Lee County Genealogical Society

MGS ~ Finding Your Elusive Ancestors - Virtual Seminar - Four National Speakers
2025-01-25 10:00 - 16:15 (America/New_York) | Manatee Genealogy Society ~ Virtual
Saturday, January 25, 2025
“Finding Your Elusive Ancestors”
10:00 am to 4:15 pm EST – VIRTUAL SEMINAR
Registration: https://mgsfl.org/
COST: Members – $40; Non-members: $50. Learn more about our speakers and register for the seminar at our website: https://mgsfl.org/
The Manatee Genealogical Society is hosting a Virtual Seminar on Saturday, January 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. EST. Four nationally known speakers will address the theme of the seminar: “Finding Your Elusive Ancestors,” and the seminar will serve as a fund-raiser for the project to digitize the Veteran Bounty Land Records, being coordinated by the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the National Archives Records Administration (NARA). You will also have the chance to win prizes from major genealogical companies. Registered attendees will have access to recordings of the speakers for 30 days. Registrations received by December 31, 2024 will be entered in an Early Bird drawing. The last day to register is 5:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025.
Program speakers and topics:
Tom W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGG, FASG, FNGS, FUGA, “DNA Helps Clarify a Puzzling Relationship and Reveal forgotten Mixed-Race Ancestry: A Case Study” This presentation shows how genealogical reasoning can overcome a scarcity of records to identify unrecorded parents. The research methods it demonstrates include the resolution of conflicting evidence, recognizing that differing details refer to one person, distinguishing men of the same name, and testing multiple hypotheses to identify which of four sisters was the mother and which of twenty-four men with the same Y DNA was the father.
Tom is a genealogical researcher, author, and educator whose Manatee County roots predate 1908. He has been tracing his ancestry since 1963 and teaching genealogical methods since 1997. Besides twenty-five published genealogical case studies, he wrote the textbooks Mastering Genealogical Proof and Mastering Genealogical Documentation, three chapters in Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice and Standards, and one chapter in Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies. He edited the forthcoming book Forensic Genealogy: Theory and Practice.
Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, The Legal Genealogist, “Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence” The father of Gustavus Boone Robertson (1827 MS-1903 TX) was William M. Robertson (c1795 NC-1864 MS). But who was Gustavus’s mother? No record directly identifies her, but court, land, and DNA evidence combine to prove the case as to the identity of this third great-grandmother and, in doing so, landing the fourths—fourth great-grandparents, that is.
Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist®, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally-known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. Her blog is at https://www.legalgenealogist.com.
Richard G (Rick) Sayre, CG, CGL “Bounty Land Applications as Good as a Pension” Many bounty land records rival pension records in their genealogical value. These records provide evidence of military service and even evidence of kinship. The federal government and some states awarded land from 1776 to 1855 to encourage and reward service in the military. Awards continued into the early twentieth century. Heirs and associates may be found in these records. Strategies to locate these records will be explained. Today more and more of these resources are available online and even more will be digitized soon.
Richard (Rick) G. Sayre is a Certified Genealogist®, and a Certified Genealogical Lecturer. He is also past president of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. His areas of genealogical expertise encompass records of the National Archives, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, including military records, land records, using maps in genealogy, urban research, Irish research, and government documents.
Lisa Louise Cooke, “Reconstruct Your Ancestors’ World with Google” A wide variety of rich resources are available for free through Google. But it’s not just Google search that can lead you to finding genealogy gems. Google’s empire includes a collection of free online tools that are all powered by the same Google search engine, and many are brimming with historical information. In this case study session, you’ll learn the techniques and strategies needed to flesh out an ancestor’s story using a variety of Google tools and bring it all together in a compelling video that can be shared.
Lisa Louise Cooke is the author of several books including The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, 3rd edition. She produces and hosts the popular Genealogy Gems Podcast (founded in 2007) and publishes weekly videos at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel. She offers a Premium Membership service at her website at https://lisalouisecooke.com featuring exclusive on-demand genealogy education. And she writes a regular column for Family Tree Magazine and produces the Family Tree Magazine Podcast.
COST: Members – $40; Non-members: $50. Learn more about our speakers and register for the seminar at our website: https://mgsfl.org/.
Hope to see you there!
The Manatee Genealogical Society

No registrations will be accepted after 5:00 PM, Friday, January 24th.

