I'd love to speak to your
association or group!
association or group!
I am a teacher at heart. My presentations reflect this, bringing together the methodologies of genealogy with the strategies of a teacher (plus enthusiasm!). I have experience researching and lecturing on several Mexican and U.S. research subjects.
See below for my calendar of lectures and events for 2025.
Topics
México
*NEW* Full-Day Seminar on Mexican Genealogy: This full-day seminar is comprised of multiple interactive lectures, each with supplemental material (handout and/or in-class activity). Participants will gain fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to begin (or continue) research of their Mexican ancestors. The following lectures, adapted for the full-day seminar, are included: Introduction to Mexican Genealogy, Key U.S. Records for Mexican Research, Mexican Civil Registration: A Deep Dive, Sacred Archives: An Exploration of Mexican Catholic Church Records, Beyond Civil and Church Records: Digging Deeper into Mexican Research, and one Case Study.
Introduction to Mexican Genealogy Research [Beginner] This lecture offers an introduction into important foundational concepts in Mexican genealogy research (names, jurisdictions and governmental entities, language resources, etc.), as well as an overview of the abundant church and civil records available online.
Key U.S. Records for Mexican Research [All Levels] An overview of U.S. records from the 19th and 20th century that contain information about Mexican immigrants, as well as tips for finding clues for tracing them to their origins in Mexico.
Mexican Civil Registration: A Deep Dive [Beginner] Mexican Civil Registration began in the 1860s. Since that time, these vital records have offered researchers an excellent resource for tracing ancestry in México. Learn about their history, what information you will find in these records, as well as where to find them.
Sacred Archives: An Exploration of Mexican Catholic Church Records [Beginner] From the colonial period to the 20th century, parish sacramental records represent a treasure trove of genealogical information for family history researchers. In this presentation we will review the historical and legal context of these records, as well as practices for analyzing them to advance your research.
Newspapers in México [All Levels] Did you know that there are hundreds of Mexican newspapers available in an online searchable database dating back to the 18th century? Learn tips and tricks for adding the Hemeroteca Nacional Digital de México (HNDM) to your list of sources for Mexican research, as well as a few other online collections of newspapers from México.
Beyond Civil and Church Records: Digging Deeper into Mexican Research [Intermediate] Catholic parish records and Mexican civil registration records are incredibly rich in genealogical information - and extend back well into the 16th century. But there are still more records to uncover in Mexican research! In this lecture, we will explore many of these other sources, from original records to indexes and published works.
Tracing Your Ancestors Through Revolutionary México [Intermediate] Listen to the story of Atala Apodaca Anaya and her achievements as a female revolutionary during the early 20th century, as well as those of other lesser known figures from the Revolución Mexicana. Learn about sources and methodologies for tracing your own ancestors in revolutionary Mexico.
Mexican Land Reform and the Ejido: History and Records [Intermediate/Advanced] 74 million acres of land were distributed by the Mexican government from 1916-1945. Learn about the history and associated records to enhance your Mexican research.
Case Study (see options below) [Intermediate] Pursuing a new ancestor? Hammering on another brick wall? Applying the techniques and practices of professional genealogy to your own family history can transform your research. In this session, we will review the fundamental (and powerful) methodologies of researching planning and analysis through the case of [insert case study description here!].
Introduction to Mexican Genealogy Research [Beginner] This lecture offers an introduction into important foundational concepts in Mexican genealogy research (names, jurisdictions and governmental entities, language resources, etc.), as well as an overview of the abundant church and civil records available online.
Key U.S. Records for Mexican Research [All Levels] An overview of U.S. records from the 19th and 20th century that contain information about Mexican immigrants, as well as tips for finding clues for tracing them to their origins in Mexico.
Mexican Civil Registration: A Deep Dive [Beginner] Mexican Civil Registration began in the 1860s. Since that time, these vital records have offered researchers an excellent resource for tracing ancestry in México. Learn about their history, what information you will find in these records, as well as where to find them.
