Lee County Genealogical Society

FSGS ~ Stitching Together Family History: Finding Women in the Textile Arts with C. Ann Staley
2024-02-15 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Webinar via GoToWebinar – FSGS
Sometimes women hid themselves well! Let’s turn to the records of the textile arts. Our women ancestors were, for the most part, practical, so the textile arts were perfect for them, although at the time most of them didn’t think of themselves as creating art. Did you have an ancestress who was a lace maker, spinner, yarn preparer, winder, or mill worker? We will explore some of the records left behind in their homes, companies, training schools, and more.
Handouts & Archive Access
Webinar handouts are available for download by FSGS members only. FSGS members also have access to prior FSGS Poolside Chat webinar handouts and recordings. To learn more about FSGS membership, visit our Membership page. There is no fee to attend. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Speaker
C. Ann Staley, CG®, CGLSM, is an educator, consultant, and lecturer. She is the Membership Chair for the Genealogical Speakers Guild; on the faculty of the International Institute for Genealogical Studies; and is a volunteer of the National Genealogical Society and the Florida State Genealogical Society. She has served previously on the Board of the Association of Professional Genealogists and as the Education Chairman for the Jacksonville [FL] Genealogical Society, Inc. Ann is the compiler of the Jacksonville Genealogical Society, Inc. Quarterly Full Name Index, Volumes 1 through 4,1973 through 1976, author of articles for the NGS Magazine, author of Researching American Court Records, and the co-author of the NGS Research in the States Series: Florida. Ann has been researching her family from Alabama, Mississippi, Indiana, and Virginia to France, England, and Germany. Her specialties are methodology, vital records and their sources, computer research resources, and conference planning. Website: https://cannstaley.com/
Register to attend: https://flsgs.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=402156f7275f3e5cb2ad4abbd&id=33cc6973b4&e=44cf7d0a00

Using Fold3 Library Edition presented by Debra Dudek
2024-02-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Join us for our February 2024 monthly meeting with Debra Dudek who will be presenting Using FOLD3 Library Edition. Love it or hate it, Fold3 is cornering the market on American military records online. Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
Visit Debra at her website: https://www.debradudek.com/ or her blog: https://www.debradudek.com/blog
Speaker will be in person. Meeting will be hybrid.
If you are attending virtually, use the following link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qduuppjkpG9IBi1U_jVETAF0jxKA-djG2

FMRL ~ Virtual Cemeteries and Genealogical Research with Carol Weidlich
2024-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Fort Myers Regional Library – Virtual Webinar
Virtual Cemeteries and Genealogical Research presented by Carol Weidlich. Cemetery and burial records are an excellent resource for Genealogists. Multiple virtual cemeteries and online memorial websites allow users to honor deceased family members and connect various generations. This workshop will cover using Find a Grave, Billion Graves, and other popular sites for family research.
For more information and to register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/online-virtual-cemeteries-and-genealogy-research-80985
VIRTUAL ONLY

Introduction to African American Genealogy Research presented by Bryan L. Mulcahy
2024-02-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library Meeting Room (DB), 3095 Blount St., Fort Myers, FL, 33916, United States
Introduction to African American Genealogy Research presented by Bryan L. Mulcahy. If you are looking to find your roots, understand where your family came from, or just want to find a family member you did not know you had this is the program for you. Family history can be hard to find without the right resources for people of all backgrounds. However, African American genealogy presents its own unique issues when going back further into the family tree.
When researching family history, making use of court records will eventually become a necessity. Since most genealogical research is organized along county boundaries, researchers must educate themselves in knowing what records are available at American county courthouses. This is especially true with reference to utilizing land/tax, probate, and vital records, which, in the opinion of many experts, are the three most important types of records for genealogical research in courthouse records. This seminar will discuss the most useful strategies necessary for research success.
For more information and to register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/african-american-genealogy-research-76757
In person at Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library Meeting Room (DB).

