St. Louis Genealogical Society News and Events

08/27/2026

Hi! We are passing on some information from the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield. Founded in 1846, First Baptist Church of Chesterfield stands as one of the oldest congregations founded by African Americans in Missouri. We wanted to share two upcoming events in the 180th Anniversary FBCC History and Legacy Speaker Series. Information is as follows:

Presentation 1:
"The Dred Scott Legacy: A Family's Story of Freedom and Faith"
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, 17103 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Featured Speaker: Mrs. Lynne Jackson, President and Founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and the great great-granddaughter of Dred Scott. The Dred Scott case of 1857 stands as one of the most consequential legal decisions in American history, fueling the national reckoning that led to the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. This presentation offers a rare and intimate
look at the Scott family's story through the voice of a living descendant - connecting history to heritage and the past to the present.

Presentation 2:
"Roots of Faith: The Early History of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield"
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, 17103 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Featured Speaker: Wayne Troupe, Member, FBCC History and Legacy Committee
This presentation chronicles the founding and early decades of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield - a story of resilience, community, and faith forged in one of America's most turbulent eras. Archival materials and original research will bring the early congregation to life.

Both events are free and open to the public.

08/23/2026

Looking to break through a brick wall in the Midwest? The St. Louis Genealogical Society is hosting a special book sale featuring all Missouri and Illinois research materials and publications! 15% off for a limited time only.

Whether you’re tracing early settlers, exploring county records, or adding vital regional histories to your personal library, now is the perfect time to stock up.

🗓 Sale Dates: Monday, September 7 through Friday, September 11

📍 Where: Online Only @ stlgs.org

Don’t miss out on these valuable resources to help bring your family history to life. Shop early while supplies last!

08/22/2026

If your bubbe said it was Jewish, you probably didn’t ask for sources.

You said “kenahora” after complimenting a child. You knocked on wood after saying something hopeful. You avoided buying baby gifts too early. Maybe someone tied a red string around a wrist or crib.

🧿 These customs became so familiar that generations of Jews assumed they came directly from Judaism.

Many did not.

Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh of Temple Emanuel says beliefs involving the evil eye and red strings also appear throughout Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Arabic cultures. Knocking on wood may reach back to ancient pagan beliefs that spirits lived in trees.

That doesn’t mean these customs have no place in Jewish life. It shows how Jewish communities absorbed and adapted ideas from the people living around them until borrowed traditions began to feel completely Jewish.

Hersh will explore the difference between Jewish law, longstanding custom and superstition during an upcoming program for the Jewish Special Interest Group of the St. Louis Genealogical Society.

She also offers a reason these customs endure: Superstitions give us the comforting feeling that we have some control over life.

Now we want to hear from you: What “Jewish” superstition did your family treat as unquestionable fact?

Full story in the comments. ⬇️

07/16/2026

This is just a reminder that our Family History Conference videos will only be available for viewing through July 19. Only 3 days left!

54th Annual Family History Conference   A Genealogical Journey Through Missouri History   Featuring the Missouri State Archives— John Dougan, Missouri State Archivist and Christina Miller, Reference Services Director   PLUS   Andrew Hahn, Ilene Murray, and Carol Whitton   … Continued

04/21/2026

Catch Up on FHC 2026: Recordings Now Available! 🎥✨
Missed our 2026 Family History Conference, "A Genealogical Journey Through Missouri History"? Don't worry—you can still join the journey!

While the live event at the Maryland Heights Community Center has concluded, the learning continues. We are excited to announce that you can still register to gain full access to the conference materials.

What’s Included with Your Registration:

Six Digital Recordings: Watch all professional lectures at your own pace.

Electronic Syllabus: Receive a comprehensive copy of the conference syllabus.

90-Day Access: All speakers have agreed to make their sessions available online for the next three months.

📍 How to Register:
Visit our Family History Conference page to sign up via our secure online store or by mail. 🔗 https://stlgs.org/meetings-and-special-events/family-history-conference

Don't miss this chance to explore your favorite hobby and dive deep into Missouri's rich genealogical history!

