize Ancestry's various search engines for targeted results.
- Build & Manage Your Tree: Effectively start a family tree, manage your privacy settings, and accurately evaluate and accept hints.
-
Ensure Research Quality: Add proper source citations to back up your findings and easily correct mistakes in your tree.
Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert

Gena Philibert-Ortega holds a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s degree in Religion. Presenting on various subjects involving genealogy, women’s studies, and social history, Gena has spoken to groups throughout the United States and virtually to audiences worldwide. Gena is the author of hundreds of articles published online and in print. Her books include Cemeteries of the Eastern Sierra (Arcadia Publishing, 2007) and From the Family Kitchen (F+W Media, 2012). Her current research interests include social history, community cookbooks, signature quilts, and researching women’s lives