Sacred Archives: An Exploration of Mexican Catholic Church Records [Beginner] From the colonial period to the 20th century, parish sacramental records represent a treasure trove of genealogical information for family history researchers. In this presentation we will review the historical and legal context of these records, as well as practices for analyzing them to advance your research.
Newspapers in México [All Levels] Did you know that there are hundreds of Mexican newspapers available in an online searchable database dating back to the 18th century? Learn tips and tricks for adding the Hemeroteca Nacional Digital de México (HNDM) to your list of sources for Mexican research, as well as a few other online collections of newspapers from México.
Beyond Civil and Church Records: Digging Deeper into Mexican Research [Intermediate] Catholic parish records and Mexican civil registration records are incredibly rich in genealogical information - and extend back well into the 16th century. But there are still more records to uncover in Mexican research! In this lecture, we will explore many of these other sources, from original records to indexes and published works.
Tracing Your Ancestors Through Revolutionary México [Intermediate] Listen to the story of Atala Apodaca Anaya and her achievements as a female revolutionary during the early 20th century, as well as those of other lesser known figures from the Revolución Mexicana. Learn about sources and methodologies for tracing your own ancestors in revolutionary Mexico.
Mexican Land Reform and the Ejido: History and Records [Intermediate/Advanced] 74 million acres of land were distributed by the Mexican government from 1916-1945. Learn about the history and associated records to enhance your Mexican research.
Case Study (see options below) [Intermediate] Pursuing a new ancestor? Hammering on another brick wall? Applying the techniques and practices of professional genealogy to your own family history can transform your research. In this session, we will review the fundamental (and powerful) methodologies of researching planning and analysis through the case of [insert case study description here!].
- Reconstructing Their Lives: The Quesada Family in Los Altos de Jalisco Let's reconstruct the story of the Quesada family over multiple generations; uses Catholic church records (including marriage dispensations), Mexican civil registration, and newspapers.
- Did I Marry an Axe Murderer?: A Story of Juan Corona Confirming relationship with indirect evidence; uses U.S. immigration, Mexican civil registration, census, and Catholic church records.
- Chasing a Revolutionary: The Identity of Ramón Treviño Confirm the identity of Mexican revolutionary Ramón Treviño using U.S. census records, federal correctional records, Mexican Catholic church records, and the published transcriptions of Mexican consulate records.
United States & General Genealogy
Finding Margaret: An African American Pioneer in her Final Years [All Levels] Margaret Robinson and her husband Albert were pioneers and entrepreneurs in the gold-mining town of Julian, California at the turn of the 20th century. In this presentation, we unravel a decades-old mystery about Margaret's final years, using genealogical research methods and a variety of sources.
Location, Location, Location: Land Records Matter [Intermediate] Genealogy often feels like time travel - and what is travel without an understanding of the place? A study of the land? This presentation provides context for the value of land records in genealogical research, as well as the historical background of land acquisition and distribution in the United States. Woven throughout the presentation are examples of land records and repositories helpful to research in the U.S.
Researching Alta California Ancestors [All Levels] Did you know there are many historical records with great genealogical value to explore right here in Southern California? In this lecture, we will review key records and repositories that are local to San Diego, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. We will also cover important historical events and context to help identify additional resources for your research.
Researching Your Immigrant Ancestors [Beginning/Intermediate] You know they started somewhere else. You know it wasn't all that long ago. But, how do you find the records that tell the immigration story of your ancestors? In this presentation, we will review a brief history of immigration laws (and processes and patterns) in the U.S., where the records can be found today, as well as tips for applying this in your own research.
Your Personal Tour: Creating a Locality Guide [All Levels] Research in a new place often requires compiling a whole new list of repositories and sources to consult - and research in the same place over and over is best served when you have an organized list of where to look. In this session, we look at information to compile in a locality guide and approaches to formatting and organization.