FMRL ~ Decoding Old German Records presented by Ken Weaver
2024-02-03 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
Decoding Old German Records presented in person by Ken Weaver
Anyone who’s been able to collect any old German records, realizes that the typefaces, fonts, and handwriting are very different from what is taught in American schools. This session will focus on those fonts and writing styles, as well as standard vocabulary used to create both church and civil records, using numerous samples for hands-on learning.
For more information and to register: https://leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/decoding-old-german-records-81879

German Roots ~ SIG
2024-02-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-12-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-11-02 10:00 - 12:00
German Roots Special Interest Group
For LCGS members researching ancestors from Germany and other German-speaking countries. This group usually meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through April from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Ken Weaver at kenneth.n.weaver@gmail.com or 239-243-9414.

MGS ~ Finding Your Elusive Ancestors Virtual Seminar
2024-01-27 10:00 - 16:15
Finding Your Elusive Ancestors ~ VIRTUAL SEMINAR
January 27, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. (EST)
$40 – Members; $50 – Non-members
Four Speakers and Prizes!
Steve Little, “A.I. and Genealogy: The Basics and a Bit Beyond” Begin exploring the power of Artificial Intelligence, its limits and how it can be harnessed for genealogy. Discover how Large Language Models enhance efficiency, productivity & creativity. Unravel real-world use cases of A.I. tools in OCR cleanup, data extraction, narrative report cleanup and translations. Learn about the exciting future of A.I. in
genealogy!
David Allen Lambert, “Adopting the Regiment: Researching & Recreating Your Ancestor’s Revolutionary War Unit.” When it comes to finding the full story of your patriot ancestor, it’s important to broaden the scope of your research. This presentation will discuss how to “adopt the regiment” and find the story of your ancestor through the words and experiences of fellow veterans, using muster rolls, crew lists, pensions, affidavits, diaries, and other materials to piece together your revolutionary roots.
Diana Elder, AGⓇ, “Who’s Her Daddy? Testing an Ancestry DNA ThruLine Hypothesis for a Female Ancestor” Tracing the ancestry of a female born in the early 19th century is one of the most difficult research challenges. When no record actually names a father, discover how documentary records, a migration study , and DNA evidence can confirm a hypothesis in this pre-1850 case study.
Nicole Dyer, “Strategies for Overcoming Genealogy Roadblocks” When you hit a roadblock in your genealogy research, how can
you find what you need to make progress? Discover how to stick to a research process, analyze clues, and use the FamilySearch Catalog to identify new records to search, gather hints from DNA cousin matches, and locate sources that are only available on-site.
Register at mgsfl.org/