DNA SIG Meeting
2025-01-20 14:00 - 15:30
HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR to EVERYONE!!

I hope that you will join me in 2025 for a continuation of our meetings. The group has been meeting for over 7 years and let’s continue our journey together.

Topics to be covered: Things you need to be aware of!

New features at Ancestry and AncestryDNA – ProTools-DNA – Free/Paid

NEW Chrome Extension to be Reviewed – Genealogy Assistant – Paid

Chrome Extension to Blur your Matches while Giving Presentations – FREE

Time allowing other Chrome Extensions for Genealogy

Please join me on Zoom – link below. Those who attend the meeting will receive the recording and any Resource Guides set to attendees.

If you have never been to a meeting of this group before, please send the following info to be on the contact list. This is a must to be admitted to the meeting.

Name

Email

Phone

Location

If you have the opportunity to use 2 devices during the Zoom meeting, I hope you can follow me on 1 and do your own thing while I am doing on another!

Regards,

Arthur

Naples, FL

DNA SIG of Collier/Lee Co FL

Jewish Genealogy SIG of Collier/Lee Co FL

genresearch13@yahoo.com

954-328-3559 cell USA, WhatsApp, FaceTime

Join our FB page at Jewish Genealogy SIG

Genealogical Life of Arthur Sissman

Zoom Link – I will be online about 45 min before the meeting if you want to join – Recording starts on the hour.

Join Zoom Meeting

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
us02web.zoom.us

Meeting ID: 814 3642 5331

Passcode: [REDACTED]

January Meeting ~ Internet Archive: A Gold Mine for Genealogists with Thomas MacEntee
2025-01-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Join us for our January 2025 monthly meeting with Thomas MacEntee who will be presenting his program on Internet Archive: A Gold Mine for Genealogists. The Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org) is a free, on-line repository rich with genealogy source documents including census images and e-books. Learn how to navigate the Internet Archive and leverage the best search strategies to download a variety of materials including archived web pages, e-books, video, audio and more.
If you are attending this program virtually, please register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItdOqhqDktE9H2A1Jcdi13__hN0Q5qugxM
If you are attending the program in person, our meeting address is below.

FMRL ~ Naming Customs for German Children with Ken Weaver
2025-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Meeting Rm A & B – Hybrid, 1651 Lee Street, Room A & B, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Saturday, January 11th – Ken Weaver – Naming Customs for German Children – South Building Meeting Rooms – 10-12
To register: email Bryan Mulcahy at: bmulcahy@leegov.com

MGS ~ Impacts on Your Family: Sudden Deaths, Disasters, Epidemics & Events: 35 Examples with Peg Kapustiak
2025-01-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Manatee Genealogical Society ~ Hybrid Meeting, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Our program speaker, Margaret (Peg) Kapustiak, will present in person “Impacts on Your Family: Sudden Deaths, Disasters, Epidemics & Events: 35 Examples”.

Ideas, websites and sources, with how-to’s for research on your family which may have been impacted by a series of deaths or injuries in a very short time. The Influenza of 1918 is the most well-known example, but we have over 35 more examples, plus websites’ sources for ideas. Maybe you have examples you can share of sudden deaths in your family?

Margaret (Peg) Kapustiak’s presentations and handouts are designed to provide you with extremely practical tips, ideas, links and sources. She has been a Genealogist/Family Historian for 47 years and has researched her family history in the Chicago area, the Midwest, New England, and New York state plus ten countries in both Europe and Asia, when she lived overseas. She has provided over 190 talks to organizations both nationally and internationally in the past 25 years. She is the author of one book and 56 research articles and currently volunteers at five historical/genealogical organizations. She is currently writing a book on Venice, Florida history for their 100 Anniversary of incorporation as a city.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Guests attending via Zoom must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org. Participants attending in person will meet at the Manatee Central Library, which is located at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida 34205. The Manatee Central Library Auditorium will open at 9:45 a.m. for in-person attendees.

The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Immediately following the meeting, we will begin our “Members Helping Members” session.

