Events

Arnold, Jill:
One of the Archivists frequently helping researchers in the Reading Room, Jill Arnold is a Digital Engagement Archivist with the Archives of Michigan. She works to engage a variety of audiences with Seeking Michigan (seekingmichigan.org), the online platform of the Archives of Michigan. Jill earned a Master of Science in Information with a specialization of Library & Information Science as well as Archives & Records Management from the University of Michigan.

Earl, Daniel:
Daniel’s interest in genealogy was sparked at age 10 when his dad took him to visit the grave of his great-grandfather. Daniel has a Master’s degree in Psychology, serves as the Vice-President of the Michigan Genealogical Council, Vice-President of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society and is the President of the Hungarian Genealogical Society of Michigan. He has spoken across the US and Canada sharing his humor and insights with groups from 2 to 200.

Jackson, James:
Interested in genealogy and local history since the mid-1970’s, Jim has served as President of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, Oakland County Genealogical Society, and Calhoun County Genealogical Society. He has been the index editor of the DSGR Magazine since 1994 and is the Past-Camp Commander for Camp 22 (Marshall, MI) of the Sons of Union Veterans.

Koselka, Thomas:
Tom has been researching his family history for over twenty-five years. Tom is currently the President of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research and Past-President of the Michigan Genealogical Council and the Dearborn Genealogical Society and serves as a board member, mentor, and advisor to several genealogical societies. He is retired from Dearborn Music and lives in Westland with his wife, Valerie.

Lambert, David Allen:
David Lambert has been on the staff of the New England Historic Genealogical Society since 1993 and is the organization’s Chief Genealogist. David is an internationally recognized speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. His genealogical expertise includes New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American genealogical research in New England. Lambert has published many articles in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the New Hampshire Genealogical Record, Rhode Island Roots, The Mayflower Descendant, and American Ancestors magazine. He has also published A Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries (NEHGS, 2009). David is an elected Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, Mass., and a life member of the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati. He is also the tribal genealogist for the Massachuset-Punkapoag Indians of Massachusetts.

Rzepczynski, Kris:
A Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, where he specializes in family history and Michigan research, Kris has worked in the genealogical community for nearly 20 years. He is a former Vice-President of Membership for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a Past-President of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society.

Sims, Dr. James:
A trained professional scientist, Dr. James Sims has more than 20 years of experience as an amateur genealogist working mostly in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states from the British colonial period to the 20th century. He has more than 15 years of experience in genetic genealogy, and currently serves as the volunteer administrator of the Symes DNA project, which is associated with the Family Tree DNA testing company.

Trotter, Jessica:
Jessica Trotter holds a Master of Science in Information, Archives and Records Management Specialization from the University of Michigan—but actually works as a Selection Specialist at Capital Area District Libraries in Mid-Michigan. Her genealogy research areas include African American, British Isles, Canadian, and Early American research. She also maintains a genealogy research related blog called Genie Roadtrip (genieroadtrip.wordpress.com).

Welch, Annakathryn:
Annakathryn is an Assistant Archivist at the Archives of Michigan where she handles reference inquiries, processes reproduction and permissions requests and works on digitization projects. She is currently a graduate student in the MLIS program at Wayne State University where she is specializing in Archival Administration.

Willson, Katherine:
Katherine serves as the President of the Michigan Genealogical Council and the Virtual Genealogical Society-Michigan Chapter, Vice President of the Ford Genealogy Club, Director for the Washtenaw County Genealogical Society, Corresponding Secretary for the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, and one of the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Genealogists.