Genealogy Quest Research Series (DRAKE HALL)

Searching for Your Ancestors Is Fun and Exciting! 
Join us for a six-week journey into the fascinating world of genealogy. Whether you're just starting your family tree or looking to sharpen your research skills, this course offers a comprehensive overview of essential records, tools, and strategies. Each week features expert-led sessions covering topics like online databases, vital records, census data, immigration documents, cemetery and court records, newspapers, military files, and even DNA testing. Discover how to uncover your ancestors’ stories and bring your family history to life! Visit the OLLI website for a full week-by-week breakdown of this course. 

• Week 1: Learn the fundamentals of genealogy and explore popular online databases to begin tracing your family history.  
• Week 2: Discover how to locate and interpret birth, marriage, death, and church records to uncover vital family events.  
• Week 3: Use census and immigration records to reveal family relationships, migration patterns, and ancestral origins.  
• Week 4: Investigate cemetery and court records to find burial information, wills, and probate documents that tell deeper family stories.  
• Week 5: Explore historic newspapers and military records to uncover personal stories and service histories of your ancestors.  
• Week 6: Get introduced to DNA testing and learn how genetic genealogy can help expand and verify your family tree. 

*Glenna Cofer Brissey holds a BS in Earth Science and Meteorology and a secondary teaching certificate. She taught science, worked in geology and chemistry labs, and now teaches Intermediate Genealogy. She presents on Norwegian ancestry and volunteers at Old Town Library assisting with research. Glenna is active in multiple LCGS interest groups and serves as Board Secretary. 

Bob Larson has 25+ years in genealogy, serving as instructor, education chair, and past president of his local society. He’s also a state-level leader, speaker, and video producer. Bob authored The Coffin Pierson Legacy and holds degrees in engineering, marketing, and an Executive MBA, as well as extensive training from Motorola University. 

*Del Ritchhart began genealogy research in 1994 after careers in education and the Navy. He has held leadership roles in the San Diego and Larimer County genealogy societies and has given over 140 presentations. He’s authored two genealogy books and helped organize the 2019 International German Genealogy Conference. 

*Lisa Vogele is a professional genealogist and Certified Travel Associate who blends genealogy with heritage travel through her company, Travel Your Tree. She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and authored Food & Folklore: A Year of Italian Festivals. In 2025, she received the APG Fellowship for her work on Italian passport records.

*Karen West Wente is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and small business owner with a 44-year passion for genealogy. A member of the Larimer County Genealogy Society since 2009, she actively researches her family tree, teaches genealogy classes, leads a colonial records study group, and serves as the society’s archival chair. 

*Glenn York has over 40 years of experience in genealogy and specializes in genetic genealogy. He holds degrees in social science and telecommunications and has completed numerous institute courses. Glenn manages DNA tests for over 35 relatives, teaches nationwide, and is active in multiple genealogy organizations and study groups. 

Notes

• A current OLLI membership is required to register for all courses and lectures.
• If you do not have a Spring 2026 membership, one will be added to your cart at checkout.
• OLLI membership fees and course tuition are critical to the Institute's sustainability and are non-refundable.

Recommendations

• The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy by Ancestry Publishing 
• The Handybook for Genealogists by Everton Publishers 
• Family Photo Detective by Maureen A. Taylor 
• Genetic Genealogy in Practice by National Genealogical Society 
• Evidence Explained (4th Edition) by Elizabeth Shown Mills