Questions? Contact info@mgsfl.org

FMRL ~ German Immigration Online with Ken Weaver
2024-12-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Meeting Rm A & B – Hybrid, 1651 Lee Street, Room A & B, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Ken Weaver will be presenting his program on German Immigration Online. This seminar will include a review of the dozen most popular German immigrant record websites with immigration information available that are not as well-known as many other sources.
If you are planning to attend this program, please email Bryan Mulcahy at bmulcahy@leegov.com.
The program will be held in the South Building Meeting Rooms AB

FMRL ~ Ethnicity and Migration presented by Eric Migdal
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, December 10th – Eric Migdal – Virtual – Topic: Ethnicity and Migration – Immigration has played a significant role in shaping the world as we know it today. For many, the stories of our ancestors’ journeys to new lands are a fundamental part of our family histories. This program covers information about ethnicity and migration, family name changes , and family names sequences.
For more information and to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6966249927112520793

December Meeting ~ Genealogy Resources at the Fort Myers Regional Library with Bryan Mulcahy
2024-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Meeting Rm A & B – Hybrid, 1651 Lee Street, Room A & B, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Join us at the Fort Myers Regional Library when Bryan Mulcahy will discuss with us the genealogical research benefits available in print and online sources available at the Fort Myers Regional Library. The genealogy collection contains materials from all 50 states, and 55 foreign countries. Our online research resources include African American Heritage, Ancestry Library Edition, FamilySearch, Fold3, and Heritage Quest. Our discussion will also include details concerning our status as a FamilySearch Library Affiliate and the added research benefits that this offer patrons. After the discussion, we will be heading over to the Genealogy Room to get a first hand look at the facility and answer any questions. Our meeting will be hybrid until we go to the Genealogy Room.
PART ONE – Discussion with Bryan Mulcahy
PART TWO – Visit the Genealogy Room
PART THREE – Join us for lunch at Voodoo Brewery Co. (Going “Dutch”)
To join our meeting virtually, part one only, use the following link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsdOqrqzwpHdVwh1C06cE23KugrW3I-Kod

MGS ~ Immigration and Naturalization Research with Bryan L. Mulcahy
2024-12-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Manatee Genealogical Society ~ Hybrid Meeting, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Our program speaker, Bryan L. Mulcahy, will present in person “Immigration and Naturalization Research”.

Our seminar will discuss how immigration records can be a rich source for genealogy research. The presentation, and electronic study guides that will be on the Manatee Genealogical Society website, will cover the most efficient ways to research your immigrant ancestors, where to look in print and online, and the nuances and clues within the records. Also discussed during the presentation will be the ports of entry, migration routes and places to look for your ancestors along the way, along with the naturalization process.

Bryan is the Adult Reference, Genealogy, and Literacy Librarian for Lee County Library System, Fort Myers Regional Library, Florida, a position he has held since 1990. He holds a B.A. (Political Science) and MLS (Library/Information Science) degrees from Florida State University.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Guests attending via Zoom must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org.

Participants attending in person will meet at the Manatee Central Library, which is located at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida 34205. The Manatee Central Library Auditorium will open at 9:45 a.m. for in-person attendees. The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Immediately following the meeting, we will begin our “Members Helping Members” session.

Tapping the Power of FamilySearch with Maureen Brady - Virtual Only
2024-11-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with Maureen Brady, a member of LDS as she presents her topic in a LIVE presentation “Tapping the Power of FamilySearch.” FamilySearch®, a free website sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, provides family history researchers with access to original historical records from around the world, indexes linked directly to many of those records, an ever-growing genealogical “encyclopedia”, instructional videos and much more. Even experienced researchers often do not know how to tap the power of FamilySearch’s many databases and articles. This presentation will provide a “tour” of the website and suggest search strategies for locating the historical records. Speaker will be remote.
Maureen Brady, a former school librarian and computer educator with 30 years experience in family history research is our November speaker. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists and many other societies. She will present in a live demonstration the many features on FamilySearch that are unknown and underused by family researchers. Visit Maureen at her website: https://chitownroots.com/
If you are planning to attend, please register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqfu2uqzMoGd1fTMdEhsTqOj7dxA6Dp93O

