Join Elissa Scalise Powell for a presentation on "PLEASE STEAL MY STUFF: SHARING TREES"
Elissa will be presenting in-person at Christ Episcopal Church.
Many people complain that online trees are unreliable – don’t let yours be among them! Discussion includes the pros and cons of online trees and of computer-resident programs. Join us and learn more about Quality, Privacy, Shareability, Longevity, and Collaboration with genealogy trees.
The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 16, 2025, in-person at Christ Episcopal Church and as a virtual meeting via Zoom.
Click HERE to attend at Christ Episcopal Church in-person.
Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist®, a western Pennsylvania researcher for over 35 years, is the charter president of the North Hills Genealogists when it was re-organized in 1990 and has been on the board ever since. She was co-director and creator of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) (2011-2023), an instructor and module creator for Boston University's Genealogical Research Certificate program (2008-2016). She taught the "Genealogy as a Profession" course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) (2007-2021). She was the mentor for ProGen Study’s first, 25th, and 50th groups and author of two chapters in the 2018 “Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice and Standards.” She was a course co-coordinator of the AG/CG Preparation Course at Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). She is a national speaker on such topics as Pennsylvania records, methodology, professional development, and society management and won the Association of Professional Genealogists 2017 Professional Achievement Award. She was a Trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists for nine years and BCG President (2012-2014). She was a Director for the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) for six years; taught genealogy courses locally for fourteen years; co-edited the North Hills Genealogists cemetery book series, appeared on the PBS-TV show Ancestors2 cemetery episode and on the Travel Channel’s Dead Files in 2015 (“The Instigator”) and 2019 (“Devil’s Triangle”). She is past-President of two Pittsburgh area societies.
Saturday, June 21
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
Wednesday, June 25
Virtual Pennsylvania Research SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Virtual PA Research Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses on Pennsylvania resources and genealogical topics during each meeting. Throughout the year, we will discuss resources in genealogical and historical societies, land patents and original land ownership, county resources, Revolutionary War in PA, church records, telling ancestors' stories, and church records.
The group is intended for members (only!) to share questions about Pennsylvania resources and genealogical problems. (If you are not yet a member of NHG, you may attend one meeting.) Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist, is leading this SIG.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
As with other NHG SIGs and program meetings, it will not be recorded.
Remember to look for updates in our newsletters and emails from North Hills Genealogists.
British Isles SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The British Isles Special Interest Group for NHG members encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions, you may email us at BritishSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have your name added to the email list for future notifications.
You must register in advance for this meeting (click here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
German research Special Interest Group: NHG member Fred Held coordinates this SIG's activities. You can email Fred at GermanSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have him add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. This SIG meets online monthly on the third Thursday, and covers all aspects of researching your German heritage.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Join Blaine Bettinger for a presentation on "Unlocking Family Secrets with AI"
Blaine will be presenting in-person at Christ Episcopal Church.
What does the future hold for AI-assisted genealogy research? Join us for a fascinating discussion around artificial intelligence and family history, particularly around ChatGPT.
The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 16, 2025, in-person at Christ Episcopal Church and as a virtual meeting via Zoom.
Click HERE to attend at Christ Episcopal Church in-person.
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence. In 2007 he started The Genetic Genealogist (www. thegenetic genealogist.com), one of the earliest blogs on the topic. Blaine is the author of The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-author with Debbie Parker Wayne of the 2018 Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook. He also co-authored “Genetics for Genealogy” with Judy Russell in 2018’s Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards (ProGen PPS) (Elizabeth Shown Mills, editor) and was the chapter author for “Visual Phasing Methodology and Techniques” in 2019’s Advanced Genetic Genealogy:Techniques and Case Studies (Debbie Parker Wayne, Editor).
Blaine is or has been an instructor for genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research. Blaine is a graduate of ProGen Study Group 21, a trustee for the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and a member of the DNAngels Board of Directors since 2022 (President since January 2023), and a member of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) “Investigative Genetic Genealogy Working Group” since 2019. He is also the founder in 2017 of Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques, a very active Facebook group with more than 75,000 members.
Saturday, July 19
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
Tuesday, July 22
Genealogy Book Club SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Genealogy Book Club Special Interest Group meets on the 4th Tuesday every other month via zoom to discuss a book with a genealogy slant. Members are sent questions to review prior to discussing that month's book at the meeting. Book genres vary and may be non-fiction as well as fiction, including historical fiction and mysteries. Most books are available through the Carnegie Library system.
Our July selection is Paging the Dead: A Family History Mystery by Brynn Bonner.
