Upcoming: August 7–9, 2026 — Wingate by Wyndham, 605 Atlas Air Way, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018
The 14th DFA Biannual Genealogical Conference carries the theme “250 Years of Dillmans,” marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the deep roots Dillman families have in American history. The conference will be held just south of Cincinnati in Erlanger, Kentucky.
Program at a Glance
Program plans are designed for flexibility and may be interrupted or changed as needs arise.
Thursday, August 6
Arrival and check-in for those coming in a day early. The Wingate by Wyndham is the conference hotel.
Day One: Friday, August 7
Morning — Moderator: Melissa Minke
| 8:30–9:00 | Registration |
| 9:00–10:15 | Welcome: Overview of This Year’s Reunion — DFA President Melissa Minke. All attendees share their known Dillman ancestry and what they hope to learn from the conference. |
| 10:15–10:30 | Break |
| 10:30–11:30 | Amber Oldenburg — “Largest Census of American Women You’ve Never Heard Of” followed by Q&A |
| 11:30–12:00 | Phil Dillman — Introduction to the DFA Library and recent additions |
| 12:00–1:30 | Lunch — on your own or with cousins |
Afternoon — Moderator: Melissa Minke
| 1:30–1:45 | Melissa Minke — Arrangements for dinner |
| 1:45–2:45 | Dave Gilbert, SAR — “Bet You Don’t Know That About The Revolution!” and “From Cotton to Conflict” — role of the cotton gin in displacing Native Americans and links to the Trail of Tears |
| 2:45–3:15 | Stuart Martin, SAR — “The Uncovered Stories of Patriots, Including Andrew Dillman” — Patriot Burial Markers Program supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation |
| 3:15–3:30 | Break and Library Time |
| 3:30–4:30 | Daniel Dillman — Walk-through of the DFA website |
| 4:30–4:45 | Wrap-Up — Melissa Minke — followed by dinner for those interested; Library open after dinner for relaxed viewing |
Day Two: Saturday, August 8
Morning — Moderator: Rod Dillman
| 9:00–9:15 | Introductions for New Arrivals |
| 9:15–9:30 | Members’ Resolution of Appreciation and presentation |
| 9:30–10:15 | Andrew Stillman — Dillman families of Ohio |
| 10:15–10:45 | Break |
| 10:45–11:45 | Andrew Stillman — What’s new in genealogical tools — Research of the Future |
| 11:45–12:00 | Library Time |
| 12:00–1:30 | Lunch — on your own or with cousins |
Afternoon — Moderator: Terry Tomsick
| 1:30–2:30 | Library Time |
| 2:30–3:30 | Terry Tomsick — Future of the DFA roundtable — results of member/friends survey |
| 3:30–4:00 | Rod Dillman — Election of officers |
| 4:00–5:00 | Library Time / Library Packing |
| 6:00–8:00 | Informal dinner in a local restaurant for all who are interested |
“Cousins By Choice”
Program plans are designed for flexibility and may be interrupted or changed as needs arise.
Sunday, August 9
Departure. Continental breakfast included with hotel stay.
Invited Speakers
Dave Gilbert — SAR Member, Kentucky Colonel
Dave Gilbert is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and holds the title of Kentucky Colonel. His research and presentations focus on Revolutionary War history and its long reverberations in American life. Dave will deliver two sessions at the 2026 conference.
- “Bet You Don’t Know That About The Revolution!” — A lively and surprising look at what most people don’t know about the Revolutionary War era, stripping away myths to reveal the human story behind America’s founding.
- “From Cotton to Conflict” — An exploration of the role of the cotton gin in displacing Native Americans, tracing the unintended consequences that linked the post-Revolutionary economy to the Trail of Tears.
Amber Oldenburg — Genealogist, BYU-Idaho Instructor
Amber Oldenburg is a genealogist and instructor at BYU-Idaho. Her research specializes in underutilized record sets and the women whose stories they preserve.
- “Largest Census of American Women You’ve Never Heard Of” — An introduction to one of the largest documentation efforts of American women ever undertaken — a remarkable genealogical resource hiding in plain sight.
Stuart Martin — SAR Chapter President, Kentucky State Liaison
Stuart Martin serves as SAR Chapter President and as the Kentucky State Liaison for the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Patriot Burials Marker Program, which works to place historical markers at the gravesites of documented Revolutionary War patriots.
- “The Uncovered Stories of Patriots, Including Andrew Dillman” — A presentation on recovering and honoring forgotten Revolutionary War patriots, including the restoration of the Andrew Dillman gravesite in Bracken County, Kentucky.
Venue
Wingate by Wyndham
605 Atlas Air Way, Erlanger, KY 41018
Located just south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Continental breakfast is included with hotel stay each morning. Attendees are responsible for booking their own rooms.
Questions?
Contact us at the DFA contact page with any questions about the 2026 conference.