FMRL ~ How to Get the Most Out of FamilySearch with Connie Lizak
2025-04-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, April 15th – Connie Lizak – How to Get the Most Out of FamilySearch – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am
Program Description: FamilySearch is a goldmine of genealogy resources. Unfortunately, an estimated 80% of the records available have not been indexed and can’t be found through a simple search. So how can you access them? We’ll discuss techniques for finding the 80% and the game-changing use of AI to expedite research.
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/online-familysearch-109760
Questions, email Bryan Mulcahy at: bmulcahy@leegov.com

April Meeting (Virtual Only) ~ Preserving Family History/What to do with My Stuff with Connie Lizak
2025-04-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with Connie Lizak when she presents her program “Preserving Family History/What to do with My Stuff.” Connie will share examples from her own family history on how you might preserve your family history for future researchers. Consider Tiffany’s journal, gr-gr grandmother Kosers quilt, the family Bible, Aunt Ethel’s stories, Hitchcock chair, c1850, proven lineage, family recipes, letters and photos.
To attend virtually, register with the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJclfuitpzkvHtyERU7CyZPocb8pjnKjP-dm

DNA Group with Arthur Sissman
2025-04-21 14:00 - 15:30
DNA

You say: “I just got the results of my DNA test, what do I do now?” This DNA SIG can help answer your questions! Group meets via Zoom on the third Monday of each month at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. All levels of DNA researchers, beginners to advanced, are invited to join.

Arthur Sissman
genresearch13@yahoo.com
954-328-3559

SMCGS ~ America's Forgotten War - When Invading Canada Seemed Like A Good Idea with Kate Penney Howard
2025-04-28 19:00 - 21:00
America’s Forgotten War – When Invading Canada Seemed Like A Good Idea (SMCGS Monthly Meetings) via ZOOM meeting.

Just a few years after the United States gained its independence, America was caught up in a global power struggle between Britain and France which has been referred to as “the silliest war we ever had.” Learn about the importance of this war that affected much of eastern North America, produced several great heroes and future presidents, and yet, is often overlooked in both British and US history. We will discuss the major turning points and the diverse perspectives and experiences of different groups, including Canadians, Native Americans, and People of Color during, and as a result of the war. We will review where you can look for relevant records and information to further your genealogical research.
Presented by Kate Penney Howard, a genetic genealogist, who loves sharing her knowledge with other genealogists and has presented at Rootstech and East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference.

Zoom Meeting info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89175225269?pwd=[REDACTED]

Writer's Group with Andrea Perisho
2025-05-06 13:00 - 15:00
Writers Group
For LCGS members wishing to go beyond recording names, dates and places, to interweave interesting facts about their ancestors’ lives, placing individuals in a social and historical context. This group usually meets from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday afternoon of each month. Email Andrea for the link to join.
Andrea Perisho
amperisho@outlook.com

FMRL ~ Preserving Your Family History with Connie Lizak
2025-05-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, May 13th – Connie Lizak – Preserving Your Family History – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am
Program Description: Death is an inevitable fact of life. For genealogists this is an issue that is a constant source of stress. “What do I do with all my stuff? Nobody wants it!” Connie Lizak will share examples from her own family history on how you might preserve your family history for future researchers. Some of the examples she are items such as personal diaries and journals, Great-grandmother Koser’s quilt, family Bibles, Aunt Ethel’s stories, compiled research, family recipes, letters and photographs.
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/online-preserving-your-family-history-109851
Questions, email Bryan Mulcahy at: bmulcahy@leegov.com

May Meeting (Virtual Only) ~ Inspiring the Next Generation of Genealogists with Sue Schlichting
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with Sue Schlichting as she presents her program “Inspiring the Next Generation of Genealogists.” Who’s going to take over the family history quest when you’re no longer able? Getting the younger generation interested in their family history is important work. Learn creative ways to get young people engaged in their own history search.
To attend this meeting, register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkcO6prjspHdGEbShPyEV23TBCXgKuNkGW
This meeting will be virtual only, there will not be any in person attendance.

