Welcome to the new responsive website for MGS. This website is still in the stages of implementation. Please be patient while we update the site. Our responsive website is now more easily viewed no matter which device it is viewed on.
The Manatee Genealogical Society is excited to announce
Three new Special Interest Groups
Starting this Fall!
Be sure to check our Events calendar for more information on these SIGs, as well as the other six SIGS that are offered. The MGS president will be sending an email contain the Zoom link to every member prior to the first meeting of each SIG. Be sure to check our Events calendar for more information on these SIGs, as well as the other six SIGS that are offered.
Beginner's SIG
Beginning on October 3, the Beginner’s SIG will be held the first Saturday of October through December 2026, at 9:30-10:30 am EST.
New England SIG
October 19th will be the first meeting of the New England SIG, which will be held at 4:00 pm EST on the third Monday of each month.
Brick Wall SIG
Fall 2026: This SIG is being postponed at this time.
WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE
The Manatee Genealogical Society of Manatee County, Florida, founded in 1974, provides this website to access our services, resources, programs, and information about our society. Our Society holds hybrid meetings from November through April and virtual-only meetings from May through October. Guests may attend with an advance request sent via e-mail to info@mgsfl.org
“MGS was formed to promote individual and community awareness in genealogy, family history and allied fields of study, conduct genealogical meetings, workshops and seminars, and sponsor projects to promote and preserve genealogical knowledge. “
Check the Events on the menu for a complete list of all upcoming meetings. A selection of upcoming meetings is also highlighted below.
Our event calendar includes not only Manatee Genealogical Society meetings, but also programs offered by other regional societies - many available via Zoom or within a reasonable drive from Manatee County.
Another calendar source of genealogical events being held throughout the world is the website called ConferenceKeeper.org. https://conferencekeeper.org/
Be sure to visit our Facebook Page for helpful tips, research tools, and what's new in genealogical research.
Events Calendar
Mid-Atlantic Pre-Civil War SIG
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
SIG Leader: Nancy Ryburn
Monthly Membership Meeting Topic: "Sharing Ancestor Stories: Writing Brief Biographical Sketches"
Hybrid - Zoom and in-person at the Manatee Central Public Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida (Library opens at 10:00 am EST; meeting starts at 10:15 am EST).
Speaker: Karen A. Fortin
Mid-Atlantic Pre-Civil War SIG
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
SIG Leader: Nancy Ryburn
Farmers & Agriculture in the USA & Across the World: How to Locate"
Hybrid Meeting (available via Zoom and in-person) In-person at the Manatee Central Library Main Auditorium, Bradenton, Florida (Library opens at 10:00 am; meeting begins at 10:15 am EST).
We all have farmers in our families; here in the USA or in Europe or another Continent Includes pre-prep you need to do ahead of time and what can you find out about your farmers? Also, many internet and local Sources. Talk about your successes or questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Speaker:
Margaret (Peg) Kapustiak’s presentations and handouts are designed to provide you with extremely practical tips, ideas, links and sources. Peg has been a Genealogist/Family Historian for 49 years, researching family history in Chicago, the Midwest, New England, & New York state plus ten countries in Europe and Asia, when she lived overseas. She has provided over 200 talks nationally and internationally. Peg has authored two books and 58 research articles and currently has two more books in progress. She volunteers at five historical/genealogical groups including South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society in Illinois for 25+ years. She has volunteered in the Venice Museum & Archives since 2011 and for Historic Spanish Point since 2012, along with the Board of Hazelgreen Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance registration required to attend, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org requesting the link to the January 5 monthly membership meeting.
Questions? Contact us at: info@mgsfl.org
Finding Your Elusive Ancestors: The American Melting Pot
Virtual Seminar
The Manatee Genealogical Society is hosting its annual Virtual Seminar, with six nationally known speakers addressing the theme of the seminar: Finding Your Elusive Ancestors: The American Melting Pot. All registered attendees will have access to recordings of the speakers for 30 days after the seminar.
Registration begins November 23rd and all those who register by December 31, 2026 will be eligible for an Early Bird Drawing for a free one-year membership to the society.