GSCC ~ Canadian eSIG ~ How Genealogy Was Done Before the Internet: Past Sources Still Viable With Judy Zaccagnini Flynn
2024-01-23 14:00 - 15:30
How Genealogy Was Done Before the Internet: Past Sources Still Viable
With Judy Zaccagnini Flynn
Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 2 PM (Eastern) via Zoom
Our upcoming session features a unique presentation by Judy Zaccagnini Flynn, delving into the world of genealogical research before the internet era. Dave Flynn’s Aunt Olive Sylvester Sheidow initiated the family’s quest to trace their roots back to the Mayflower, dedicating her life to research without the aid of online resources.
Judy embarked on her genealogical journey with her father, then 75, Anthony Zaccagnini, organizing a family reunion at his request. They employed traditional methods, distributing family sheets and creating a pedigree chart. Judy’s exploration led her to the Trumble family’s immigration route from Ireland through Antigonish, Nova Scotia, unearthing paper sources yet to be digitized or indexed.
The presentation will showcase primary records and original genealogical forms, offering a glimpse into Olive’s “old-fashioned” early 20th-century methodology. Gain insights into how these methods align with contemporary genealogical searches. A handout will be provided for your reference. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with our heritage and learn valuable insights into pre-internet genealogy.
Judy Flynn, Ph.D., professor emerita, co-authored a textbook on research methods with Irene Foster: Research Methods for the Fashion Industry. She taught for 37 years at Framingham State University and 2 years at Kansas State University. She is a member of the Genealogical Society of Collier County, the Canadian eSIG, the Duxbury Senior Center Genealogy group, which meets weekly, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA), where she studies her family’s Canadian migration.
We cordially invite you to join us for this timely talk, followed by a Q&A / discussion period with Judy. In addition, we will also feature a collaborative round table discussion and workshop. Remember, our group is dedicated to the spirit of mutual aid among fellow genealogists.
Let’s connect with our heritage, unlock the past, and build bridges to our roots together!
Guests are always welcome!
For those not on our mailing list, secure your invitation by reaching out to Al Turner, our facilitator, at thegsccCanadianeSIG@gmail.com.
The Zoom meeting link Will be sent later this week
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Email at: alfronct@gmail.com
AL Turner
860-881-8289 (Voice or Text)
CANADIAN eSIG
Date: Meets on 4th Tuesday of the month
September through November and January through May
Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm EDT online via ZOOM
Website: https://alsqda.wordpress.com
Email: thegscccanadianesig@gmail.com
February 27, 2024– “Using Family Search –Relative Finder and Famous Relatives.” with Joyce Thompson-Hovey
March 26th, 2024—Should I hire a professional genealogist? with Bryan Mulcahy
April TBD, 2024—“Lunch with Linda”- Live from a local Naples restaurant with Linda Ryan
May 28, 2024— Who’s Who? YouTube and other online videos for genealogy—Linda Ryan

Types of Libraries presented by Bryan Mulcahy
2024-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Join us for our January 2024 monthly meeting with speaker Bryan Mulcahy as he presents his program on Types of Libraries. Libraries are not all the same. From a genealogical research perspective, libraries have rare book collections, periodicals, local history collections, access to online databases, as well as other resources that are unique to that collection or location.
Speaker will be in person. Meeting will be hybrid.
To attend virtually, register using this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrc-usrDwoGd27yn9QkSgVikNRtWqbdNst

DNA Special Interest Group of Lee County
2023-12-18 14:00 - 15:30
The DNA Special Interest Group of Lee Counties Florida (DNA SIG)
All are welcome to the always FREE meeting. No RSVP. The Zoom link is below. If you can’t use it, pass it on to someone else, and post on your society webpage/Facebook/etc.
Topic: Misc Review of Old/New
If you have a topic, send it to me.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84424301708?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 844 2430 1708
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Regards,
Arthur Sissman
Naples, FL
DNA SIG of Collier/Lee Co FL
Jewish Genealogy SIG of Collier/Lee Co FL
genresearch13@yahoo.com
954-328-3559
Skype: live:asissman2
Join our FB page at Jewish Genealogy SIG: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hellojewishgen
Genealogy Wise page: https://tinyurl.com/Geanealogy-Wise or
Scribe Spotlight page 6: https://tinyurl.com/1-Spotlight

December Meeting ~ Holiday Traditions
2023-12-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Please RSVP that you are coming and if you plan to bring a dish. That way we make sure there is plenty of food. To RSVP or to attend virtually, the links are below this flyer…
RSVP using this link: https://us1.list-manage.com/survey?u=4311ea8ec15e86013f829ebb7&id=aacf688f14&attribution=false
To attend virtually, click the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMoceCvqDMrGtIld-aprivuvUOe7hzLdIZi

Jewish Genealogy SIG of Lee County (JGSIG)
2023-12-12 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-11-14 13:00 - 14:00
Jewish Genealogy SIG of Lee County (JGSIG)
Leader: Arthur Sissman – genresearch13@yahoo.com – send email to be on contact list.
Meets: 2nd Tues of each month / 12 months
Time: 1-2:30 pm EDT
Place: Zoom – sent by leader on Request
The JGSIG meetings focus on mostly topics of general interest to any genealogist. This JGSIG is action oriented and tries to present information that you can repeat with your own data: new features offered online, tips and tricks, etc. Most meetings are recorded and sent to attendees and often Resource Guides on the topics presented are sent.