PGS ~ Meeting and Lecture Series: Two Presentations by Jean Wilcox Hibben (1) “A Key to Resource Success” (2) “Applying the Principle of 3 to Genealogy Research”
2024-11-16 11:00 - 14:00 | Zoom via PGS
1. Avoiding Fallacies in Family History: A key to research success, we will learn the fallacies of debate to name errors you may have encountered but haven’t labeled. Whether in the evidence or the source, errors infiltrate genealogical problem-solving, taking us off-track. Understanding the difference between these errors with induction and deduction will start your journey toward unlocking family truths.
2. Applying the Principle of Three to Genealogy Research. Throughout history, in religion, folklore, and daily life, we have relied on the Principle of Three – how things occur in groups of three. For example, using three examples to prove a point, giving three reasons for a decision, relying on three pieces of evidence to support a claim. But are three enough when doing genealogical research? Using three case studies, we will demonstrate reasons that limiting one’s findings to three might be too restrictive. Instead, we explain how to use an Exhaustive Search to prove ancestral conclusions.
The program starts at 11am ET. There will be a 15-minute break between topics. Feel free to bring lunch or order from the Bookmark Cafe.
Presented by Jean Wilcox Hibben.
Monthly general membership meeting with educational program, free and open to the public.
This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person in the Meeting Room/Jenkins B and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.
Register in advance for this meeting, if attending via Zoom, at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqcOuvrzkiHtbHl9fjiJlf1G3ttzDAEd9N

FMRL ~ German America with Ken Weaver
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Meeting Rm A & B – Hybrid, 1651 Lee Street, Room A & B, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Ken Weaver will be presenting his program on German America. Our seminar will examine German immigration and its impact on American society. German immigration to American soil began in the late 1600s and peaked in the 1800s. Discussion will review the impact those many German immigrants had on American culture and society.
If you are planning to attend this program, please email Bryan Mulcahy at: bmulcahy@leegov.com
Program will be held in the South Building Meeting Rooms AB

MGS ~ Essential PC Tools for Genealogy with Peggy Jude
2024-11-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Manatee Genealogical Society ~ Hybrid Meeting, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Manatee Central Library, Main Auditorium, Bradenton, Florida & via Zoom

Welcome to our first In-person and Hybrid Meeting of the season

Our program speaker, Peggy Jude, will present in person “Essential PC Tools for Genealogy”.

Learn all about keyboard shortcuts, tab consolidators, bookmarks, alternate keyboards, and text expanders in this practical session which will speed up your research.

Peggy Jude is a speaker, educator, and researcher for over 40 years, teaching in 5 areas: DNA, Genealogical Technology, Preserving Family History and Heirlooms, Methods and Records, and Swedish Genealogy. She is a co-course coordinator for Foundations in DNA course at the institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR), a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, a graduate of ProGen, and multiple advanced genealogical institutes

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Guests attending via Zoom must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org.

Participants attending in person will meet at the Manatee Central Library, which is located at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida 34205. The Manatee Central Library Auditorium will open at 9:45 a.m. for in-person attendees. The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Immediately following the meeting, we will begin our “Members Helping Members” session.

FMRL ~ The Interesting Historical Evolution of Crime in the United States presented by Bryan Mulcahy
2024-11-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Thursday, November 7th Bryan L. Mulcahy – Virtual – Topic: The Interesting Historical Evolution of Crime in the United States – Our seminar will feature the strange and unusual punishments in early American history. In colonial times, very little distinction was made between sin and crime. The emphasis was on morality issues and teaching repentance. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the emphasis shifted to crimes against property and individuals with emphasis on restitution and/or punishment.
NOTE: This date is on a Thursday because of election day occurring on Tuesday, November 5th.
To register, click on the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1142137934294469726

PGS ~ What to Do with Your Stuff - Planning for the Future of Your Genealogy and Artifacts with Peggy Jude
2024-10-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom via PGS
What to Do with Your Stuff – Planning for the Future of Your Genealogy and Artifacts. How are you planning for the future of your genealogy and artifacts? Every year genealogical research, records, and heirlooms end up in the trash. Don’t let this happen to you! Follow a plan to “Futurize” your genealogy. This webinar provides ideas and strategies to ensure your research and treasures are preserved and passed on. Peggy Jude will be speaking in person at Largo Library and will also be available via Zoom.
Monthly general membership meeting with educational program, free and open to the public.
This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person in the Meeting Room/Jenkins B and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.
Register in advance for this meeting, if attending via Zoom, at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqcOuvrzkiHtbHl9fjiJlf1G3ttzDAEd9N

How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills presented by Kenneth Marks
2024-10-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Join us as Kenneth Marks has a live presentation on his topic “How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills.” This webinar is intended to build newspaper research skills for genealogy and history researchers. Online newspaper research can be a frustrating endeavor for several reasons. The goal is for the audience to understand why it can be difficult and to learn some skills that will drastically improve search results. We will cover why search old newspapers?, The challenges in searching old newspapers online, 7 critical skills and techniques to successfully search newspapers online. A live demonstration of these skills and techniques.

