January 2026

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOKS

For upcoming Black History Month, we want to highlight a free community resource called African Kinship Reunion program that has recently expanded statewide. According to their website, it is "groundbreaking research project that combines cutting-edge genetic testing, rigorous genealogical research, and in-depth social science analysis to help people of African descent reconnect with their ancestral roots and long-lost family members separated by the Transatlantic Slave Trade (TST)." WBEZ showcased the organization in this article and webinar. 

GENEALOGY SOCIETIES 101

By Tami Bowles

There are countless avenues and technologies available to help track elusive clues to your family history. While there are many online databases that offer a variety of records, like Ancestry.com, and Family Search, there are many record specific databases like the Chicago Tribune Historical Archives. However, sometimes a database is not enough, and you just need a helping hand from people that have been where you are now–and know how to take the next step. 

That is where genealogical societies can help refine or even begin your family search. They specialize in helping decipher old handwriting, providing access to databases, or even understanding general historical context.  

Best of all, they are a place for like-minded individuals who want to share their experiences and expertise. There are several types of genealogical societies that are around to help: 

"The best part of genealogy is searching for ancestors and finding friends” – unknown 

Local Geographical:  

• ISGS – Illinois State Genealogical Society
• Midwest Historical and Genealogical Society
• Chicago Genealogical Society  
• Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois 
• Lake County Genealogical Society 

Ethnic/Religious: 

• Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. 
• Ukrainian Genealogy Group
• Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois 
• Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library 
• Czech & Slovak American Genealogy Society of Illinois 
• Polish Genealogical Society of America 

Very Historically Specific: 

• National Society of Colonial Dames XVII 
• National society sons of the American revolution 
• Descendants of Brian Boru 
• Legion of Vikings and Valkyries 
• Military Order of the Purple Heart 

Additional Society Index:  

• Alphabetical | The Hereditary Society Community
• Cyndi’s List of Genealogical Sites on the Internet

If you enjoy learning about the most up-to-date research tools and techniques, or just having fun with like-minded individuals, a society is an effective way to level up your research. While the library does not offer an official society, we provide a monthly gathering called:

GENEALOGY INTEREST GROUP MEETING

Monday, January 26 | Monday, February 23 | Monday, March 23 7-8:30 pm

Join this informal group in a collaborative setting to explore library databases, research your family tree and connect with other enthusiasts and skilled staff. Suitable for beginners and experienced researchers alike. Registration required. 

COMMUNITY RECIPES

This November Genealogy staff focused on themed activities around community recipes. One of the activities was a option to submit your own recipe. Thank you to everyone that took the time to submit a recipe.

The library is not endorsing any of the recipes listed.

Candied Chili Peppers 

This recipe was the winner of the raffle.



Ingredients: 

• Chili peppers – select a variety of colors and heat levels 
• 2 cups sugar 
• 1 cup water 
• 2 limes  
• Sea salt 

Special Equipment: Food dehydrator 

Instructions: 

1. Wear gloves. Slice peppers and remove seeds. Cut peppers into pieces about 1x2 inches. 
2. In a large pot, combine sugar, water, juice and zest from one lime. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves. 
3. Add peppers and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4. Remove from heat and let peppers sit for 15 minutes. 
5. Scoop peppers out of syrup and place in a strainer to allow excess syrup to drain. 
6. Arrange on dehydrator racks and sprinkle with sea salt and lime zest. 
7. Dehydrate at 125°-135° for about 8 hours. Peppers will be ready when they are chewy and not sticky to the touch. 



*Save leftover chili-lime simple syrup for cocktails, mocktails, and other recipes. 

Avocado Spread

Ingredients: 

• 2 avocados mashed 
• 2-4 cloves of garlic finely grated (minus or add depending on how much or little you want) 
• 2 pinches of salt (or per your taste) 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• ½ of a jalapeño pepper (optional) 
• ½ of a lemon (freshly squeezed) 



Avocado spread: Use as a dip for salsa chips or spread on sandwich or make an avo toast or eat by spoonful. 

Mango Casserole 

Ingredients: 

• 3-4 red mangos 
• 3-4 roma tomatoes 
• 1 – 16-ounce mozzarella cheese 
• Spices (opt) 
• Other fruits and vegetables (optional) 



Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 400°. 
2. Wash mangoes.
3. Stir fry them in a skillet or wok. 
4. Make first layer at bottom of casserole pan. Use slices of cheese to separate layers of casserole.
5. Repeat with tomatoes & any other fruits &/or vegetables.
6. Spice as needed with different layers. Mangoes should also be the top layer. 
7. Bake for half an hour at 400°F. 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup pumpkin 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 1 tsp vanilla  
• ½ cup oil 
• 1 egg 
• 2 cups flour  
• 2 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• ½ tsp salt 
• 1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 tsp milk 
• 1 cups semisweet chocolate chips 



Instructions: 

1. In a bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, oil and egg. 
2. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
3. To dry ingredients, add pumpkin mixture along with dissolved baking soda and mix well 
4. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla.
5. Drop by teaspoons on lightly greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes. 

Fresas con Crema 

Ingredients: 

• Fresh strawberries 
• Sugar 
• Sour cream 

Instructions: Mix all ingredients together. 

NAVIGATING SENSITIVE TOPICS: WRITING ON FAMILY HISTORY

Monday, January 12
7-8:30 pm

Laura Hedgecock, professional genealogist, author and speaker, will equip writers and researchers with strategies to handle delicate subjects within family histories. Registration required. 

Viewable on the ITPLD YouTube Channel at a later date for those unable to attend the live zoom program.

INSIDE CHICAGO'S INTRIGUING HOUSE MUSEUMS

Monday, March 9
7-8:30 pm

Architectural historian Laurie Petersen takes you inside Chicago's house museums in an illustrated lecture to learn more about their owners, architects, histories and significance. Registration required. 

GENEALOGY INTEREST GROUP MEETING

Monday, January 26 | Monday, February 23 | Monday, March 23
 7-8:30 pm

Join this informal group in a collaborative setting to explore library databases, research your family tree and connect with other enthusiasts and skilled staff. Suitable for beginners and experienced researchers alike. Registration required.