2026 Annual Seminar
Cyndi Ingle
“Finding Your Ancestors Online:
Tools, Techniques & Strategies”
October 17, 2026
8:30 am to 3:30 pm PDT
Hybrid Seminar: Zoom & Camarillo Public Library
(Doors & Zoom Meeting Open at 8:30 a.m., Presentations start at 9:00 a.m.)
Don’t miss this year’s Annual Seminar featuring one of the most sought-after speakers in genealogy. Learn where to look, how to search, and what to use to uncover hidden records and resources. Join us in-person at the Camarillo Library, or be at home and utilize Zoom.
“Early Bird” Registration for members is $35 until August 31st. General registration will open on September 1st. Members: $40, Non-members: $45.
Videos of the presentations will be available for a limited time after the seminar to everyone who registered. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.
Our Speaker
Cyndi Ingle
Cyndi Ingle has been a genealogist for more than 43 years and is the creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized CyndisList.com. Cyndi is an expert in using technology for genealogy, conducting research in the United States, and bringing together traditional methodology with organization, computers, software, and the Internet. She is an internationally-known guest lecturer, and she has authored numerous articles and three books. In addition, she serves as Executive Director of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research and is a columnist for the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.
Presentations
SESSION 1 – The Hidden Web: Digging Deeper
When Google and traditional search engines don’t return useful information, don’t stop there. We will explore resources that are invisible to Google and hidden deep within web sites and proprietary databases. The “hidden web” lies buried within the collections for commercial web sites, libraries, archives, and museums. We will also talk about the importance of indexes that deep-link into web sites online, thus uncovering hidden gems of information that may not be found easily through a search engine query.
SESSION 2 – Navigating Your Way Through FamilySearch
FamilySearch is so much more than just a family tree hosting platform. FamilySearch is a massive web site that is made up of dozens and dozens of different research tools. The site includes tools for learning and for reference. It is home to the world’s largest digitized collection of records and sources for our research. And all of this is free for everyone to use. We will explore each of the features that FamilySearch offers and we will hone in on how to dig through the site from a variety of entry points to find what we need.
SESSION 3 – Smarter Searching: Refining Search Parameters for Genealogists
Are you still using only the basic search options available on your favorite genealogical research sites? Do you get a lot of less-than-helpful search results? We will explore features and strategies you can use to tighten up the searches and make your online research more productive.
SESSION 4 – Ten Resources I Use Every Day: Miscellaneous Tips for the Online Researcher
From Internet tools to specialty databases and tools, you’ll learn about some of the things I use each day in my research online.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions not addressed here, please contact membership@venturacogensoc.org for issues related to registration.
How much does it cost?
A discounted, “Early Bird” cost of $35 will be offered to members until August 31st. From September 1st to October 17th, the cost of the all-day event is $40 for members and $45 for non-members.
Do I need to have a PayPal account?
You do not need to have a PayPal account (or create one) to pay for your registration. We are using PayPal to collect the registration fees. The PayPal gateway has the option to accept credit cards, without creating an account. After you click on the “Pay Now” button, you will be taken to the PayPal website to complete your billing details. If you have an account with PayPal, you can charge the seminar to that account. If you do not have an account with PayPal, you can select to pay via credit card. You will be prompted to enter your credit card information.
Can I pay by cash or check?
You can pay by cash or check. Payment can be made at one of the in-person monthly meetings at the Camarillo Library (August or September), or payments can be mailed to VCGS (at P.O. Box 24608, Ventura, CA 93002-4608). Payments mailed to VCGS must be received by October 13th at the latest in order to allow time to process the registration prior to the Seminar.
Is there a deadline for registering?
There are different deadlines based on your registration method. If registering by mail, your payment must be received at our Post Office by Tuesday, October 13th. If registering online, you can register any time up to Thursday, October 15th (end of day). Registrations the morning of the seminar will be accepted in person at the Camarillo Library.
What if I can’t attend, can I get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your registration at any time prior to the start of the seminar. You must notify VCGS via email (webmaster@venturacogensoc.org) prior to the event. We will refund you the full registration fee. Please allow 1-2 weeks for your refund to be processed and mailed to you.
Will a recording of the seminar be available?
Yes! Each presentation will be recorded. A link to the recordings will be included in an email, sent the day after the seminar, to everyone who registered. The recordings will be available for three weeks until November 8, 2026. Only the presentations and Q&A sessions will be recorded.
How do I get the Zoom link?
After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email that will contain a link to the seminar. A reminder email with the Zoom link to the seminar will also be emailed to you one week prior to the event, and one day prior to the event. You are asked to not share the link with anybody else.
Will there be handouts?
Yes, a link to the program handouts will be included in the reminder emails sent to all attendees prior to the event. If, for some reason, you do not receive the reminder emails, a link to the handouts will also be posted in the Q&A window at the start of the seminar. The handout will contain any material provided by the speaker in addition to information on VCGS and promotional material.