Friday, January 2, 2026

Smarter Genealogy: Strategies That Go Beyond the Search Box


A four-week winter workshop for genealogists who want clearer answers, stronger evidence, and a research process that actually works.

You know there’s more to good genealogy than typing a name into a search box. This Winter Workshop is designed to help you slow down, think critically, and build a research process that leads to real progress—not just more records.

Smarter Genealogy is a live, instructor-led workshop that focuses on how to research, not just where to click. Over four weeks, you’ll learn practical, repeatable strategies you can apply to every research problem, no matter where your ancestors lived.


What You’ll Learn (Key Benefits)

  • Build a clear, evidence-based research process you can use again and again

  • Learn how to read documents for hidden clues, not just surface facts.

  • Discover smarter ways to use newspapers as a research tool, not just a name finder.

  • Create an organized digital workflow that saves time and reduces overwhelm.

  • Gain confidence in interpreting records instead of second-guessing your conclusions.

This is about working smarter, not harder.


What’s Included

  • Four live, 2-hour workshop sessions (with replay access)

  • Guided instruction with real examples and practical strategies

  • Downloadable worksheets and tools to support your research

  • Structured learning that builds week by week. No random tips or shortcuts

  • A calm, supportive learning environment focused on skill-building

Workshop Sessions

  1. Beyond Click & Search – Building a Solid Genealogy Research Process

  2. Hidden Clues in the Margins – Interpreting Documents for What They Don’t Say

  3. Unearthing Family History in Newspapers

  4. Mastering Your Online Genealogy Workflow


    Who This Workshop Is For

    This workshop is ideal if you:

    • feel stuck despite having “lots of records.”

    • want to strengthen your research skills and methodology.

    • are tired of jumping from website to website without a plan.

    • prefer thoughtful, step-by-step instruction over quick hacks

    Best suited for beginner-to-intermediate genealogists, but experienced researchers will also benefit from refining their process.


Dates & Time

Dates: February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm Eastern
Length: 2 hours per session
Format: Live online sessions with replay available


Meet Your Instructor

Kathryn Lake Hogan is a professional genealogist, educator, and speaker behind Looking4Ancestors. She specializes in Canadian family history and is known for her clear, methodical teaching style and practical approach to research. Kathryn teaches genealogists how to think critically about records, ask better questions, and build evidence-based conclusions—without overwhelm or guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to attend live?
Live attendance is encouraged, but registered attendees will have access to sessions replays.

Is this Canada-specific?
While Kathryn specializes in Canadian research, the strategies taught apply to all genealogical research.

Is this a lecture or hands-on?
This is structured instruction with practical examples and guided application. It's designed to help you actually use what you learn.

Will I get handouts?
Yes. Worksheets and tools are included to support your learning.


Ready to Work Smarter?

If you’re ready to move beyond the search box and finally feel confident in your research process, this workshop is for you.

👉 Save Your Spot: Register for Smarter Genealogy – Winter Workshop 2026

Clear strategies. Stronger research. Smarter genealogy.



© Copyright by Kathryn Lake Hogan, 2026. All Rights Reserved.