Speaker will be remote.
To attend this meeting virtually, please register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMucOCvpjkqG9y-DcsRyEjJshm-jiN7Lt-h

Recognizing Inaccurate and Misleading Genealogical Records presented by Bryan Mulcahy ~ Genealogy Workshop
2024-10-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us as Bryan Mulcahy presents his program on Recognizing Inaccurate and Misleading Genealogical Records. False and error filled information can be found in all genealogy sources, including many of the highest rated quality sources. The Internet has proliferated this tendency. In the name of convenience and time, genealogists are increasingly failing to compare original records with the information gleaned from print and online resources. Taking this information at face value, leads to mistakes spreading throughout sources. This seminar will discuss issues associated with this topic and how to overcome problems. The two newsletter articles from the past will give you an idea of what I will cover.
This is a VIRTUAL only meeting so please use the following link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckc-GhpzIrHtEVs8C8iITJIjIQqMbS6yIw

MGS ~ Tips and Tricks to Organizing Your Genealogy with Shannon Combs-Bennett
2024-10-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee Genealogy Society ~ Virtual
Our program speaker, Shannon Combs-Bennett, will present virtually “Tips and Tricks to Organizing Your Genealogy”.

Most researchers admit that organizing and keeping up with their “stuff” is one of the most challenging aspects of research. Learn several techniques to keep you organized and on top of your files, so you know exactly where to find it.

Shannon Combs-Bennett is a Qualified Genealogist (QG) based in Northern Virginia. She is an award-winning author who lectures in the United States and internationally on various genealogical subjects, from genetic genealogy to genealogical methodology. Shannon earned her BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her MS in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. She was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org. The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.

FMRL ~ Overcoming Brickwalls, Research Challenges, and Dead Ends presented by Bryan Mulcahy
2024-10-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, October 1st – Bryan L. Mulcahy – Virtual – Topic: Overcoming Brickwalls, Research Challenges, and Dead Ends – Dead-ends, also known as brick walls, are occupational hazards for genealogists. These challenges are an inevitable part of the genealogical research process. The good news is that many dead ends can be overcome with patience and good detective work. Most genealogists usually find methods or strategies to overcome these roadblocks. Our seminar will discuss the most successful techniques to overcome these challenges.
For more information and to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1874561112462847836

PGS ~ The Unique Challenges of African-American Genealogy with Taneya Y. Koonce
2024-09-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom via PGS
Genealogy is the same the world around, yet there are some unique challenges when researching African American family history. For example, specific strategies are required to identify and work with records before 1860 and locating identifiable names among government records can raise the difficulty level. Even though it can be challenging, it can also be rewarding. Especially if you plan to volunteer for community projects like our Clearwater Colored Cemeteries program. We’ll provide research strategies to take you around the obstacles to help you find the records you seek. Presented by Taneya Y. Koonce.
This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person in the Meeting Room/Jenkins B and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.
Register in advance for this meeting, if attending via Zoom, at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqcOuvrzkiHtbHl9fjiJlf1G3ttzDAEd9N

Making the (ACPL) Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, IN Your Research Assistant presented by Curt Witcher
2024-09-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Join us along with our speaker, Curt Witcher when he presents his program “Making the Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, IN Your Research Assistant.” The presentation will cover how to explore the holdings and datafiles of the Genealogy Center both to plan a research trip to Fort Wayne and, especially, to use the Genealogy Center remotely.
Speaker will be remote. Meeting will be a hybrid meeting.
To attend this meeting virtually, use the following link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYufuqtrDstGtaKNYHJMSGdlILyBnW8d6ct

MGS ~ Getting Started in Family History Education with Dustin Axe
2024-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee Genealogical Society ~ Hybrid Meeting, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Our program speaker, Dustin Axe, will present virtually “Getting Started in Family History Education.”

It can be extremely rewarding for young students to learn about themselves and their family history, yet genealogy is a challenging subject to teach and learn. Hear Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator Dustin Axe discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that genealogy presents educators of all kinds. Discover key teaching strategies from American Ancestor’s family history curriculum, and walk away with tools and resources to inspire the next generation of family historians.

Dustin Axe is the Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator at American Ancestors in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience teaching multiple subjects and developing curricula for students across numerous educational settings. He is a licensed teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Purdue University, with endorsements in U.S. history, world history, and government. His previous work experience includes the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org. The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.