When a professional genealogist who teaches classes in family history scrapbooking is implicated in the murder of her client, she starts her own investigation to clear her name—and avoid jail!
You may register herefor this virtual meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions, please email Info@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit. We invite you attend one Special Interest Group meeting to learn more about this SIG. You can then learn about joining NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=121
Wednesday, July 23
Virtual Pennsylvania Research SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Virtual PA Research Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses on Pennsylvania resources and genealogical topics during each meeting. Throughout the year, we will discuss resources in genealogical and historical societies, land patents and original land ownership, county resources, Revolutionary War in PA, church records, telling ancestors' stories, and church records.
The group is intended for members (only!) to share questions about Pennsylvania resources and genealogical problems. (If you are not yet a member of NHG, you may attend one meeting.) Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist, is leading this SIG.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
As with other NHG SIGs and program meetings, it will not be recorded.
Remember to look for updates in our newsletters and emails from North Hills Genealogists.
British Isles SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The British Isles Special Interest Group for NHG members encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions, you may email us at BritishSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have your name added to the email list for future notifications.
You must register in advance for this meeting (click here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
Thursday, August 21
German SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
German research Special Interest Group: NHG member Fred Held coordinates this SIG's activities. You can email Fred at GermanSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have him add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. This SIG meets online monthly on the third Thursday, and covers all aspects of researching your German heritage.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Virtual Pennsylvania Research SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Virtual PA Research Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses on Pennsylvania resources and genealogical topics during each meeting. Throughout the year, we will discuss resources in genealogical and historical societies, land patents and original land ownership, county resources, Revolutionary War in PA, church records, telling ancestors' stories, and church records.
The group is intended for members (only!) to share questions about Pennsylvania resources and genealogical problems. (If you are not yet a member of NHG, you may attend one meeting.) Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist, is leading this SIG.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
As with other NHG SIGs and program meetings, it will not be recorded.
Remember to look for updates in our newsletters and emails from North Hills Genealogists.
British Isles SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The British Isles Special Interest Group for NHG members encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions, you may email us at BritishSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have your name added to the email list for future notifications.
You must register in advance for this meeting (click here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
German research Special Interest Group: NHG member Fred Held coordinates this SIG's activities. You can email Fred at GermanSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have him add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. This SIG meets online monthly on the third Thursday, and covers all aspects of researching your German heritage.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
Tuesday, September 23
Genealogy Book Club SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Genealogy Book Club Special Interest Group meets on the 4th Tuesday every other month via zoom to discuss a book with a genealogy slant. Members are sent questions to review prior to discussing that month's book at the meeting. Book genres vary and may be non-fiction as well as fiction, including historical fiction and mysteries. Most books are available through the Carnegie Library system.
Our September selection is The Stranger in my Genes: A Memoir by Bill Griffeth.
Bill Griffeth, longtime genealogy buff, takes a DNA test that has an unexpected outcome. As he takes us on his journey, we learn about choices made by his ancestors, parents, and others, and we see Bill measure and weigh his own difficult choices as he confronts the past.
You may register herefor this virtual meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions, please email Info@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit. We invite you attend one Special Interest Group meeting to learn more about this SIG. You can then learn about joining NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=121
Wednesday, September 24
Pennsylvania Research SIG (Special Interest Groups)
6:00 pm
Shaler Public Library - 2nd Floor Conference Room
The focus of this group is on research and resources relating to Pennsylvania roots.
We meet once per month usually with a break in the summer as well as in December.
Our meetings are usually in the Conference Room. Occasionally a library event may necessitate a change of room or cancellation. Check the NHG website as well as Shaler Library's website, if unsure. There may be snow cancellations if Shaler Twp calls off schools (generally follows the Pittsburgh Schools cancellations for weather).
Wednesday, September 24
Virtual Pennsylvania Research SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Virtual PA Research Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses on Pennsylvania resources and genealogical topics during each meeting. Throughout the year, we will discuss resources in genealogical and historical societies, land patents and original land ownership, county resources, Revolutionary War in PA, church records, telling ancestors' stories, and church records.
The group is intended for members (only!) to share questions about Pennsylvania resources and genealogical problems. (If you are not yet a member of NHG, you may attend one meeting.) Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist, is leading this SIG.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
As with other NHG SIGs and program meetings, it will not be recorded.
Remember to look for updates in our newsletters and emails from North Hills Genealogists.
British Isles SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The British Isles Special Interest Group for NHG members encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions, you may email us at BritishSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have your name added to the email list for future notifications.