Genealogy Workshop - Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI with Thomas MacEntee
2025-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with Thomas MacEntee as he presents his program “Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI.” Summary: Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.
Virtual Only. Register for the program using this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/W4DR9X00SsmZu8Fe-Y4HyA

Genealogy Workshop (Virtual Only) ~ After You're Gone; Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research with Thomas MacEntee
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us, along with Thomas MacEntee when he presents his program “After You’re Gone; Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research.” Have you ever considered what will happen to your years of genealogy research once you’re gone? Learn how to ensure that your hard work carries on. Through a combination of planning, common sense, and new technologies, we’ll review how to create an action plan for preserving your genealogy research. This will be one of the last few live webinars Thomas will be doing since he is retiring from doing live webinars.
There will be giveaways. We have signed copies of Thomas MacEntee book “Ancestor Sketch: How to Turn Years of Genealogy Research into a Captivating Family Story”
This workshop will be virtual only. To attend, register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/3Q7hFwEESTu33Jw8gjXFHw

Writers Group with Andrea Perisho
2025-06-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-01 13:00 - 15:00

FMRL ~ Tech Trouble Shooting with Thomas MacEntee
2025-06-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Thursday, June 12th – Thomas MacEntee – Tech Trouble Shooting – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am
Program Description: Dealing with ever changing genealogical technologies that are constantly being upgraded is a hassle, especially if you are not a “digital native”. Learn the basics of tech troubleshooting, how to contact vendors and obtain reliable online results, and how to create “tech troubleshooting protocols” for future problems.
**Note: I may ask Thomas if we can switch time to the afternoon depending on my backup for Rt. 4 delivery.
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/tech-troubleshooting-what-would-you-do-107576

June Meeting (Hybrid) ~ Free Online Genealogical Education with Annette Burke Lyttle
2025-06-19 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
Free Online Genealogical Education with Annette Burke Lyttle
Ongoing education is critical for our success as genealogists. There’s just too much to learn for us ever to say we’re done with our education. Fortunately for our budgets, we have many wonderful online choices that don’t cost us anything but a little of our time. In this presentation, we’ll cover free webinars, podcasts, and videos that can sharpen our skills and broaden our horizons.
To attend this meeting in person, we will be at the Fort Myers Regional Library. See below for address and directions.
To attend this meeting, please register using the following link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYuc-GhrDkvHNza_bD2dhDt8unrboM3Kyom

FMRL ~ Cemeteries and Genealogical Research with Shirleen Hoffman
2025-07-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, July 8th – Shirleen Hoffman – Cemeteries and Genealogical Research – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am
Program Description: Cemeteries are wonderful resources for those interested in learning more about their family history. This session will explain the types of cemeteries, the kinds of records they prepared and strategies for successful cemetery research.
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/online-problem-solving-using-cemetery-records-106973

July Meeting (Virtual Only) ~ Lure Your Ancestor Out of the National Register of Historical Places with Michelle Spencer
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom via LCGS
Join us along with Michelle Spencer when she presents her program “Lure your ancestor out of the National Register of Historical Places.” The National Register of Historic Places is our country’s catalog of places of significance to our past with approximately 55 in Lee County, and nearly 1,800 in Florida. Our people are in there. Michelle will show you how to coax them out of this hiding place, bringing their stories along.
This meeting is VIRTUAL ONLY. To attend this meeting, please use the following link to register:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkde2urT0vHNMh10woeBZGuQ6fpSRW67r0

FMRL ~ Using Church Records to Document Life Events with Bryan Mulcahy
2025-08-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, August 5th – Bryan L. Mulcahy – Using Church Records to Document Life Events – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am
This webinar is designed to introduce the concept of using church records for genealogical research. Religious organizations were among the first entities to keep records about the general population. Regardless of what country you are searching for ancestors, the further back in time you research, the more likely you will encounter church records as your only option for success. Civil authorities once considered civil record-keeping to be within the domain of church authorities. They did not believe it was a civil matter.
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/online-using-church-records-109672