Case Study (see options below) [Intermediate] Pursuing a new ancestor? Hammering on another brick wall? Applying the techniques and practices of professional genealogy to your own family history can transform your research. In this session, we will review the fundamental (and powerful) methodologies of researching planning and analysis through the case of [insert case study description here!].
Location, Location, Location: Land Records Matter [Intermediate] Genealogy often feels like time travel - and what is travel without an understanding of the place? A study of the land? This presentation provides context for the value of land records in genealogical research, as well as the historical background of land acquisition and distribution in the United States. Woven throughout the presentation are examples of land records and repositories helpful to research in the U.S.
Researching Alta California Ancestors [All Levels] Did you know there are many historical records with great genealogical value to explore right here in Southern California? In this lecture, we will review key records and repositories that are local to San Diego, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. We will also cover important historical events and context to help identify additional resources for your research.
Researching Your Immigrant Ancestors [Beginning/Intermediate] You know they started somewhere else. You know it wasn't all that long ago. But, how do you find the records that tell the immigration story of your ancestors? In this presentation, we will review a brief history of immigration laws (and processes and patterns) in the U.S., where the records can be found today, as well as tips for applying this in your own research.
Your Personal Tour: Creating a Locality Guide [All Levels] Research in a new place often requires compiling a whole new list of repositories and sources to consult - and research in the same place over and over is best served when you have an organized list of where to look. In this session, we look at information to compile in a locality guide and approaches to formatting and organization.
Case Study (see options below) [Intermediate] Pursuing a new ancestor? Hammering on another brick wall? Applying the techniques and practices of professional genealogy to your own family history can transform your research. In this session, we will review the fundamental (and powerful) methodologies of researching planning and analysis through the case of [insert case study description here!].
- Joy, Loss and Perseverance: The Story of an American Woman Uncovering a story with an abundance and variety of records; uses U.S. census records, land records, newspapers and more.
- Did I Marry an Axe Murderer?: A Story of Juan Corona Confirming relationship with indirect evidence; uses U.S. immigration, Mexican civil registration, census, and Catholic church records.
- Chasing a Revolutionary: The Identity of Ramón Treviño: In this session, we will use indirect evidence to confirm the identity of an elusive ancestor. Examples of records consulted will include U.S. census, federal correctional records (NARA), vital records, FBI case files, published transcriptions, and more.
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Check out my library of lectures on Legacy Family Tree Webinars! A subscription grants you access to nearly 2,500 webinars.
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Events in 2025
All times in PST
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Las Californias: Alta, Baja, and Beyond
Legacy Family Tree Webinars Friday, January 17 at 11:00am (Virtual) Full-Day Seminar: Mexican Genealogy Research Genealogical Society of Stanislaus County Telle Center 1600 Carver Rd Modesto, CA Saturday, March 29 Do Yourself a Favor: Create a Locality Guide North San Diego County Genealogical Society City of Carlsbad Faraday Administration Bldg Rm 173B Tuesday April 22 at 9:00am (Hybrid) Unlock the Stories of Your Ancestors: An Introduction to Genealogy Research OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) California State University San Marcos Wednesday, June 25 at 1:00pm (Hybrid) |
Introduction to Mexican Genealogy
Chula Vista Genealogical Society Wednesday July 30 at 12:00pm (Virtual) Newspapers in México Sacramento Public Library Saturday August 23 at 1:00pm (Virtual) Genealogical Research Methodology South Orange County Genealogical Society 27976 Marguerite Pkwy Mission Viejo, CA September 20 at 10:00am University Archives in México: Manuscripts, Photos, and Theses, Oh My! Legacy Family Tree Webinars Friday, November 21 at 11:00am (Virtual) |
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As a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, I am committed to providing high-quality educational presentations that meet your needs. |
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Copyright © 2020-2025 Lisa Medina Genealogist & Family Historian