You must register in advance for this meeting (click here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
German research Special Interest Group: NHG member Fred Held coordinates this SIG's activities. You can email Fred at GermanSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have him add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. This SIG meets online monthly on the third Thursday, and covers all aspects of researching your German heritage.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
Wednesday, October 22
Pennsylvania Research SIG (Special Interest Groups)
6:00 pm
Shaler Public Library - 2nd Floor Conference Room
The focus of this group is on research and resources relating to Pennsylvania roots.
We meet once per month usually with a break in the summer as well as in December.
Our meetings are usually in the Conference Room. Occasionally a library event may necessitate a change of room or cancellation. Check the NHG website as well as Shaler Library's website, if unsure. There may be snow cancellations if Shaler Twp calls off schools (generally follows the Pittsburgh Schools cancellations for weather).
Wednesday, October 22
Virtual Pennsylvania Research SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The Virtual PA Research Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses on Pennsylvania resources and genealogical topics during each meeting. Throughout the year, we will discuss resources in genealogical and historical societies, land patents and original land ownership, county resources, Revolutionary War in PA, church records, telling ancestors' stories, and church records.
The group is intended for members (only!) to share questions about Pennsylvania resources and genealogical problems. (If you are not yet a member of NHG, you may attend one meeting.) Elissa Scalise Powell, Certified Genealogist, is leading this SIG.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
As with other NHG SIGs and program meetings, it will not be recorded.
Remember to look for updates in our newsletters and emails from North Hills Genealogists.
British Isles SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The British Isles Special Interest Group for NHG members encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions, you may email us at BritishSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have your name added to the email list for future notifications.
You must register in advance for this meeting (click here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
Tuesday, November 18
Genealogy Book Club SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
NOTE! We are meeting on November 18 due to the Thanksgiving holiday!
The Genealogy Book Club Special Interest Group meets on the 4th Tuesday every other month via zoom to discuss a book with a genealogy slant. Members are sent questions to review prior to discussing that month's book at the meeting. Book genres vary and may be non-fiction as well as fiction, including historical fiction and mysteries. Most books are available through the Carnegie Library system.
Our November selection is A Scattered People: An American Family Moves West by Gerald McFarland.
Gerald McFarland tells the story of U.S. westward expansion through the stories of his own ancestors―from their arrival in Massachusetts in 1630, through successive generations that moved west, at length reaching the West Coast in 1900. His family’s experiences demonstrate that most early Americans lived as the author’s ancestors lived. This is true American history.
You may register herefor this virtual meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions, please email Info@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit. We invite you attend one Special Interest Group meeting to learn more about this SIG. You can then learn about joining NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=121
Thursday, November 20
German SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
German research Special Interest Group: NHG member Fred Held coordinates this SIG's activities. You can email Fred at GermanSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have him add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. This SIG meets online monthly on the third Thursday, and covers all aspects of researching your German heritage.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Our meetings are usually in the Conference Room. Occasionally a library event may necessitate a change of room or cancellation. Check the NHG website as well as Shaler Library's website, if unsure. There may be snow cancellations if Shaler Twp calls off schools (generally follows the Pittsburgh Schools cancellations for weather).
Monday, December 8
British Isles SIG Meeting (Special Interest Groups)
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting, see registration information below
The British Isles Special Interest Group for NHG members encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions, you may email us at BritishSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have your name added to the email list for future notifications.
You must register in advance for this meeting (click here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
German research Special Interest Group: NHG member Fred Held coordinates this SIG's activities. You can email Fred at GermanSIG@NorthHillsGenealogists.org to have him add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. This SIG meets online monthly on the third Thursday, and covers all aspects of researching your German heritage.
You must register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Genetic Genealogy DNA Special Interest Group (Special Interest Groups)
2:00 pm
Online via Zoom
We'll meet to have general discussions, and breakouts, trying to answer questions based on the collective experience. If you have something in particular you'd like to talk about or see discussed, just send an email response to this message at dnasig@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.
This group is focused on studying the use of DNA testing results as part of Genetic Genealogy research. Our meetings are held on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-5:00
The Special Interest Groups are a North Hills Genealogists Members-Only benefit - you can join NHG here: https://northhillsgenealogists.org/cpage.php?pt=105
This SIG can be contacted at DNASIG @ NorthHillsGenealogists.org with questions or to add your name to the mailing list for future notifications. Joining Meetup.com and subscribing to North Hills Genealogists will allow you to receive automated weekly updates on all of our NHG activities.
