Looking for that lost branch on your family tree? Wondering who is in that old photo at Aunt Penny's house?

The answer might be more accessible for those who attend the Butler County Genealogical Society Expo.

Hosted by the genealogical society, the event will be held on April 5 at Butler Senior High School.

Those attending will have a choice of four workshops in each of the four sessions scheduled.

Coordinators expect people from surrounding areas to attend, since the event is being promoted on genealogy Web sites.

Pat Collins, genealogical society project chairwoman and vice president of the Butler County Historical Society, is coordinating the expo.

"The genealogical society wanted to bring some different speakers into Western Pennsylvania so that our members could be exposed to new ideas and information in regards to genealogical research," the Butler Township resident said.

"We invited a variety of vendors and other societies throughout Western Pennsylvania to give people a variety of resources," she added.

Author John Philip Colletta is among those resources.

Based in Washington, D.C., Colletta has conducted workshops for the National Archives and taught courses for the Smithsonian Institution and local universities for the past 20 years.

He currently is a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy in Salt Lake City.

"I will be contributing four one-hour lectures, illustrated and full of real-life examples, that will explore a variety of historical sources for discovering the identities and lives of one's ancestors," Colletta said.

"I will conclude with a lively session about compiling and writing a narrative family history using my book 'Only a Few BONES: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath' as an example," he explained.

Colletta said his goal is to help family historians uncover and write the stories of their forebears and to help make that process enjoyable.

"As you learn who they were, you discover more about who you are," Colletta said.

"Even if you're not interested in genealogy, John Colletta is a dynamic speaker who will entertain anyone in attendance," Collins noted.

Speakers also will include Al Mechling of Mechling Bookbindery in Oakland Township.

"We are also offering a class on publishing your family history, which will include information on copyright law, scanning photos and using files," said Mechling, who will be joined by two of his designers at the show.

Mechling also will offer assorted genealogy books for sale from the company's assortment of more than 400 titles.

"We have reprints of the old county histories, Civil War books, cemetery records, research aids, books on local railroads, businesses, people and so much more," he explained.

Also on hand to share her expertise will be author Lisa Alzo of Ithaca, N.Y., who will discuss European research, along with speakers providing an introduction to genealogical research and Butler County during the Civil War.

Other topics will include DNA testing, courthouse resources and how to us them, digital photo restoration and writing.

Becky Crum-Reinsel, executive director of the Butler County Historical Society, said the event will educate attendees about genealogy and will promote numerous research resources in the county.

"Mrs. Collins has scheduled first-rate speakers from across the United States and from around Butler County to make this a very informative and enjoyable event," she said.

The historical society will be on hand with merchandise and to answer questions concerning genealogical research and their holdings, Crum-Reinsel added.

Registration forms for the event can be accessed at www.bcgs.us:80/expo.htm. Those registering before Tuesday will receive a discount.

<b>WHAT:</b> Butler County Genealogy Society Expo<b>WHEN:</b> 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 5<b>WHERE:</b> Butler Senior High School, 167 New Castle Road, Butler Township<b>COST:</b> $45 for BCGS members and $55 for non-members by Monday. Costs after Monday and at the door are $55 for BCGS members and $65 for non-members.<b>INFO:</b> www.bcgs.us:80/expo.htm