Do you have ancestors who arrived in the US before the Civil War? Did they begin their US experience in the Mid-Atlantic states and then move westward? Then this SIG is for you! Sometimes the key to finding your ancestor’s home across the ocean is researching the places they lived before they migrated west. This was often in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, or the surrounding states. This SIG is designed to help people with just that experience.
The focus will be on those who arrived in the US before the Civil War and back to Colonial times. Migration routes, record sources, and more will be discussed.
All sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Nancy Ryburn will lead the discussion with members sharing research suggestions and support.
Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.org . Please put in your email Subject line: Request Mid-Atlantic SIG Link.
Tuesday, December 2
"What's in a Name? The Who, Why, When & How of Florida's Toponyms" (Monthly Meetings)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Hybrid Meeting (Virtual and in-person at Manatee Central Library)
Ever wonder why so many places in Florida have names that sound like they come from another time – or language altogether? Is Sarasota named after Hernando DeSoto’s daughter Sara? Why do so many rivers in Florida end in “chee’? Why are there so many places containing the name Fort? We will explore the fascinating stories and what they reveal about the state’s history, culture, colonial encounters, indigenous heritage, and geographical features.
Matt Woodside, the Curator at the Manatee Village Historical Park, will present in-person. Matt lived in South Dakota and California prior to moving to Bradenton 13 years ago. Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in art and a Master of Arts in museum studies. He worked in the aviation and commercial construction industries before starting his career in museums in 1995.
Registration & Attendance
• Open to the public (no charge)
• Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance — please email info@mgsfl.org with the subject: Zoom Registration November meeting
• Zoom access link will be emailed. Those attending in-person can join us at Manatee Central Library.
Stay Connected
• Visit our website: mgsfl.org
• Join our Facebook community for news, learning tips, and more genealogical resources
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you!
Researching in a foreign country can be a little intimidating, especially if you are researching alone. If your ancestors are from Poland or Eastern Europe, this group may be for you. Join us for a monthly discussion and research session designed to encourage and inspire everyone. The meeting format is very flexible and the discussions go where the group takes it. Meetings are usually held the 1st Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM via ZOOM. Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.org . Please put in your email Subject line: Request POLISH SIG Link.
Monday, December 8
TECHNOLOGY SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
The TECHNOLOGY SIG helps users of all abilities to effectively use technology in support of Family History research. We will also have breakout groups for the users of Family History software. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 2:00 pm. Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.orgPlease put in your email Subject line: Request Technology SIG Link.
Tuesday, December 9
Special Event: Mark Olsen - Family Tree Maker 2024 (Workshops/Seminars)
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
In-person at 9951 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, Florida 33569
Using Family Tree Maker for your genealogy or interested in learning more about it? A Special Event is being held where the latest version, Family Tree Maker 2024, will be discussed.
Please sign up as soon as you know you will be attending this class. It could possibly fill up! Just click on the link and follow along until you get a confirmation and print out the ticket. It is free, but does require a ticket.
Partner Societies: Brandon Area Genealogical Society, Pinellas Genealogical Society (Active FTM SIG), Florida Genealogical Society (Tampa), Sarasota Genealogical Society, Manatee Genealogical Society, JGS Tampa Bay, and JGS of Sarasota.
Tuesday, December 9
IRISH SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
It’s estimated that about 10% of the US Population has Irish ancestry…that’s about 31 million people! Ireland is not the easiest place to research due to political strife as well as the destruction of the Public Records Office in 1922. However, research is possible if you know the place where your ancestors lived and the timeframe of their emigration. In the Irish SIG we'll answer basic questions about how to do Irish research and what records are available to search both online and off. Join us for the first monthly Irish SIG meeting led by Donna Moughty. Donna has worked as a professional genealogist and has been conducting Irish research for over 30 years. Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.org . Please put in your email Subject line: Request IRISH SIG Link.
Wednesday, December 10
GERMAN SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
10:00 am to 11:30 am
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
Do you have German ancestors or you are interested in this part of Europe, or were your ancestors located in some of the popular German settlements in the USA? Maybe you should join our German Special Interest Group (SIG) and converse with other researchers with the same interests. The meeting format is very flexible and the discussions go where the group takes it. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM via ZOOM. Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.org . Please put in your email Subject line: Request German SIG Link.
Tuesday, December 16
DNA SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
Join us for a dialogue on the use of DNA in your genealogical research. News, sharing and help! The DNA SIG is led by Peggy Jude. Peggy is a member of the board of the Manatee Genealogical Society and is a professional genealogist with a specialty in genetic genealogy. Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.org . Put in the Subject line: Request DNA SIG Link.
Wednesday, December 17
Mid-Atlantic Pre-Civil War (SIGs)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
Do you have ancestors who arrived in the US before the Civil War? Did they begin their US experience in the Mid-Atlantic states and then move westward? Then this SIG is for you! Sometimes the key to finding your ancestor’s home across the ocean is researching the places they lived before they migrated west. This was often in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, or the surrounding states. This SIG is designed to help people with just that experience.
The focus will be on those who arrived in the US before the Civil War and back to Colonial times. Migration routes, record sources, and more will be discussed.
All sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Nancy Ryburn will lead the discussion with members sharing research suggestions and support.
Details for joining the Virtual Meeting will be provided prior to the meeting to MGS members via email. Non-members can request attendance information by emailing us at info@mgsfl.org . Please put in your email Subject line: Request Mid-Atlantic SIG Link.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
"Lineage Societies - Tips for Successful Applications" (Monthly Meetings)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Hybrid Meeting (Virtual and in-person at Manatee Central Library)
Program Title: "Lineage Societies – Tips for Successful Applications" Presented by Debbie Wilson Smyth
Joining a lineage society is a great way to honor the memory of an ancestor. But sometimes the application process appears to be an overwhelming and daunting task. There are hundreds of different types of lineage societies, each with specific requirements and rules for the application process. This presentation provides an introduction and overview of various lineage societies and their membership requirements. Learn general tips for researching and completing successful applications.
About the Speaker:
Debbie Wilson Smyth has been researching her family since 1993 and holds a Certificate in the Genealogical Research program from Boston University. As the owner of Oak Trails Genealogy Services, LLC, she provides professional genealogical services in research, education, consultation, and speaking. Her research focuses on midwestern and southern states, methodology, lineage society applications, and DNA. Debbie is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogy Speakers Guild, as well as a number of national, state, and local societies.
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 Zoom link to the January Meeting.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.
"Finding Your Elusive Ancestors - The American Experience" (Workshops/Seminars)
10:00 am to 4:15 pm
Virtual Seminar
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
"Collaborative Trees: Making Them Work for You" (Monthly Meetings)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Hybrid Meeting (Virtual and in-person at Manatee Central Library)
Genealogists can work together using the FamilySearch Family Tree, Wiki-Tree, and Geni - Learn the differences among them and the best practices for each.
About the Speaker:
Drew Smith is an internationally recognized genealogy educator, known for speaking, writing, podcasting, and graduate-level teaching. He holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, an MS in Industrial Management, and an MA in Library and Information Science. Drew is best known for being the co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast, the host of the Genealogy Connection podcast, the productivity columnist for the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly (APGQ), and one of the founders/admins for The Genealogy Squad Facebook group. He is the vice-president of Aha! Seminars, Inc.
Following the presentation, stay online or in-person 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 Zoom link to the February Meeting.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.
Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton
In-person only
Join us for either or both! Explore your roots and bring your ancestors' stories to life.
Beginning Genealogy - February 11th
Discover how to begin your family research journey—where to look, what to record, and how to stay organized. Learn about obituaries, cemeteries, family interviews, and key online tools.
Introduction to DNA for Genealogy - February 18th
See how DNA can confirm relationships and reveal new ancestors. Learn about testing types, inheritance basics, and which companies to use.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Classes for Beginners (Workshops/Seminars)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton
In-person only
Join us for either or both! Explore your roots and bring your ancestors' stories to life.
Beginning Genealogy - February 11th
Discover how to begin your family research journey - where to look, what to record, and how to stay organized. Learn about obituaries, cemeteries, family interviews, and key online tools.
Introduction to DNA for Genealogy - February 18th
See how DNA can confirm relationships and reveal new ancestors. Learn about testing types, inheritance basics, and which companies to use.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
To Be Announced (Monthly Meetings)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton
Information will be forthcoming on this monthly Membership Meeting.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
"The Funny Side of Genealogy" (Workshops/Seminars)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton
Laugh a little with Daniel at this in-person only event as he takes a refreshing look at genealogists and their sometimes-bizarre activities from an outsider’s perspective. You’ll also learn about some great resources and techniques along the way — and finally understand why everyone looks at you funny when you talk about your research.
Daniel is a Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage, providing key contributions liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world. Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, he was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project “Searching for My Roots” in Venezuela for 15 years. Daniel is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects and holds a board level position at the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA).
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
"Coming to America" (Monthly Meetings)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST Hybrid Meeting – Via Zoom and in-person at Manatee Central Library
Presented by Peggy Jude
This lecture traces the major waves of immigration to America, focusing on who came, when they arrived, and the key reasons behind each movement. Attendees will gain insight into the push and pull factors that drove groups from all over the world to the US—from early colonial settlers and enslaved Africans to the diverse arrivals of the modern era. Attendees seeking to understand or celebrate the evolving American story will find this program rich with context for both family history research and broader historical reflection.
About the Speaker:
Peggy Jude is a nationally-known 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.
Following the presentation will be our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance Registration Required for Zoom:
To attend via Zoom, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org, requesting the Zoom link to the February Meeting.
To attend in-person, the meeting is held at the Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.
Migration is an improtant concept in genealogical research. While our ancestors had fewer options for transportation than exist today, It was a common occurrence for many to move multiple times in their lifetime, for numerous reasons. While there were exceptions, most would eventually begin the process of moving westward into the interior of America. Early on in U.S. history, migration was primarily westward and southward. Ultimately, most of those who migrated southward would begin going out west.
About the Speaker:
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.
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance Registration Required for Zoom:
To attend via Zoom, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: info@mgsfl.org, requesting the Zoom link to the February Meeting.
To attend in-person, the meeting is being held at the Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.
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