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Welcome to KINSEEKERS Genealogical Society

Family History connects us.

To our ancestors. To who we are. To each other.

All experience levels welcome.

Theme for 2024-2025 Season: A Focus on Records

Scroll below to see details about current and upcoming programs.

		Member: Florida State Genealogical Society
		Proud to partner with the Leesburg Public Library in offering genealogy and family history programs. LPL is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This means enhanced access to FamilySearch records!

Pastfinders is our sister society, located in Clermont.

Visit their website for their full schedule of events: pastfindersslc.org.

MEMBERS:

October Update was emailed 8 Oct.

(Please check your spam file if you didn't receive it.)

OCTOBER PROGRAM

The Impact of US Railroads on Family History

Saturday, 19 October

The recording from this program is now posted and available through 3 November.

We often don't think about railroad records unless our ancestors actually worked on the railroads.

And yet, the railroads influenced migration choices, business & job opportunities, a community's growth & its neighborhoods, legal & government actions, and much more.

Join us to discover how these records can provide new insights into your family's history.

For those with ancestors who were railroad workers, you'll also learn how these records can tell you more about their experience.

Presented by Kim S. Harrison. Her genealogy career has included working for major information providers such as Ancestry, ProQuest, and NewsBank; serving in multiple society leadership positions; and lobbying to ensure the retention of Railroad Pension Application files at the National Archives.

NOVEMBER PROGRAM

The Impact of Weather on Family History

Saturday, 9 November

10:30am - 11:30 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Meet 'n Greet starts at 10:15am.

We are very excited to offer this unique program presented by weather data analyst, Sydney Lybrand.

Droughts, flooding, blizzards, and other major weather-related events altered the lives, and livelihoods, of individuals, families, and even communities. Other times, weather, good or bad, formed the backdrop to special events, such as weddings or funerals, or to routine days spent in mundane activities.

So, how can we learn more about the weather our ancestors experienced and how it impacted them? Join us as we dive into the many resources and ways we can gain new insights into weather of the past.

Sydney Lybrand is a scientist specializing in analysis of precipitation data. She holds a bachelor's degree in Earth System Science and a master's degree in Atmospheric Science. She is also passionate about history and the role of weather in both historic events and every day lives.

Family Tree Maker Course (Free)

NEW COURSE STARTED IN MID-OCTOBER! (Join anytime)

EVENING Course - Starts 15 Oct

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30pm (ET) via Zoom

DAYTIME Course - Starts 18 Oct

1st & 3rd Fridays, 11:00am - 12:30pm (ET) via Zoom

This free 21-session course runs from mid-October through August 2025.

Attend all or some classes.

Non-members are welcome. The course provides a deep dive into Family Tree Maker, the world’s most popular genealogy software. Classes include live demos, questions are encouraged, and troubleshooting tips shared.

There is not a set schedule of topics, as the class pace is dependent on the input and feedback of participants. Led by Roger Goddard.

Non-Members: Register by emailing FTM@Kinseekers.org.

Members: Access via the link in the Members Area (under "Zoom Links").

(Society membership includes a significant discount on the FTM software. Details are under Member Perks in the Members Area.)

This course is separate from the FTM Special Interest Group (SIG).

Black Family History SIG

Black Family History (1900 - 1950)

3rd Saturdays (Note: Oct is 4th Saturday), 10:30 - 11:30am (Eastern Time) via Zoom.

Led by Charles Wilson

Join us as we explore this dynamic time period in American history through the lens of Black family history.

Meetings alternate between book discussions and focusing on records.

Saturday, 26 Oct is a book discussion on "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein.

Open to all. Non-members welcome. Register here.

(Zoom link has been updated to reflect 10:30am ET start time, verses 10am)

Citation Anxiety SIG

1st Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30 (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Next session: 4 November

Do you get flustered trying to create record citations? This group is here to help. This is an informal discussion group focused on citing sources.

We are a friendly "safe space" for those new to citations and those already familiar with the basics of documenting sources. Open to all.

We primarily reference the 4th Edition of Evidence Explained by Elisabeth Shown Mills. (You are not required to have a copy in order to participate, though you may find it helpful.)

Military Records & Research SIG (WWI/WW2)

2nd Mondays, 1:30 - 2:45 (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Led by KB Barcomb

This is an informal and collaborative discussion group focusing on WWI and WW2 military records and research methodology. Open to all.

Want to learn more about a U.S. military ancestor? This group is here to help. Love military records and research? Let's talk analysis, resources, and methods.

Next session: Monday 11 Nov. Register HERE.

Topic: Attendee submitted questions plus WW2 Army Air Corps/AAF ancestors.

Family Tree Maker SIG

DAYTIME SESSION

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

EVENING SESSION
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

This is an informal discussion and help session for those using FTM genealogy software or thinking about using it. Ask questions, share tips, learn from one another. All are welcome!

Non-Members: Register by emailing FTM@Kinseekers.org.

Members: Access via the link in the Members Area (under "Zoom Links").

(Society membership includes a significant discount on the FTM software. Details are under Member Perks in the Members Area.)

Genealogy Help

Wednesdays

10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)

In-person, Leesburg Public Library

Society volunteers, in partnership with the Leesburg Public Library, are offering free genealogy assistance every week in the library's genealogy area.

No registration or appointment needed. Simply walk-in.

Black Family History Seminar (1900-1950)

Saturday, 28 September. Co-hosted with the Leesburg Public Library.

The following recordings from this event will be posted in the Members Area soon:

- Children in the Archives: Researching Black Youth, 1900-1950

presented by Adrienne Whaley

Program Recording and Handout are now available in the members area.

- Black War Workers of WW2: Context, Records, & Resources

presented by KB Barcomb

Program Recording and Handout are now available in the members area.

Taneya Y. Koonce's presentation Beyond Boundaries: The Impact of Redlining on Family History is being rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene. (Stay tuned!)

The presentation by Col Edna W Cummings is available via the fabulous National WW2 Museum:

The Legacy of African American Women in WW2