54th Annual Family History Conference   A Genealogical Journey Through Missouri History   Featuring the Missouri State Archives— John Dougan, Missouri State Archivist and Christina Miller, Reference Services Director   PLUS   Andrew Hahn, Ilene Murray, and Carol Whitton   … Continued

03/31/2026

Two Opportunities to Master Missouri Records! 📜🔍

We are excited to have Christina Miller, Reference Services Director at the Missouri State Archives, presenting TWO essential sessions at this year’s conference!

1️⃣ Introduction to the Missouri State Archives
New to Missouri research or living far away? Christina will show you how to navigate the massive collection of state records, whether you’re visiting in person, using online databases, or submitting a research request from home.

2️⃣ Using County Court Record Books
Think county proceedings are just "mundane" business? Think again! Christina will show you how to find "hidden" family details in court minutes—from apprenticeship indentures and road maintenance to state hospital admissions and pauper burials. These records add the "meat" to the bones of your family story!

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a Certified Archivist with over a decade of experience.

🔗 Register now: https://stlgs.org/meetings-and-special-events/family-history-conference

03/31/2026

A champion for Missouri's Digital Heritage!

We are thrilled to welcome John Dougan, the Missouri State Archivist, to our upcoming Family History Conference!

If you’ve ever used the Missouri Digital Heritage website or found a death certificate online, you’ve benefited from John’s leadership. As the chief administrator for the Records and Archives Division, John has been a tireless advocate for free online access to the records we rely on every day.

Don't miss this chance to hear from a board member of the National Genealogical Society and a true innovator in state archives.

John's session: Moving Through—Moving On

As the Gateway to the West and a gateway from the East, Missouri’s rivers, trails, roads, and railroads funneled ancestors to, through, and from Missouri. Knowing details about these paths will aid your research and often give clues to many of the unknown whys in our research.

🔗 Register now to secure your spot: https://stlgs.org/meetings-and-special-events/family-history-conference

03/29/2026

Are you ready to discover the stories of those who came before you? Join the St. Louis Genealogical Society for a day dedicated to "A Genealogical Journey Through Missouri History". Whether you are a seasoned researcher or just starting your tree, this event is packed with expert insights to help you navigate your past.

📅 Event Details
When: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Where: Maryland Heights Community Center (2300 McKelvey Road) or join us via Zoom!
Time: Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for registration and exhibitor browsing.

🎙️ Featured Speakers
We are honored to feature experts from the Missouri State Archives:
John Dougan, Missouri State Archivist
Christina Miller, Reference Services Director
Plus local experts: Andrew Hahn, Ilene Murray, and Carol Whitton

🔍 Session Highlights
Migrating West: Learn the trails and river routes your ancestors took to reach Missouri.
County Court Records: Discover how "mundane" government records can document your family in non-census years.
Mapping St. Louis: See the Gateway City's growth through rare historical maps.
Research Like a Pro: Refresh your techniques and learn to analyze records with a critical eye.

DON'T WAIT TO REGISTER! EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS $10 OFF ON OR BEFORE APRIL 4!

Find more information and registration at:

54th Annual Family History Conference   A Genealogical Journey Through Missouri History   Featuring the Missouri State Archives— John Dougan, Missouri State Archivist and Christina Miller, Reference Services Director   PLUS   Andrew Hahn, Ilene Murray, and Carol Whitton   … Continued

03/20/2026

Sponsored by the O'Fallon Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (Ladue). Enjoy short presentations by DAR and SAR officials about their organizations, followed by consultations with genealogists, tours of the Emerson History & Genealogy Center, and more to help you uncover your patriot ancestors. Refreshments will be served and attendance prizes awarded. In celebration of America 250. Adults. Registration required @ https://www.slcl.org/events/discover-daughters-and-sons-american-revolution

03/14/2026

Join our own Ilene Kanfer Murray in Manchester on March 24!

The Manchester Celebrates America 250 Speaker Series begins Tuesday, March 24, with Getting Started in Genealogy. Learn key tips for beginning your family‑history research, then stay for questions and next‑step guidance. The free program starts at 7 p.m. at the Parks Building and will be led by Ilene Murray, Publications Director for the St. Louis Genealogy Society. Reserve your spot at manchestermo.gov/registernow.