Members are encouraged to use 2 devices/monitors/etc and follow along when appropriate.

For more info about Arthur and his approach – see the LCGS Scribe profile of Aug 2022/Vol 41/No 4/ page 6: https://lcgsfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/August-2022-Scribe-FINAL.pdf

English Roots ~ SIG
2023-12-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-11-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-10-13 10:00 - 12:00
English Roots
For LCGS members – The group meets to share information, techniques, ideas, sources, and stories to help further English research. It is an informal sharing and all levels of searchers are welcome. This group usually meets virtually from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 2nd Friday of each month. Contact Bev directly for the link to join.
Bev Sierpina
bev.sierpina@gmail.com
239-834-7093

LCGS Writers Group ~ SIG
2023-12-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-11-07 13:00 - 15:00
Writers Group

Whether you are a beginner or have been writing for years, you are welcome to join us. Each month, the group chooses from over 260+ topics to write and share at the next month’s meeting.

The LCGS SIG Writers Group meets virtually on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Meeting virtually is a great way to stay motivated in your genealogy research.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Teresa Hopgood at Travelgirl757@yahoo.com.

GSCC ~ Canadian eSIG ~ Story Worth -- My Book of Memories with Al Turner
2023-11-28 14:00 - 15:30
CANADIAN eSIG
Date: Meets on 4th Tuesday of the month
September through November and January through May
Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm EDT online via ZOOM
Website: https://alsqda.wordpress.com
Email: thegscccanadianesig@gmail.com
We are pleased to announce that our programs will now include a live presentation at the start of each Zoom meeting; a brief presenter question and answer period will follow each presentation. Except for a live event in April 2024, arrangements will be virtual via Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 PM (Eastern).
We have always included our customary round-table discussion, where we will explore your choice of Canadian and general genealogical subjects.
Remember, our group is dedicated to the spirit of mutual aid among our fellow genealogists.
December 2023—No meeting scheduled. Enjoy your holidays!
January 23, 2024 — How Genealogy Was Done Before Ancestry.com with Judy Z. Flynn
February 27, 2024– “Using Family Search –Relative Finder and Famous Relatives.” with Joyce Thompson-Hovey
March 26th, 2024—Should I hire a professional genealogist? with Bryan Mulcahy
April TBD, 2024—“Lunch with Linda”- Live from a local Naples restaurant with Linda Ryan
May 28, 2024— Who’s Who? YouTube and other online videos for genealogy—Linda Ryan

DNA Special Interest Group of Lee County
2023-11-20 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-10-16 14:00 - 15:30
The DNA Special Interest Group of Lee Counties Florida (DNA SIG)
Leader: Arthur Sissman – genresearch13@yahoo.com – send email to be on contact list.
Meets: 3rd Monday of each month / 12 months
Time: 2-3:30 pm EDT
Place: Zoom – sent by leader on Request
DNA Newbies are welcome!
This SIG is action oriented and tries to present information that you can repeat with your own data. The DNA SIG features a variety of topics and offers free workshops on all the DNA platforms. Most meetings are recorded and sent to attendees and often Resource Guides on the topics presented are sent.
Members are encouraged to use 2 devices/monitors/etc and follow along when appropriate.
For further information and to be on the contact list: e-mail Arthur Sissman at genresearch@yahoo.com or call 954-328-3559.
For more info about Arthur and his approach – see the LCGS Scribe profile of Aug 2022/Vol 41/No 4/ page 6: https://lcgsfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/August-2022-Scribe-FINAL.pdf

PGS ~ November 2023 Lecture Series (Hybrid) featuring Greg Liverman, PhD
2023-11-18 11:00 - 14:00