Writers Group with Andrea Perisho
2025-08-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-02 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-07 13:00 - 15:00
Have you ever considered turning your genealogy research into engaging family stories that future generations will cherish?
For those of you interested in going beyond just names, dates, and places, this group focuses on weaving together fascinating details about ancestors’ lives – placing them within the social and historical context of their time. The group typically meets from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month so add it to your calendar.
To join, please email Andrea for the meeting link.
Andrea Perisho
amperisho@outlook.com

August Meeting (Hybrid) ~ The Homestead Act: Using Federal Land Records for Genealogy with Amber Kirkendall
2025-08-21 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
Join us along with Amber Kirkendall as she presents her program “The Homestead Act: Using Federal Land Records for Genealogy.” This program provides a focused look on how and where to access and utilize federal land records, maps, case files, and other documents related to receiving public domain land from the General Land Office from 1800 to the late twentieth century. This session will teach attendees how to find and use these records, utilizing the General Land Office Records, Homestead Land Entry Case Files, and other powerful resources in uncovering your family history.
Amber Kirkendall is the Park Ranger/Volunteer Coordinator at the National Park Service’s Homestead National Historical Park in Beatrice, NE. In 2015, Amber received an M.A. in historical studies from Nebraska Wesleyan University. In 2018, Amber started as an intern at Homestead National Historical Park and has been there ever since. Amber is passionate about unearthing historical stories and connecting them to modern audiences.
To attend this meeting virtually, please use the following link to register:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtcuCqrjwrGtyH-Jdq6S1zEE4-pf0ngcS5

German Roots with Ken Weaver
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-02 10:00 - 12:00
German Roots
For LCGS members researching ancestors from Germany and other German-speaking countries. This group usually meets on the first Thursday morning of each month from September through April from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Email Ken for the link to join.
Ken Weaver
kenneth.n.weaver@gmail.com

FMRL ~ AI and Genealogy Research Trouble Ahead? with Thomas MacEntee
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Thursday, September 11th – Thomas MacEntee – AI and Genealogy Research Trouble Ahead? – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am – **Note: I may ask Thomas if we can switch time to the afternoon depending on my backup for Rt. 4 delivery.
While AI (Artificial Intelligence) seems to be a recent event, the reality is that genealogy databases and researchers have been using this technology for years. Within the next five years, it will likely permeate almost every aspect of business, genealogy, and society. Learn how AI is being used to improve the genealogy research experience, and if you should use AI for your own genealogy research.
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/online-ai-and-genealogy-trouble-ahead-107578

September Meeting (Hybrid) ~ Cemetery Art with Shari Golden
2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library ~ In Person, 1651 Lee Street, Meeting Room A, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Join us along with Shari Golden as she presents her program on Cemetery Art. Discover the meanings of commonly found tombstone icons with an overview of changes in tombstone materials and design, along with helpful tips to maximize your family research. This program will explore the symbolism carved in stone, highlight how burial practices and gravestone styles have evolved over time, and offer guidance on how to interpret these clues to uncover new insights into your ancestors’ lives.
Speaker will be remote.
If you’d like to attend this program virtually, please register using the following link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/WY-DFcfaTmWct_nxlGtrAw

The Book Club at LCGS ~ NEW!
2025-09-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom via LCGS
A NEW member benefit for everyone passionate about family history. Each month we’ll explore a different book—fiction or nonfiction—highlighting themes of ancestry, identity, and family ties.
Our first meeting will be September 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Join us every month or simply drop in for the titles that interest you—each book is a stand-alone read, so you’re welcome anytime! The future meeting dates TBD.
Be sure to read our first selection (listed below) before we meet on September 24, so we’re ready to dive into a great discussion together.
Register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/x9BxOXYnR_uYFMuc9oMpdw
Our first selection: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Available on Kindle, Audiobook, paperback and hardback
Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.
Advisory: This novel addresses difficult topics such as child neglect, abuse, and trauma

