Genealogy enthusiasts and local history buffs will have a rare opportunity to dive deep into Western Illinois heritage when the McDonough County Genealogical Society hosts its “At Your Doorstep! Western Illinois Regional Genealogy Workshop” on June 13 at the Western Illinois Museum in Macomb.
The full-day event, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature four presentations from regional experts, hands-on research opportunities, and access to genealogy resources that many local researchers may not know exist in their own backyard.
“This workshop is designed to help people discover the rich history of Western Illinois and learn how to access the genealogy resources available right here,” said organizers of the event, which is hosted by the McDonough County Genealogical Society in partnership with the Western Illinois Museum, Western Illinois University’s Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), and the Macomb Visitors Bureau.
Registration is $20 for society members and $25 for non-members.
Four Expert Presentations The workshop will feature presentations from regional historians and genealogy experts: Michael Hall will discuss “Records and Research at the WIU IRAD,” offering insight into the archives and resources available through Western Illinois University’s regional repository.
Suzanne Hoffman will present “Early Settlers in Western Illinois,” tracing the families and communities that built the region.
Julie Terstriep will explore “The Rise and Fall of Camp Ellis in Fulton County,” examining a significant but often-overlooked chapter of local history.
Allen Nemec will present “Lizzie Magie: Macomb, Illinois’ First Lady of Games and her Scandalous Humor,” a look at the Macomb native whose contributions to game design and culture left a lasting mark.
Research Opportunities for In-Person Attendees In-person attendees will have access to additional research and tour opportunities on Friday, allowing them to explore archives and collections firsthand with guidance from experts.
The McDonough County Genealogy Society will also be on hand to share information about the organization and its Research Center, which serves as a hub for local genealogy research and community history projects.
Why This Matters Locally For people researching family roots or interested in understanding how Western Illinois developed, the workshop offers a chance to connect with resources and experts in one place. Many genealogy researchers spend years searching for records scattered across multiple institutions. This workshop consolidates access and expertise.
The event also highlights the work of local organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing regional history — work that often goes unnoticed but is essential to understanding community identity and heritage.
Location and Details The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette St., Macomb, Illinois.
For more information, visit:
• McDonough County Genealogical Society: mcdcgs.com
• Western Illinois Museum: wimuseum. org
• Western Illinois University IRAD: wiu.edu/libraries/archives/regionalDepository. php Registration now open at www.ilgensoc. org