November Meeting: Facebook as a Tool to Break Thru Brick Walls with Drew Smith
2023-11-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
November Meeting: Facebook as a Tool to Break Thru Brick Walls with Drew Smith. Learn to use Facebook successfully to find living relatives or to share your questions, problems, and brick walls with other genealogists.
Speaker will be remote.
To attend this program virtually, use the following link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtcuirqzkrGdI9la2Vtz_WEwfdzZxlXnq_
Handout for this meeting will be available for LCGS Members Only. If you are not a member consider joining our society.
If you are an LCGS Member, be sure to download the handout ahead of time by signing in to the website then go to Meetings> Presentations & Handouts. Look for todays meeting at the top left side.

GSCC ~ Canadian eSIG ~ Back to basics on Ancestry.com with Myrna Lewis
2023-10-24 14:00 - 15:30
CANADIAN eSIG
Date: Meets on 4th Tuesday of the month
September through November and January through May
Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm EDT online via ZOOM
Website: https://alsqda.wordpress.com
Email: thegscccanadianesig@gmail.com
We are pleased to announce that our programs will now include a live presentation at the start of each Zoom meeting; a brief presenter question and answer period will follow each presentation. Except for a live event in April 2024, arrangements will be virtual via Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 PM (Eastern).
We have always included our customary round-table discussion, where we will explore your choice of Canadian and general genealogical subjects.
Remember, our group is dedicated to the spirit of mutual aid among our fellow genealogists.
November 28, 2023— Story Worth — My Book of Memories with Al Turner
December 2023—No meeting scheduled. Enjoy your holidays!
January 23, 2024 — How Genealogy Was Done Before Ancestry.com with Judy Z. Flynn
February 27, 2024– “Using Family Search –Relative Finder and Famous Relatives.” with Joyce Thompson-Hovey
March 26th, 2024—Should I hire a professional genealogist? with Bryan Mulcahy
April TBD, 2024—“Lunch with Linda”- Live from a local Naples restaurant with Linda Ryan
May 28, 2024— Who’s Who? YouTube and other online videos for genealogy—Linda Ryan

PGS presents LIVING WITH LEGAL LINGO with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG
2023-10-21 11:00 - 13:00
LIVING WITH LEGAL LINGO with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG

This event is a hybrid meeting with both live and virtual audiences. See the PGS calendar link at the top of the website homepage for information on how to join the meeting. For more information, go to https://pinellasgenealogysociety.com/#
The meeting starts at 11 am (ET) and is free and open to the public.

October Meeting: Technology to the Rescue: Tools Every Genealogist Needs in Their Tool Box with Linda Debe
2023-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
October Meeting: Technology to the Rescue: Tools Every Genealogist Needs in Their Tool Box with Linda Debe. Attendees will learn how to work smarter, not harder with free tools from programs to extensions, to built-in features from their operating system. These tools help with organization, research, writing, and plotting land deeds, as well as abstracting, extracting, and transcribing records. There is something for everyone, and who doesn’t love FREE?!?!
To attend this meeting virtually, please register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwof-CspjguHtYmuSdvGzbQDhwPX1NAcs52
Handout for this meeting will be available for LCGS Members Only. If you are not a member consider joining our society.
If you are an LCGS Member, be sure to download the handout ahead of time by signing in to the website then go to Meetings> Presentations & Handouts. Look for todays meeting at the top left side.

GSCC ~ “Dynamic Duos — Ancestry and Family Tree Maker” with Myrna Lewis and Nancy Pointer
2023-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | The Moorings Presbyterian Church – Moss Hall, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL, 34103, United States
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
“Dynamic Duos — Ancestry and Family Tree Maker”
Myrna Lewis and Nancy Pointer of the Ancestry/Family Tree Maker SIG will review why these two programs together are their favorite genealogy tools.
Our meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month, October through May. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.
In person meet in Moss Hall, The Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL 34103 (see map below).
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Guests are welcome, please sign-in when you arrive.