British Home Children – Bryan Mulcahy (Genealogy Workshop)
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom via LCGS
British Home Children – Bryan Mulcahy (GW)
The British Home Children program was the child migration project founded primarily by Annie MacPherson in 1869. More than 100,000 children were sent from the United Kingdom primarily to Canada. Some were also sent to places like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The program was largely discontinued in the 1930s but not entirely terminated until the 1970s. This seminar will cover the highlights and includes a study guide with sources and links for further research.
This is a workshop and will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Please use the following link to register:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/cHZDQA1dSPm-1OdIS5wRBQ

FMRL ~ Probate Packets, Wills and Genealogical Research with Bryan Mulcahy
2025-10-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Tuesday, October 7th – Bryan L. Mulcahy – Probate Packets and Genealogical Research – Go To Webinar – 10-11:30am
Probate records are important to genealogists because they provide evidence about family relationships. The term “probate packet” refers to the court file where all paperwork, documents, and other legal papers pertaining to the settlement of an estate are kept. Wills and probate packets are among the most interesting and revealing sets of records you can find for an individual. You will find them among the records of the county probate court, usually in the state and county in which the person resided at the time of his or her death
To register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/probate-packets-wills-and-genealogy-research-126830

October Meeting (Hybrid) ~ Researching Online in 2025 - How-To's and New or Interesting Sites with Peg Kaputsiak
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library ~ In Person, 1651 Lee Street, Meeting Room A, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Join us along with Peg Kaputsiak when she presents her program “Researching Online in 2025 – How-To’s and New or Interesting Sites.” There are now many more blogs, links to talks, Special Interest Groups, signing up for Conference Keeper, etc. Some sites are free, others are not. It takes preparation to decide what and how to research and to not feel overwhelmed. Lots of topics to share and a chance for the audience to share their favorite sites.
This will be a hybrid meeting. To attend virtually, please use the following link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/yNUrq4ePQeOsjrvGjWzErQ
If you are attending in person, see below for location information.

The Book Club at LCGS ~ Special Interest Group
2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom via LCGS
Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Our October selection is One of Windsor by Beth M. Caruso. What better month than October to explore the story of the first person on record to be executed for witchcraft in the American Colonies? Even more compelling, one of our very own members is a descendant of Alice (Alse) Young, whose life inspired the novel.
Do you have witchcraft in your family tree? Puritan ancestors? Or perhaps persecutors of accused witches? Witch trials were not limited to New England—they took place across Europe as well. We invite you to share your stories and insights about your ancestors during our discussion.
Plot Summary:
Alice, a young woman with intuitive gifts, leaves England in 1635 for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in hopes of reuniting with her family. Settling in Windsor, Connecticut, she finds herself navigating the challenges of the American wilderness, her own healing abilities, and the growing fears of Puritan leaders. These forces collide in a tragic outcome: on May 26, 1647, Alice becomes the first person executed for witchcraft in the Colonies.
Her story—woven with deep family ties—later influences Governor John Winthrop Jr. to bring an end to witchcraft executions in Connecticut. Yet those same ties also echo decades later, fueling Cotton Mather’s commentary on the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. Through a mix of historical research and literary imagination, Caruso offers a passionate narrative that brings this tragic chapter of history vividly to life. Available at Amazon
We look forward to seeing you on October 22 for what promises to be a thought-provoking discussion.

FMRL ~ Connections to German Grammar for the Genealogist – Ken Weaver
2025-11-01 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
Connections to German Grammar for the Genealogist – Ken Weaver. An understanding of how the German language works will assist researchers to better understand the records and document they discover. This session is designed to help the non-linguist with German language issues to improve their understanding of documents they discover.
To attend, please register at: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/connections-german-grammar-genealogist-127366
