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.
