September 11 - 13 | Willard Public Library

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Willard Public Library is thrilled to present Genealogy Quest, the annual conference for genealogy enthusiasts, seasoned researchers, and beginners alike. Join us from September 11-13, 2025, to explore the fascinating world of family research and uncover your ancestral roots.

This year's theme is Tracing Your Story with Today’s Tools: DNA, AI, and the Search for Family .

Event Highlights:

• Renowned Speakers: Attendees will benefit from the expertise of distinguished speakers Shannon Bennett and  Kelly Bennett, who will cover topics such as using DNA to find your family and AI's potential in genealogy.
• Local Experts: Gain valuable insights from local experts who will be available for research assistance on Saturday afternoon.
• Convenient Dining: Enjoy  food trucks from the local area, offering delicious meals, snacks, and refreshments without leaving the library premises.
• Cookout: Relax and get to know other genealogists at our cookout on Saturday afternoon.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in genealogy, connect with fellow researchers, and discover new ways to uncover your family’s history.

Join the conversation and the Willard Public Library Genealogy Facebook Group.

If you enjoy our Genealogy conference at Willard Public Library, please consider making a donation at: https://www.willardlib.org/donate

Food Truck Schedule:

• Food Truck Vendors will be set up on the parking lot's pavement outside the event entrance, or the Gallery.
• Available daily will be two food trucks serving up main dishes or breakfast options along with a dedicated dessert truck all available to purchase at your convenience!

Speakers

Shannon Combs-Bennett QG (qualified genealogist), MSc, FSAScot is an award-winning author who resides in Northern Virginia. From there, she writes and presents on various topics across the US and internationally, from genetic genealogy to methodology techniques. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her Master of Science in Genealogic, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Shannon is a doctoral student in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde, researching the correlations between genealogy and lineage societies in the United States.

 Kelly Bennett has spent the last decade working in AI/ML, applying a broad range of techniques from tagging field imagery to predicting delays in tasks and processes. Additionally, Kelly has leveraged large language models (LLMs) to streamline staff hiring processes. A current side project combines a passion for software development with AI to advance genealogical research. Beyond AI, Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in designing large-scale solutions for various companies, agencies, and departments. As a founder of an AI startup and Director at a small IT consulting firm, Kelly continues to innovate and lead in the tech industry.

Stan Schmitt was born in Evansville but grew up outside of New York City.  A Central High School alum, he graduated from Indiana University with a history degree.   He is a title searcher, spending hours researching records in court houses. Stan is in his third term as Vanderburgh County Historian, and has worked in Special Collections at Willard Library for 13 years.  Over the years he has done many historic tours and programs, written numerous articles and have been interviewed on tv and radio.  He has numerous ongoing research projects and continues to collect historic artifacts.

Vickie Fields (MLIS) is the Special Collections Librarian at Willard.  Prior to working at Willard, she homeschooled her 5 children for 23 years, and traveled to conventions where she assisted other homeschool families.  She has worked in the genealogy department for eight years, and loves helping library patrons with their research.

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