FMRL ~ Using U.S. Census Records presented by Bryan Mulcahy ~ Virtual only
2024-09-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Saturday, September 7th – Bryan Mulcahy – Virtual Only – Topic: Using U.S. Census Records – US Census records are a valuable tool in tracking your family history. Each census collected different information that is so helpful. Learn what types of information were collected, when, and how to best use this information to extend or expand your family history.
For more information or to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7839336926181921623

PGS ~ Meet the Pilgrims with Lori Coffey
2024-08-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom via PGS
You know them as monuments and myths, but in this session, we will get to know the Pilgrims as people! Understand their family ties, their jobs, their hopes, and their failures. Learn how our Pilgrim ancestors made gut-wrenching decisions while fleeing from England to Holland and finally to the New World where they survived to help found a new nation! Presented by Lori Coffey.
Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcuGsqD8qGtTuHl5-nfYB1wDn1Lou3MU2#/registration

PGS ~ Summer Workshop: Writing Family Histories with Lori Coffey
2024-08-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via PGS
Summer Workshop: Writing Family Histories. Have fun while learning to write engaging biographies in a clear and concise style! Bring your favorite pen and some research on one or more ancestors to visualize what your successful end results will be. Then, turn dry facts into a compelling story and learn how the best writers do it! Finally, incorporate style techniques to make it more professional. Training includes a useful notebook. Presented by Lori Coffey.
This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person in the Meeting Room/Jenkins B and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.
Register in advance for this meeting, if attending via Zoom, at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqcOuvrzkiHtbHl9fjiJlf1G3ttzDAEd9N

Jurisdiction Explained: Finding New Avenues of Research for Your Family presented by Diana Elder
2024-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with our speaker, Diana Elder who will be presenting her program “Jurisdiction Explained: Finding New Avenues of Research for Your Family.” Exploring each level of record keeping for a locality can reveal additional records for a research subject. Learn about records on the town, city, county, state, regional, and federal levels and how to locate them.
THIS MEETING WILL BE VIRTUAL ONLY
To attend this meeting, use this link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErcu6orjstGN3HC4igJxh9bgf-n8CD6KdX

FMRL ~ Using German Language American Newspapers with Ken Weaver
2024-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Meeting Rm A & B – Hybrid, 1651 Lee Street, Room A & B, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Saturday, February 8th – Ken Weaver – Using German Language American Newspapers – South Building Meeting Rooms – 10-12

FMRL ~ Building and Understanding Family Trees presented by Eric Migdal
2024-08-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, August 13th – Eric Migdal – Virtual – Topic: Building and Understanding Family Trees – This workshop will discuss building and understanding family trees, including the differences of pedigree and family group trees, gathering accurate information, understanding, and analyzing relationships.

FMRL ~ Locating and Using Online Italian Civil and Church Records presented by John Bifano
2024-07-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Meeting Rm A & B – Hybrid, 1651 Lee Street, Room A & B, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Saturday, July 27th – John Bifano – Live Presentation Meeting Rooms AB – Topic: Locating and Using Online Italian Civil and Church Records – Once an ancestor’s town has been definitively identified, there are three major sources for locating records in that town: FamilySearch, Italian Parish Records, and Antenati. Italian Parish Records and Antenati are free as is FamilySearch, but you must register to view records. Ancestry’s Worldwide Edition is not as good a source, but it has some Italian records. Please note that the overwhelming majority of the records on these sites are either in Italian for civil records or Latin for church records and they are NOT indexed. This program will be an introduction on how to navigate these sites to locate individual town records. Due to time constraints, the program will only cover civil records for the period 1809 to roughly 1910. Very few records are available after 1910.
For more information or to register for the program: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/locating-and-using-online-italian-civil-and-church-records-81526

Local & County History Books presented by Karen Fortin
2024-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with our speaker, Karen Fortin as she presents her program “Local & County History Books.” Local and county histories are often overlooked resources that can contain a wealth of resources on your ancestors and the places that they lived. This presentation explores the background of local and county history books; what information can be found in them; and, where to find them, both in print and online.
Visit Karen on her website: https://karenfortin.com/index.html
THIS MEETING WILL BE VIRTUAL ONLY
To attend this meeting, use this link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpfuutqjIuGNeLAVLXOr9N9-Yk7A7BXm6r
