Kitchen Round Table Talks
The Arkansas Genealogical Society is excited to announce the launch of a new Zoom forum called “Kitchen Round Table Talks.” Each month, we will select a genealogical topic or application to engage in a lively discussion among a group of participants online. To encourage participation, we limit the number of attendees, therefore, registration is required. In the event of a high demand for a specific topic, we can arrange an additional meeting to accommodate more participants.
We eagerly invite individuals to suggest topics of interest and encourage volunteers to lead discussions on subjects they are particularly passionate about. It is important to note that this initiative is a work in progress, and we anticipate making adjustments based on trial and error. Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we refine our approach.
To secure your spot, please register through the link below:
Have a question? Suggestion? Contact us through the form below:
| From Rolodex to Records: The Secrets Beneath the Candy Shop – Wendy Citron Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM CDT | In this session, Wendy guides attendees through the intricate world of Jewish genealogical research—where languages shift, borders blur, and myths that “all the records were lost” persist. Drawing from her own family’s extraordinary journey—one that began with a simple question and ultimately revealed a family secret tied to Murder, Inc., the infamous Jewish Mafia—she demonstrates how persistence and methodical research can uncover truth in the most unexpected places. You will learn essential strategies for Jewish genealogical research—how to successfully overcome gaps in sources and records, interpret shifting identities, and follow clues across languages, cultures, and time. You will also gain an understanding of how to piece together fragmented stories, trace Ashkenazic roots hidden under “Russian” or “Polish” labels, and bring to light the vibrant histories once thought irretrievable. Registration Closed Wendy Citron is a professional genealogist, artist, and educator specializing in Jewish and Eastern European research. She serves as a Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library and as an administrator with the JewishGen Ukraine Research Division’s Data Acquisition Team. Wendy is also the founder of two professional genealogy communities: the Ukraine Genealogy Alliance, focused on resource sharing, education, and collaborative efforts for research, and Geniends, a professional genealogist networking group that supports mentorship and shared expertise. Her research also extends to a one-name study in West Limerick, Ireland, where she integrates genetic genealogy, advanced digital tools, and traditional research to reconstruct interconnected family networks and migration patterns. |
| Exploring Resources for Civil War Research – Russell P. Baker Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM CDT | Our Octogenarian Genealogist, Russell Baker, will take you through the many resources for Civil War Research. Some are timeless, and others are recently released and discovered. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a presentation from a tried and true researcher on both Arkansas and the Civil War. This event is a must attend! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZuL28pU7Qma0nljfvtB2FQ For those within the Arkansas genealogical community, Russell is a familiar figure. Affectionately known as “The Octogenarian Historian” and with a remarkable 50 years of service on the AGS board and a background as the retired archival supervisor and former acting director of the Arkansas State Archives in Little Rock, his expertise is unparalleled. He is the author of two of AGS’s most popular publications, the Arkansas Township Atlas and Arkansas Post Offices: From Memdag to Norsk, A Historical Directory 1832-1900. Over the years, he has frequently lectured nationally on genealogical research and theory. He is continually working on new publications and is continuing to make meaningful contributions as an esteemed board member. |
| Effective Use of Ancestry.com – Scott Lee Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM CDT | Details coming soon! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KC2lat_XTpCRyfZlTkR0_w |
| FindAGrave – Jennifer Pennington Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM CDT | Details coming soon! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/riu1AEN-RY-BRG6PnwH0pA |
| Beyond the Census: Discovering Ancestor Stories – Regan Richardson Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM CDT | Details coming soon! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/76UKvQFDTcS5tnndfeyiLA |