Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA2
Gena Philibert-Ortega is an author, researcher, and instructor specializing in the use of social history and material culture to tell the story of historical women's lives. She recently joined the National Genealogical Society as Co-Manager of GRIP Genealogy Institute. She holds two Master's degrees: one in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology and Women's Studies) and the other in Religion. As an author, Philibert-Ortega has published two books, Cemeteries of the Eastern Sierra (Arcadia Publishing) and From the Family Kitchen (F+W Media), and hundreds of articles in print magazines and online publications. Her writings can also be found on her two blogs, Gena's Genealogy and Food.Family.Ephemera, as well as the GenealogyBank and Legacy Family Tree Webinars blogs. A highly sought-after instructor, Philibert-Ortega has taught material culture and social history at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and is a frequent presenter at seminars and conferences throughout the United States and Canada. Her professional associations include the American Quilt Study Group, the Association of Gravestone Studies, and the National Genealogical Society. She has conducted research for PBS, HGTV, and the Travel Channel and has collaborated on research for the Gemological Institute of America.
July 6, 2024
Hybrid Meeting and Webinar
In person with Gena Philibert-Ortega
Please register whether you plan to attend in person at the library
or virtually via Zoom:
OCCGS-07-06
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
10:10 AM - Secrets from Beyond the Grave: What You Need to Know to Find Your Ancestor's Burial
Secrets from Beyond the Grave uncovers the mysteries surrounding your ancestors' final resting places. Join us as we explore the essential strategies and resources for tracing where your ancestors were laid to rest. We'll discuss the historical evolution of burial practices and how these can influence where and how burial records are kept, if they are kept at all.
Learn techniques for searching for burial records, including online databases, archives, and transcriptions. We'll also discuss using newspapers for clues, and navigating the challenges of unmarked graves and relocated cemeteries.
11:15 AM - Anatomy of a Death Certificate
Death. It's something we as genealogists are familiar with. We verify an ancestor's death with a death certificate. But what do you really know about this record set? This presentation will dissect the various components of a death certificate, unveiling its role in documenting vital statistics, causes of death, and familial connections. We will explore the historical evolution of death certificates, highlighting changes in format and content over time. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, understanding the anatomy of a death certificate is essential for piecing together the intricate tapestry of your family's past.
Speaker Handouts, when available, can be found in OCCGS Members Only on the Speaker Handouts page.
