Speaker: Dr. Michael D. Lacopo

Areas of focus or expertise:

  • German and Swiss-American research; especially 18th-century Germanic immigration to North America.
  • Mid-Atlantic U.S. genealogy, especially Pennsylvania
  • Genetic genealogy
  • Social history integration
  • Advanced problem-solving in genealogical research

Email contact: inpowermac@mac.com

Web/social media:

Home: United States, Indiana, Granger

Native language: English

Presentation language(s): English

Preferred presentation type: virtual and in-person

Travel preferences: No travel limitations

Biography

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a semi-retired small-animal veterinarian and a professional genealogist based in northern Indiana. He began his genealogical research in 1980 and has since become a respected figure in the field, known for his engaging lectures and publications.

Professional Background
Genealogy: Transitioning from veterinary medicine, he has dedicated himself to genealogy, lecturing internationally and contributing to various periodicals and journals.

Genealogical Expertise
Dr. Lacopo specializes in:

  • German and Swiss-American research; especially 18th-century Germanic immigration to North America.
  • Mid-Atlantic U.S. genealogy
  • Genetic genealogy
  • Social history integration
  • Advanced problem-solving in genealogical research
  • Publications and Online Presence

Books: Dr. Lacopo has authored works including contributions to Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies.
Lectures: Dr. Lacopo has lectured internationally since 2004 and presently has two lectures in the library of Legacy Family Tree Webinars.

Social Media: He maintains an active presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, sharing insights and updates related to genealogy.

Local Connection
A lifelong resident of northern Indiana, Dr. Lacopo resides in Granger and hails from Mishawaka. His deep roots in the area inform his genealogical work, particularly concerning Midwestern and German-American lineages and immigration.

For more information on Dr. Lacopo’s work and upcoming lectures, you can visit his Roots4U website (presently under construction) or follow him on Facebook.

In which societies are you a member? State Historical and Genealogical Societies of Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, New York, and Virginia. Germanic Genealogy Society. Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society. Palatines to America (National and NY, PA, OH, IN Chapters). Sacramento German Genealogy Society. Verein für Familienkunde in Baden-Württemberg e.V. Pfälzisch Rheinische Familienkunde e.V.

Speaking experience/references
  • National Genealogical Society Conferences 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022
  • Federation of Genealogical Society Conferences 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013-2020
  • Ohio Genealogical Society Conferences 2008, 2013- 2025
  • Palatines to America Conference featured speaker (Regional 2012, 2013, 2018, 2020; National 2015, 2020)
  • Southern California Genealogical Society’s Jamboree (Burbank, 2015-2019)
  • International German Genealogy Partnership International Conference (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025)
  • with many, many local and regional lectures

Recording of previous presentation OR an IGGP partner you have presented for: Partners for whom I have lectured: Dallas Genealogical Society, Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Germanic Genealogy Society, Kentucky Genealogical Society, Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society, Palatines to America (CO, IN, OH, PA, National), Sacramento German Genealogy Society, San Diego Genealogical Society, The Villages Genealogical Society.

Payment/expense arrangements

How do you approach payment for making a presentation? I am willing to negotiate a speaking fee with clients.

Other expenses you would like to have reimbursed if you travel? Travel, lodging, expenses and/or per diem

Recordings/additional materials

Are you willing to prepare a handout? Yes

Would you be willing to develop a presentation on another topic? Yes

Do you have any restrictions on recording, re-use of recordings, handouts, etc? Recording and its use is negotiated individually per agreement.

Are you willing to have the presentation translated or translate it yourself? Yes

Presentation topics

I presently have a catalog of 50+ lectures ranging from basic to advanced. These include lectures on methodology, analysis, genetic genealogy, social history/story telling, Swiss research, Mennonite research, Germanic research, German-American genealogy, and many lectures regarding the “Pennsylvania Deutsch” covering social history, immigration experience, and advanced research within Pennsylvania archives and repositories and record groups.