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Call for Presentations for our Popular “Find Your Ancestors” Series 2027

Find Your Ancestors Image with Old Photographs

Since 2014, our Find Your Ancestors series has delivered genealogy education to more than 14,000 attendees, reaching an average of over 100 participants each month from across the U.S. and around the world. We offer both in-person and hybrid formats, depending upon the presenter’s preference. All presentations are free and open to the public.

We welcome proposals on a wide range of genealogy topics designed for audiences of all skill levels, with a preference for presentations that include content accessible to beginners through advanced researchers. We’re committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment and encourage submissions from both in-person and virtual speakers of all experience levels.
Thanks for your interest in providing a presentation for our community.

Questions? Please contact Katie Stilp, Local History Librarian, via our contact form or call 920-832-6393.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Please submit up to three proposals using the form below no later than midnight (Central Standard Time) Monday, August 31, 2026.

See a list of past topics covered in the series. We strive to offer a diverse range of subjects each year. While some topics may be repeated, we make every effort to avoid topics covered in the recent past.

DETAILS

Presenters can deliver their presentation either virtually via Zoom or in-person at the library (200 N. Appleton St., Appleton, WI). Preference will be given to in-person presentations. With the presenter’s permission, sessions may also be livestreamed via Zoom. 
Programs are scheduled for up to two hours and typically include a brief introduction by library staff, a 45 to 75-minute lecture, and a question and answer session facilitated by library staff. Longer presentations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please include the estimated presentation length in your proposal.

Presentations should be delivered using a slide-based program such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, or Keynote. Virtual presenters should plan to use their own computer, webcam, and microphone, and ensure all equipment is functioning properly. In-person presenters will have access to library equipment but may also choose to use their own. 

Selected presenters are asked to submit a handout for attendees at least one week prior to the program. 
With the presenter’s permission, sessions may be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel. Recording preferences are flexible and will be discussed with selected presenters.

SELECTION & COMPENSATION

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with our budget and programming policy.
Review of submissions will begin in September, and selected presenters will be contacted via email. Invited presenters will be required to electronically sign a performance contract.
We warmly welcome program presentations offered at no cost. We can offer an honorarium to presenters (or their affiliate organization), payable after the successful completion of their program. Honorariums are provided by Friends of the Appleton Public Library. If presenting in-person, please account for all costs as a lump sum. No additional funding will be provided for travel. Paid presenters must submit a completed W-9 form upon scheduling their program.
Due to the volume of submissions, letters of regret will not be sent.

SUBMIT YOUR PROGRAM PROPOSAL

Thank you for your interest in being a presenter for the popular Find Your Ancestors series at APL.  Check back here at the start of summer when we re-open calls for presentations. The submission form will appear in this spot.

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