Genealogy Quest 2026
September 17 - 19 | Willard Public Library
Register for Free at the bottom of the page
Willard Public Library is thrilled to present Genealogy Quest, the annual conference for genealogy enthusiasts, seasoned researchers, and beginners alike. Join us from September 17-19, 2026, to explore the fascinating world of family research and uncover your ancestral roots.
This year's theme is: From Family Lore to Historical Proof: Building Better Genealogy Through Records, Research, and Discovery
Event Highlights:
- Renowned Speakers: Attendees will benefit from the expertise of distinguished speakers Kate Townsend and Mary Kircher Roddy, who will cover topics such as using DNA to find your family and AI's potential in genealogy.
- Local Experts: Gain valuable insights from local experts who will be available for research assistance on Saturday afternoon.
- Convenient Dining: Enjoy food trucks from the local area, offering delicious meals, snacks, and refreshments without leaving the library premises.
- Cookout: Relax and get to know other genealogists at our cookout on Saturday afternoon. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in genealogy, connect with fellow researchers, and discover new ways to uncover your family’s history.
Join the conversation and the Willard Public Library Genealogy Facebook Group.
If you enjoy our Genealogy conference at Willard Public Library, please consider making a donation at: https://www.willardlib.org/donate
Food Truck Schedule:
- Food Truck Vendors will be set up on the parking lot's pavement outside the event entrance, or the Gallery.
- Available daily will be two food trucks serving up main dishes or breakfast options along with a dedicated dessert truck all available to purchase at your convenience!
Speakers
Kate is a former professional investigator turned genealogist who specializes in Pennsylvania research. She is the owner of Family History Investigations LLC, where she helps clients uncover, document, and understand their family stories. She has held the Certified Genealogist® credential since February 2024.
Kate is a frequent national and regional speaker, presenting for genealogical societies, libraries, and conferences, including the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Family History Conference, New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, and RootsTech. She has served on the faculty and as co-course coordinator for the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh and has contributed research for the PBS television series Finding Your Roots.
Mary Kircher Roddy, CG®, CGG, is also a Certified Public Accountant. She lectures in Washington State and across the US, and is a regular presenter for LegacyFamilyTree Webinars. She has written for The National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Internet Genealogy, NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, and Family Chronicle Magazine, and numerous society publications. Mary served as Treasurer for the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She is co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. You can read more about her at MKR Genealogy – www.mkrgenealogy.com
Stephen P. Van Bibber, is an Evansville native. He trained as an architectural technician, but later earned a BA in German and French, and an MA in Applied Linguistics. Among other places, he lived in Germany for 4 years, where he worked for an engineering firm, and in Austria for 8 years, where he taught English at a university of applied sciences.
He began researching his own German ancestry in the mid-1970s. His interest has since broadened to include the history of German-speaking immigrants in general, with special emphasis on those who settled in southwest Indiana.
He is experienced in working with and translating records written in German and several other languages and holds a PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies) with a specialization in German and American records research.
Vickie Fields (MLIS) is the Special Collections Librarian at Willard. Prior to working at Willard, she homeschooled her 5 children for 23 years, and traveled to conventions where she assisted other homeschool families. She has worked in the genealogy department for nine years, and loves helping library patrons with their research.
Stan Schmitt was born in Evansville but grew up outside of New York City. A Central High School alum, he graduated from Indiana University with a history degree. He is a title searcher, spending hours researching records in court houses. Stan is in his third term as Vanderburgh County Historian, and has worked in Special Collections at Willard Library for 14 years. Over the years he has done many historic tours and programs, written numerous articles and have been interviewed on TV and radio. He has numerous ongoing research projects and continues to collect historic artifacts.