Writing about family history to be focus of May 18  hybrid event—including in-person writing workshop

“Facts and Fables and Family Narratives” will be the lecture topic of Kate Penney Howard on Sunday, May 18, 2025, for a special hybrid event co-sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois and the North Suburban Genealogical Society. Her talk will begin at 1 p.m. CDT via Zoom and in person at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.

After the hybrid presentation, Kate will conduct an in-person writing workshop at Temple Beth-El, where on-site participants will begin writing a piece of family history, applying the lessons taught during the presentation.

Temple Beth-El will open at 12:30 p.m. CDT for sign-in and socializing before the hybrid lecture begins at 1 p.m. CDT.

Please register/RSVP by clicking the button at left.

“Our personal identity is comprised of facts and lore,” Kate says. “How do we navigate that well, effectively honoring our family history, even when faced with inaccuracies, embellishments, or outlandish fabrications? From deciphering the truth behind mythical ancestors to understanding the significance of half-remembered tales, we will grapple with the importance of preserving family stories and compassionately approaching our ancestors' fibs.

“By addressing the challenge of reconciling truth and myth, as well as re-storying traumatic events within family histories, this class empowers attendees to shape their family’s identity with clarity and integrity, discerning fact from fiction, and preserving the essence of their heritage while embracing the complexities of their ancestral past,” Kate says.

In her presentation, Kate will share a narrative history about her grandfather’s time in the U.S. Army, using stories he told, his V-Mail letters, and other contemporary accounts to reconstruct his experience.

The writing workshop that follows her talk will guide participants through the art of capturing family stories and creating compelling histories to be treasured by our families. Participants will explore various writing prompts and techniques during the session. The workshop covers essential storytelling elements, including narrative structure, character development, and emotional resonance. Attendees will learn how to craft compelling narratives that effectively communicate family experiences, whether documenting everyday moments or chronicling a lifetime's journey.

The focus will be on creating meaningful, captivating stories that forge lasting connections with readers and preserve important family legacies. Bring your notes, photos and family recipes to inspire your writing, as well as your favorite writing tools.

Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist, specializing in brick wall work, High RoH (high run of homozygosity), and endogamy. During a bout with cancer, she discovered that she loves sharing her knowledge with other genealogists. She is intentional about addressing injustice and myths in her presentations.

Kate has presented at Rootstech, the East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, and NAAP/RTK’s Untangling Our Roots. Her 2025 speaking engagements include Rootstech, Ohio Genealogical Society 2025, and Ontario Ancestors Webinar Series, as well as local library and genealogical society gatherings.

Kate studied vocal music and earned a master of divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011, and has been a pastor in Fort Wayne, Indiana, since her ordination.

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