Our program speaker, Shelley Bishop, will present in person “The Case of the Missing Will”.
1870 Illinois resident James Taylor was born in Ohio—but where and to whom? No will, probate, death record, obituary, or other record names his parents. This case study illustrates how indirect evidence drawn from extensive research in a variety of sources was analyzed and correlated to identify his father and long-deceased mother, as well as locate his place of birth.
Shelley Bishop is a professional researcher, writer, and speaker with a passion for finding ancestral stories. She enjoys helping others learn more about genealogical records, skills, problem-solving methods, and family history writing. As the owner of Buckeye Family Trees, Shelley specializes in Ohio and midwestern research. She is a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine, NGS Magazine, and other publications. Shelley is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and Past-President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Learn more about her at www.buckeyefamilytrees.com.
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 First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton. The address of First Presbyterian Church: 1402 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205, which is on the corner of 15th Street West and Manatee Avenue. The car park is across the street on the west side of 15th Street West. The meeting will be held in The Fellowship Hall, inside the large iron gates on the west side of the church complex.
The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.
Immediately following the meeting, we will begin our “Members Helping Members” session.
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, February 10
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, February 11
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, February 12
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, February 18
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, February 19
Mid-Atlantic Pre-Civil War (SIGs)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
February Meeting Cancelled
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.
Wednesday, February 19
"Finding Your English Ancestors: The Big Four: (Workshops/Seminars)
5:30 pm
State College of Florida, Library and Learning Center, Bradenton, Florida
Special Program!
Note: At this time this is an in-person only event, however efforts are being made for it to be a hybrid event. Check back for additional details.
The Manatee Genealogical Society will be hosting Paul Milner on February 19, 2025 at the State College of Florida. Paul will be presenting virtually on “Finding Your English Ancestors: The Big Four”.
With Paul, we will examine available indexes, how to access and interpret the four primary records groups for English research: civil registration, census, church records, and probate. These are the primary records you need when searching for anyone from the fifteenth to the twentieth century.
Paul, a native of northern England, professional genealogist and international lecturer, teaches English and Scottish research tracks at SLIG, IGHR, and the British Institute. He is the author of six publications providing how-to guidance. Paul focuses on British Isles resources and methodology on his blog at www.milnergenealogy.com.
This event, a Free, In-Person Only event, will be held in the “Together Manatee Community Room” in the Library & Learning Center, Building 3, at the State College of Florida, located at 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34207. The program will begin at 5:30 pm.
This presentation will be followed by a one-hour Question and Answer. Members are encouraged to submit questions beforehand by emailingprojects@mgsfl.org.
Members of the public are welcome to attend. For more information, please visit our website at: https://mgsfl.org/.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
"AI for Genealogy"
10:00 am to 12:30 pm EST
In-person and Virtual Meeting
Our program speaker, Peggy Jude, will present in person “AI for Genealogy”.
Did you know that artificial intelligence (AI) has been around a surprisingly long time? Dive into the fascinating world where artificial intelligence meets family history! Discover how AI, including ChatGPT, is revolutionizing genealogy. Learn how to harness these powerful tools to summarize, extract, transcribe, and supercharge your research.
Peggy is a speaker, educator and researcher who has been conducting genealogical research for over 40 years. She specializes and teaches in five areas of genealogical interest: DNA, Genealogical Technology, Preserving Family History and Family Heirlooms, Genealogical Methods and Records, and Swedish Genealogy.
Peggy serves as the VP, Projects and member of the board of the Manatee Genealogical Society (FL.) She leads both the DNA and the Technology for Genealogy Special Interest Groups for the society. She holds a BS in Zoology from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Peggy is a co-course coordinator for the Foundations in DNA course at the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild and 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 First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton. The address of First Presbyterian Church: 1402 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205, which is on the corner of 15th Street West and Manatee Avenue. The car park is across the street on the west side of 15th Street West. The meeting will be held in The Fellowship Hall, inside the large iron gates on the west side of the church complex.
The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.
Immediately following the meeting, we will begin our “Members Helping Members” session.
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, March 10
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, March 11
IRISH SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
7:00 pm to 8:00 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, March 12
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, March 18
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, March 19
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, April 1
"Our Ancestors Weren't Always Honest: Case Studies in Deceptive Ancestors" (Monthly Meetings)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting (In-person and Virtual)
In-Person and Virtual Meeting
Our program speakers, Penny Burke Bonawitz and Amy Crabill Lay, of the podcast The Genealogy Happy Hour, will present in person “Our Ancestors Weren’t Always Honest: Case Studies in Deceptive Ancestors”.
We can’t always trust information our ancestors left behind! By digging deeper into our research to analyze and correlate all data and following the Genealogical Proof Standard, we can uncover the truth. Further analysis and exhaustive research will lead to accurate results and an understanding of why our ancestors may have fibbed.
The Two Blondes, who met at church, share the common interests of genealogy and wine, leading to the 2015 launch of the podcast Genealogy Happy Hour. It is designed for beginning and intermediate level researchers and a wine selection is featured in each episode. Penny Burke Bonawitz is a 30 year researcher, co-founder of Tampa-based Ancestor Hunters, and a member of Ohio Genealogical Society as well as many state and family societies. Amy Crabill Lay, president of AGHS-American Global Heir Search, an international probate genealogical company, a member of DAR, is a graduate of ProGenStudy Group 27. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
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 First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton. The address of First Presbyterian Church: 1402 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205, which is on the corner of 15th Street West and Manatee Avenue. The car park is across the street on the west side of 15th Street West. The meeting will be held in The Fellowship Hall, inside the large iron gates on the west side of the church complex.
The Zoom meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST.
Immediately following the meeting, we will begin our “Members Helping Members” session.
Wednesday, April 2
POLISH SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
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.
Tuesday, April 8
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, April 9
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.
Monday, April 14
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, April 15
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, April 16
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.
Wednesday, May 7
POLISH SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
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, May 12
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, May 13
IRISH SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
7:00 pm to 8:00 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, May 14
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, May 20
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, May 21
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.
Wednesday, June 4
POLISH SIG - Virtual (SIGs)
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING (Meeting Time is EST)
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, June 9
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, June 10
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, June 11
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, June 17
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, June 18
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.
