Susan Fischer Copple
Susan Fischer Copple brings more than four decades of personal genealogical research experience to her work, combined with a thirty-year corporate career in information technology as a director, software developer, project manager, and technical writer. That rare combination of deep research passion and technical precision defines everything she does.
Susan is the owner of Rainshadow Genealogy, where she offers research services spanning family history, DNA analysis, forensic genealogy (including adoption research), record retrieval, genealogical organization, and Czech Archives research.
Her academic credentials include a computer science degree and a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, supplemented by ongoing training through numerous courses at genealogical institutes across a range of research specialties. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Families in British India Society, the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, the Utah Genealogical Society, and several local genealogical societies. Susan adheres to the Genealogical Standards and Ethics established by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and is currently 'on the clock' working towards certification.
September 5, 2026 - Live in person / Webinar
Registration information is coming soon.
This event is for OCCGS Members only. It will take place at the Huntington Beach Central Library, and will be streaming via Zoom for OCCGS members who cannot attend in person.
Huntington Beach Central Library
7111 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Meeting Rooms C-D
10:10 AM PDT - German, Czech, Latin Archives Research Using AI and Portafontium.eu
Bohemian and German parish registers are a treasure trove of family history, but they present real barriers for researchers unfamiliar with German, Latin, and the Kurrent handwriting system. This presentation offers a practical, step-by-step guide to navigating the Portafontium.eu website and demonstrates how AI tools can assist with transcription and translation of historical records. Whether your ancestors came from Bohemia or elsewhere in Europe, this session will show you how modern technology can open doors that once seemed firmly closed. Genealogical Organization: Paper and Digital Filing Systems
Speaker Handouts, when available, can be found in OCCGS Members Only on the Speaker Handouts page.
