COSCA Clan Genealogist Forum Charts a Collaborative Future

The inaugural meeting of the COSCA Genealogist Forum on September 21, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for Scottish clan and family genealogists across the country, bringing together seasoned researchers, newcomers, and organizational leaders to forge a shared path forward. Hosted by Christine Conlon and Sean Logan, the gathering served as both an introduction and a strategic planning session aimed at enhancing genealogical collaboration, education, and professional standards within the Scottish heritage community.

The forum opened with Bart Forbes, COSCA Communications Chairman, who emphasized COSCA’s mission to connect members and support clan societies. Co-chairs Christine Conlon and Sean Logan shared their genealogical journeys. Chris is the genealogist for the Clan Buchanan Society International, formerly in America. She regularly contributes articles for the quarterly Buchanan Banner news magazine, has built a standalone genealogy website, launched a Clan Buchanan and septs atDNA project, and continues researching the Clan Buchanan family tree. Sean is the Genealogist for Clan Logan Society International. In this role, Sean has created a Clan Genealogy site and is primarily focused on finding a living heir to one of the Logan Chiefs of Name and Arms, the Logans of that Ilk. He has also become an administrator of the Logan DNA Project.

Their stories set the tone for a meeting rich in shared experiences and mutual support. Participants discussed ongoing projects such as DNA analysis, family tree construction, and the development of online resources. The consensus was clear: clan genealogists face unique challenges, from limited historical documentation to managing member inquiries, and they need structured support to thrive.

Clan Genealogists Forum Zoom Call, September 21, 2025.

One of the most exciting outcomes of the meeting was the proposal to create a “Genealogy Toolbox”—a curated set of resources to help clan genealogists conduct research, cite sources properly, and validate findings. The group also explored the idea of an online academy, with interactive classes and certificates, to elevate genealogical education and attract new talent.

Chris stressed the importance of proper source citation and critical analysis, noting that while AI tools like ChatGPT can assist, they must be used with care to meet professional standards. Marsha Richardson, Newsletter Editor and Genealogist for Clan Forsyth Society USA, echoed this, sharing her experience as a newsletter editor and the need for credible documentation in clan publications.

Building on the momentum, the group agreed to hold quarterly meetings tailored to different skill levels. The next session will focus on helping new clan genealogists get started. Sean proposed using platforms like WhatsApp for real-time communication, and plans are underway to establish an online forum where members can collaborate between calls.

The meeting didn’t shy away from the tough realities of clan genealogy. Participants discussed the difficulty of connecting ancient and modern family lines, the burden on part-time volunteers, and the frustration of unverified claims. Jim Dougherty, President of Clan Elliot Society USA, working to revive their clan’s genealogy program, called for structured platforms and best practices to guide their efforts.

The group also recognized the need to engage younger generations and create job descriptions to clarify genealogist roles. Chris offered to share her duty statement as a model, reinforcing the forum’s commitment to transparency and support.

The members of the COSCA Genealogist Forum outlined a roadmap:

• Define the forum’s objectives and finalize the frequency of calls

• Establish an online collaboration site

• Create onboarding structures for new genealogists

• Organize Zoom meetings around specific topics

• Develop the Genealogy Toolbox and online academy

• Resend the member survey to ensure full participation

By fostering collaboration, sharing tools, and elevating standards, the COSCA Clan Genealogists Forum is laying the foundation for a vibrant, connected future in clan genealogy. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting out, there’s a place for you in this growing community.

If you are interested in joining the forum, please contact Bart Forbes at COSCA@bforbes.com.