Michael Cassara
- Speaking / Presenting
- Family History Research
- Methodology & Resources
- Technology
- Available for in-person events
- Available for virtual events
Michael Cassara is a professional genealogist and speaker, based in New York City. He has conducted extensive research on his Italian/Sicilian/Irish/German ancestors and frequently speaks at genealogy conferences, including 5 years of presentations at RootsTech in Salt Lake City, the 2018 APG PMC, FGS, and multiple presentations at the New York State Family History Conference, as well as dozens of talks for societies throughout the United States.
(**NOT currently taking research clients but open to speaking/lecturing opportunities**)
He is the Past President of the Italian Genealogical Group, and a graduate of ProGen 43 and the BU Certificate in Genealogical Research program (OL19). In his "other life", Michael is a leading casting director for theatre and film; he started doing genealogical research at the age of 8 and it remains his passion.
Geographic Specialties
NJ, NY, OH, Mid-Atlantic, Cleveland, Columbus, New York City, Italy
Cemetery Crowdsourcing Cemeteries frequently provide genealogists with clues that exist nowhere else. In recent years, even the most remote cemeteries have become accessible to researchers worldwide, thanks to the internet. This talk explores the future of cemetery research - including BillionGraves, FindAGrave, and other apps - and highlights different strategies and approaches to make the most out of cemetery research.
One-Name Studies: What Are They and How Can They Help Your Research? A One-Name Study is "in-depth research on all occurrences of a single surname". In this talk, Michael explores the different types of one-name studies/surname projects, including the latest software and methodology as well as DNA/technology.
Putting Things in Their Place: Paying it Forward in the Digital Age Have you ever found an old photograph, scrapbook, or family keepsake from someone *else's* family, and wondered how you might track down a descendant? This talk explores the many fascinating ways in which people are doing just that - helping to preserve our unique heritage and return things to where they belong!
21st Century Italian Genealogy There has never been a better time to do Italian genealogical research! With more and more records now online, this talk provides a strong overview for the beginning researcher, while including some lesser-known resources that will be of interest to even the most advanced researchers.
Looking for something else? Michael is happy to create a custom lecture/seminar for your group.
New Jersey State Archives,New York City Municipal Archives,New York State Archives
- 21st Century
- 20th Century
- 19th Century
American English, Italian
Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University (OL19), 2015 ProGen Study Group (ProGen 43), 2020 GenProof Study Group (GenProof 64)
Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), National Genealogical Society (NGS), New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYGBS), New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG), Italian Genealogical Group (IGG)
Bachelor of Fine Arts