The Irish Genealogical Society International has recently announced that THE CELTIC CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE will be held at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel in Wheeling, Illinois next summer on July 31-August 1. Wheeling is located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The conference is co-sponsored by the Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI) and the Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA). The Conference which has been titled "Journey Home" will feature a variety of International and U.S. genealogy experts providing valuable guidance related to Irish, Scots-Irish, Scottish and Welsh ancestry.
This will be the fourth biennial conference between the two organizations. The most recent conference was held last year in Boston. The conference will include tours, workshops, cultural offerings and opportunities to connect with other researchers. In announcing the 2020 Chicago location, conference co-chair Mary Wickersham stated that "Offering the 2020 Conference in the Greater Chicago area will open this genealogical experience to more Irish and Celtic family historians in the Upper Midwest."
Conference speakers in the past have included John Grenham, Bruce Durie, Fiona Fitzsimons, William Roulston and Brian Mitchell. More information including a list of speakers for the 2020 Conference will be announced at a later date. I will again have the privilege of serving as the emcee for next year's conference. Hope to see you there!