HEATHER JENKINS

Heather has traced her own family history for over 25 years through Missouri, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, Kentucky, and Canada. She worked as a federal program auditor where she developed her research and analytical skills. Using that experience, she researches our ancestors’ financial footprints across the United States from colonial times to today. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and finance and is currently working towards the American and the Professional Development Certificates through the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. She currently serves as the president for the Johnson County Genealogical Society and the National Genealogy Society and the Association of Professional Genealogists.

• Uncovering Your Ancestors’ Lives: The rewards of Digging into Tax Records: Friday 2pm and Saturday 10:15am
• The WPA: The Best Kept Secret in Genealogy: Friday 10:15am 
• United States Tax Records Workshop: Friday 3:15pm and Saturday 11:30am REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO 18 PER CLASS. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS ONLINE (SEE OUR REGISTRATION FORM, AND ENSURE YOU REGISTER SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS CLASS. THE HANDOUT FOR THIS CLASS WILL BE EMAILED TO THOSE THAT REGISTER FOR THE CLASS PRIOR TO THE EVENT.)

Uncovering Your Ancestors' Lives: The Rewards of Digging into Tax Records - Heather Jenkins There is a saying that there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. Tax records are full of treasures that can help any genealogist with their research. Our ancestors were taxed on a variety of things: personal property, real estate, and people. These records provide insight into our ancestor’s net worth, town’s economy, migration patterns, and family structures. Learn what records are available, how to find them, and how to read these often-overlooked gems. 

The WPA: The Best Kept Secret in Genealogy - Heather Jenkins The Great Depression was one of the darkest times in United States history. The Works Progress Administration (or also known as Works Projects Administration) (WPA) was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal to help get Americans back to work. The WPA included projects like the Historical Records Survey that can help any genealogist with their research. This class will discuss the projects of the WPA and how a researcher can learn if their ancestor was part of the WPA.

US Tax Records Workshop - Heather Jenkins This workshop is a hands-on experience in researching tax records. There will be three case studies that an attendee can walk through on how to find and analyze tax records. There will be questions to guide the researcher through the tax record. These tax records may include real estate, personal property, Civil War taxes, estate or inheritance taxes or other taxes. It is recommended attendees attend a US tax presentation/class but it is not required.