ACGS Spring Conference 2026
100% Virtual
April 25, 2026 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
Discover, Connect, and Be Inspired
at the ACGS Spring Conference
Every family story begins with a spark of curiosity—and this spring, the American‑Canadian Genealogical Society invites you to fan that spark into something extraordinary. Whether you’re tracing deep Acadian roots, navigating complex DNA puzzles, or simply hoping to understand your ancestors with greater clarity, this year’s conference brings together three remarkable speakers whose expertise, generosity, and passion for teaching will guide you every step of the way.
Join us for a day of learning that blends history, culture, science, and community. You’ll explore the intertwined worlds of Acadians and Mi’kmaq with Judy Nimer Muhn, gain confidence working through challenging genetic genealogy cases with Kate Penney Howard, and discover the power of collaborative research through Cindy Bourque Cooper’s work with the WikiTree Acadians Project.
This is more than a conference—it’s an opportunity to deepen your skills, connect with fellow researchers, and uncover new pathways into your family’s past. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been researching for years, you’ll leave energized, informed, and inspired.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Click Here to Register for the Spring Conference Today!
Registration closes on April 18, 2026
All Presentations will be Recorded and Available for 30 Days after Conference for Paid Attendees
Speaker Biographies and Presentation Summary
Judy Nimer Muhn
Judy has been researching her family tree from the age of 12, specializing in French-Canadian, Acadian, Native American, Scottish and Michigan, Ontario and Quebec research. Beginning as a professional genealogist in Europe in 1993, she has lectured at National Genealogical Society conferences, RootsTech, Federation of Genealogical Societies as well as conferences in Europe and around the United States. Traveling extensively around the world, Judy has visited and researched in the villages and archives of Germany, Scotland, France, Quebec, and Ontario where her or her husband’s family lived. Owner of Lineage Journeys, she conducts research for clients and offers presentations for a variety of organizations.
Judy is the President of the Michigan Genealogical Council, board member & Awards Chair of the National Genealogical Society, President of the Oakland County Genealogical Society and member of many societies.
Friends, Enemies, OR? The Acadians and Mi’kmaq
Learn about the complex and interdependent relationships formed between the Acadians and the Mi’kmaq peoples of Nova Scotia. For survival, cooperation, and mutual benefit, the two communities learned about and from each other, living together in respectful partnership until the turmoil of the dispersal of the Acadians and the ensuing violence toward the Mi’kmaq scattered the people across regions and continents. Learn about the history, records, intermarriages, documentation and more to assist you in your research.
Kate Penney Howard
Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.
Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged throughout.
Kate discovered her passion for teaching during her cancer journey, finding fulfillment in sharing knowledge with fellow genealogists. She approaches her work with integrity, deliberately addressing historical injustices and dispelling common myths in her presentations.
Her speaking engagements include RootsTech, Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, and the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, in addition to many state and county level organizations. Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011. She has served as a pastor in Fort Wayne since her ordination in 2012.
Working With Difficult DNA
Navigating complex DNA scenarios can create difficulties in genealogical research. However, there are tools and techniques available to differentiate and interpret DNA data in situations where the Leeds Method and WATO do not work. We will compassionately and clearly review the various challenges, ways to identify circumstances, and discuss tools and techniques to develop a hypothesis. Bring your favorite notetaking device, attendees will learn strategies to resolve mysteries and clarify relationships even when parents are closely related or when dealing with other challenging situations in genetic genealogy.
Cindy Bourque Cooper
Cindy Bourque Cooper is a genealogist, historian, and advocate for Acadian heritage. She traces her Bourque family to her earliest Acadian forebears Antoine Bourg and Antoinette Landry. Cindy’s research delves into the challenges faced by 17th- and 18th-century Acadian families—those who were displaced, imprisoned, or deported—using archival documentation, written narratives, and international collaboration.
In her role as a leader of the WikiTree Acadians Project, she develops project standards, guides research efforts, and mentors fellow genealogists. The Project has amassed a large collection of primary and vetted secondary sources of parish records, censuses and ship listings for Acadians in their native lands as well as British colonies, France and French colonies. Colleagues praise her as a knowledgeable guide who shares her expertise freely. Her mission is to make genealogical exploration of Acadian ancestors accurate, accessible and approachable, to inspire others to uncover and preserve their own family stories.
Exploring the Acadian Project on WikiTree: Connecting People, Profiles, and the Past
The WikiTree Acadians Project is a collaborative initiative to document Acadian families and their descendants. Learn about the timeframe and geographic scope of the project, and about their extensive accumulation of reliable sources and census data covering more than two centuries of Acadian research that has been vetted by the project and made freely available to researchers. See highlights of standout profiles—such as Antoinette Landry (Landry-17)—and about the Indigenous and Métis lines interwoven into Acadian families. This presentation provides a concise overview of Acadian deportations and the challenges of tracing families through ship lists, colonial censuses, and French records.
Attendees will learn how to begin building their family tree to connect with some of the over 20,000 Acadians profiled in the project. Understand the benefit of using its collaborative platform, best practices for building accurate profiles, how to use connections and relationships to find your family members. WikiTree integrates traditional and genetic genealogy as well. Whether you’re new to Acadian genealogy or already have deep roots, you’ll learn how to connect your family to the larger story.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Agenda
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Judy Nimer Muhn, “Friends, Enemies, OR? The Acadians and Mi’kmaq”
12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Kate Penney Howard, “Working With Difficult DNA”
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cindy Bourque Cooper, “Exploring the Acadian Project on WikiTree: Connecting People, Profiles, and the Past”
Click Here to Register for the Spring Conference Today!
