Genealogical Society of PA, Board Member

Karen Ellingson

Karen Ellingson is a member of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania board and is active with several committees (Program, Conferences, Technology, and Membership which she chairs). Members know her well as the host of GSPs popular monthly Gatherings and the moderator for the Third Thursday webinars.

As a child Karen’s passion for family history was ignited by her beloved grandmother’s stories. Her research focuses are Colonial Pennsylvania, Mennonite and Amish heritage, Midwest migration, and farm life. Her heritage includes both 1st and 2nd wave Germans, with her earliest immigrant ancestor arriving in 1738. Karen has completed numerous institutes (GRIP, IGHR, HSP, etc) and she actively participates in genealogy webinars to build her research skills. In addition to GSP, Karen belongs to several genealogical societies across the country.

Previous to her recent retirement from science education, Karen worked in the energy and technology industries as a nuclear engineer as well as marketing, sales, and international business development management. She now dedicates her time to her family history research and service, with an eye to connecting and inspiring the next generations.