Burlington Library Hosts Annual Genealogy Workshop

Expert speakers and hands-on help return for two-day event

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:40pm

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An extremely blurred, out-of-focus scene of people sitting at library tables, surrounded by books and papers, in a warm, hazy glow of light and color, conveying the cozy, immersive atmosphere of a genealogy research session.The annual genealogy workshop at the Burlington Public Library offers a chance to dive into family history research with expert guidance and community support.Burlington Today

The Burlington Public Library is hosting its annual Spring Genealogy and Local History Workshop on April 24-25. The free event features presentations from prominent genealogy expert Susan Kaufman as well as local volunteers, a kids' program, a book sale, and one-on-one assistance in the library's Learning Lab.

Why it matters

The genealogy workshop provides an opportunity for both novice and experienced researchers to learn new skills, access resources, and connect with a community of people interested in exploring their family histories. It's a popular annual event that draws attendees from across the region.

The details

The two-day workshop includes a variety of sessions covering topics like DNA research, using online archives, and preserving family records. Participants can also browse a special book sale from the Friends of the Library and get personalized help from expert volunteers in the Learning Lab. This year's schedule has been adjusted to allow more time between sessions based on feedback from previous years.

  • The Spring Genealogy and Local History Workshop will be held on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2026.
  • Registration for the event will close on April 20, 2026 or when the sessions are full.

The players

Susan Kaufman

A prominent figure in the genealogical community, Kaufman currently serves as the Local History & Genealogy Librarian at the Peoria Public Library and previously managed the Houston Public Library's Family History Research Center for nearly two decades.

Des Moines County Genealogical Society

A local volunteer group that will be presenting sessions at the workshop.

Paul French

A local historian who will be giving presentations at the event.

Kay Weiss

The former director of the Burlington Public Library who will be participating in the workshop.

Burlington Public Library

The host of the annual Spring Genealogy and Local History Workshop.

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What’s next

To register for the workshop or get more information, people can visit the Burlington Public Library, call (319) 753-1647, or check the event's Facebook page.

The takeaway

The annual genealogy workshop at the Burlington Public Library provides a valuable opportunity for both novice and experienced researchers to learn new skills, access resources, and connect with a community of people interested in exploring their family histories. The event's mix of expert speakers, hands-on help, and community engagement makes it a popular draw for the region.