Mesa County Genealogical Society 2026 Fall Conference
About this Event
🍂 Mesa County Genealogical Society 2026 Fall Genealogy Conference
Discover Your Roots – Where Stories Come Alive
Saturday, October 24, 2026
8:15 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Hospital Monument View Medical Plaza
Conference Rooms • West Side
Grand Junction, Colorado
Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or have been researching for decades, this conference offers a full day of inspiration, practical instruction, fresh ideas, and connection.
Come Discover What Your Family Story Has Been Waiting to Tell You.
Register Early — Space Is Limited!
Mesa County Genealogical Society
Serving the Western Slope and Beyond
Conference Admission
When you are Registering you will not have an option to say whether you are a member or not a member. Everyone will register the same and when you are checking in at the conference on the morning of October 24, we will ask non-members to pay $10 at that time.
FREE
for Mesa County Genealogical Society Members
$10
for Non-Members day of Conference at Registration
Not a member yet?
This is a great time to join!
Annual Membership
Individual: $20
Family: $25
Your membership includes: 1 Year Membership through 2027
- FREE admission to the Fall Conference
- Monthly educational programs
- First Friday Help Sessions
- DNA Sleuth Special Interest Group
- Opportunities to connect with local researchers and family historians
⭐ Our Keynote Speaker
Melissa Guziak
Genetic Counselor • Community Hospital
Same DNA, Different Answers: What Genetic Testing Is Really Telling Us
Genetic testing is more accessible than ever—but what do those results actually mean?
Melissa Guziak will explore the evolution of genetic testing and the different types of testing available today, from consumer ancestry tests to clinical and research-based sequencing.
Overview
Genetic testing is more accessible than ever, but what do the results actually mean? This presentation will trace the evolution of genetic testing technologies and explore the different types of testing available today, from ancestry kits to clinical and research-based sequencing. We will discuss what information these tests provide, where their limitations lie, and how they can be used to answer different questions. By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to understand genetic test results and evaluate their usefulness in both personal and public health contexts. We will also look ahead to future innovations and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of genetic data.
Conference Sessions
Discover how DNA, traditional genealogy, technology, and family stories can work together to reveal deeper connections, solve long-standing mysteries, and bring your family's history to life.
🧬 You've Taken a DNA Test—Now What?
Learn how to make sense of your DNA results and turn your matches into meaningful clues for your family history research.
❤️ The Emotional Life of Family Trees
Explore how family experiences, traditions, resilience, and stories can shape generations—and discover ways to preserve the human side of your family history.
🤖 Using AI in Genealogy: Practical Tools You Can Use Today
Discover practical ways Artificial Intelligence can assist with genealogy research, including transcribing historical documents, summarizing records, organizing notes, creating timelines, developing research plans, and finding new research opportunities. Learn how to use AI responsibly while recognizing its limitations.
💻 Help Me! It's in There Somewhere! Easy Computer File Organization
Have you ever saved an important genealogy document only to wonder later, "Where did I put that?" You're not alone! Learn the Golden Rule of Digital Genealogy: a file is only valuable if you can find it again. This hands-on session will teach simple methods for organizing folders, naming files, and using Windows File Explorer so your genealogy records stay organized, accessible, and easy to locate. These skills will save you time, reduce frustration, and keep your family history research on track.
*There is No Early Registration for this Workshop - Registration will be Day of Conference.
⭐ Our Closing Speaker
Zebulon Miracle
CEO of Roice-Hurst Humane Society
Discovering Family History Through Maps
Overview
Discover how historical maps can help uncover where our
ancestors lived, how communities developed, and how
landscapes have changed over time.
Zebulon Miracle is a Grand Junction native whose career has centered on western Colorado’s history, culture, community organizations, and nonprofit work. After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in history and anthropology, he returned to western Colorado and began working with the Museum of Western Colorado, where he held several positions, including Curator of Anthropology, Collections Manager, and Curator of Cross Orchards Historic Site. His work there involved helping people connect with the region's history and heritage, and he became known for sharing the stories of the American Southwest through tours, educational programs, and historical interpretation.
Discover New Stories. Solve Old Mysteries. Connect With Fellow Genealogists.
Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or have been researching for decades, this conference offers a full day of inspiration, practical instruction, fresh ideas, and connection.
You'll Leave With:
✔ Practical genealogy techniques you can use immediately
✔ New online research tools and hidden resources
✔ Strategies for breaking through genealogy "brick walls"
✔ New ideas for using DNA and AI in your research
✔ Fresh inspiration for preserving your family's stories
✔ A better understanding of today's genealogy tools and technology
✔ New connections and friendships with fellow family historians
Discover Your Roots – Where Stories Come Alive
Saturday, October 24, 2026
8:15 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Hospital Monument View Medical Plaza
Conference Rooms • West Side
Grand Junction, Colorado
Agenda
🕑: 08:15 AM - 03:00 PM
Discover Your Roots – Where Stories Come Alive
🕑: 08:15 AM - 08:45 AM
Registration - Lobby Area
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Mesa County Genealogical Society President Welcomes Attendees
Info: Allan Weinand will be giving an Introduction to the Day
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Speaker
Host: Melissa Guziak
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session I
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch Break- On Your Own
🕑: 12:15 AM - 01:15 PM
Session II
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Break & Move
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Closing Speaker - Zebulon Miracle "Discovering Family History Through Maps"
Untitled agenda
🕑: 08:15 AM - 03:00 PM
Discover Your Roots – Where Stories Come Alive
🕑: 08:15 AM - 08:45 AM
Registration
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Mesa County Genalogical Society President will Welcome all attendees
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Speaker - Melissa Guziak
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session I - Choose 1 Topic
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 AM
Lunch Break
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
