Technology Interest Group

The Technology Interest Group, also known as TIG, meets six times per year on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.  Current Meeting Months for 2023: February, April, June, August, October, and December.

The mission and goal of TIG is to educate RGS members about various forms of technology to assist with their genealogical resources.

If you are interested in presenting for TIG or would like more information about future programming, please contact Nancy Cowan, TIG Chair, at tech@nyrgs.org.

Upcoming  Technology Interest Group Events

TIG Meeting - Uncover Your Family's Story Using the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) with Elizabeth Hodges, Senior Genealogy Librarian at Allen County

Created by the staff of The Genealogy Center, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is the premier subject index for genealogy and local history periodicals. Containing over 3.1 million citations to readily available periodical sources, PERSI is a valuable tool to help you find your family’s story. Join Genealogy Center senior librarian Elizabeth Hodges to learn how to make PERSI your new favorite tool in your family history tool box! Elizabeth Hodges, MA, MSLIS, is an Irish historian, ... ...Read More...

TIG Tip of the Month

The website TheAncestorHunt.com provides links to over 39,000 free online U.S. Historical Newspapers! Newspapers can provide vital information for genealogical researchers including but not limited to just birth, marriage, and death notices. 


Crista Cowan, The Barefoot Geneolaogy, hosts a YouTube Channel that provides educational sessions on Ancestry.com, updates on the 1950 census, and much more.  

Member Spotlight

RGS Member Profile: Diane Smith  

Joined RGS in 2005

RGS Webmaster and Former Technology Interest Group Lead

I have enjoyed the Technology Interest Group and have been a member of the Rochester Genealogical Society since I moved back to Rochester in 2005.  When I started doing genealogy research it was all library work, reviewing printouts of censuses and indices.  After some years off to take care of my descendants I got back to genealogy.  There was so much to learn about online research that I enjoyed learning about from the many other talented researchers in the group.  I find they keep me up to date with new websites to check out and best research practices.   As a programmer I also enjoy teaching various subjects.