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Welcome to KINSEEKERS Genealogical Society

Family History connects us.

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

Genealogy is fun.

It's the thrill of the hunt. The joy of discovery.

Join us. All experience levels welcome.

Scroll below to see details about upcoming programs!

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

MEMBERS: An update was emailed 6 Oct. Please check your spam file if you didn't receive it.

New to Zoom? Read our tips here: Zoom Orientation

If you would like one-on-one assitance with Zoom, email us! We want to help!

OCTOBER PROGRAM

Family History in Black & White:

Navigating Historical Newspapers

Saturday, 8 OCT

10:30 - 11:45 am (Eastern Time). Meet-n-greet at 10:15 am.

Via Zoom.

There is a wealth of family history information to be found in historical newspapers. But this valuable resource remains under-used by many family history enthusiasts and researchers. Locating historical newspapers and thoroughly searching them can be complex and challenging.

Learn strategies you can use to improve and fine-tune your newspaper searching skills. Discover how you can use this amazing resource to discover previously unknown details about your ancestors' lives and enrich their personal stories.

Taneya Y Koonce, MLIS, MPH, is a health information scientist at a major academic medical center. She routinely applies her library science and technology skills to assisting others in furthering their family history research. A genealogy educator and speaker, she is also on the board of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), a national 501c3 dedicated to preserving Black family history. .

Family Tree Maker Course

Start date changed to 21 October 2022

1st & 3rd Fridays, 10:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time)

Via Zoom. Attend some or all

This popular program is back!

This free 16-class course provides a deep dive into Family Tree Maker, the world’s most popular genealogy software. We’ll go over the basics of installation and establishing a tree, then cover each workspace (module) in detail. Classes include live demos, questions are encouraged, and troubleshooting tips shared. Attend all or some classes.

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.

Members: Access via link in the Members Only section.

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

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

Genealogy Work Zones

Starts 4 October

Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm (Eastern Time)

via Zoom

Genealogy is fun…except when it isn’t. We all have genealogy tasks we tend to put off: labeling photos, tagging documents, organizing paper or digital files, cleaning up trees, etc.

To help you tackle these mini-projects, we’re offering dedicated work zones. Its time dedicated to chipping away at those not so fun tasks. We'll greet each other and then simply start working on our individual projects. Work for 30 minutes or two hours.

How is this different from just working on your own? It’s easier to follow-through when you have a set time and place to be. We’re cheering you, and each other, on. You’ll be amazed at how much you got done.

Members: Access via the link in the Members Only section.

Non-Members: Register by emailing ContactUs@Kinseekers.org for the link.

SPECIAL EVENT!

Presentation recordings have been posted in the Members Only section!

Join us for this free all-day event co-hosted by Kinseekers Genealogical Society and the Leesburg Public Library.

Attend in-person at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E Main Street, Leesburg, Florida or attend virtually (via Zoom).

Four outstanding presentations:

Explorations in African American Genealogy Research presented by Taneya Y. Koonce

Whether descended from enslaved individuals or free Blacks, the quest for discovering and understanding the stories of your ancestors can be both exciting and challenging. The paths and crossroads you explore can often be different than you expected, but just as rewarding. This session will cover the foundations of African American family history research and discuss multiple strategies for overcoming some of its unique hurdles.

Researching WWI African American Ancestors presented by KB Barcomb

A large number of WWI records are now available online, but there are unique historical nuances that impact how we search for and analyze those related to African American ancestors. This program focuses on what those nuances are and how they impact the content and context of the records we find. You'll also learn effective research strategies and methods for managing WWI research.

Researching Black Family History in the State Archives of Florida presented by Matthew Storey

The State Archives of Florida contains a wealth of information for genealogists, including those researching Black family history. Learn how their online databases, published materials, and original archival records can work together to provide a more complete picture of your ancestors' lives. Presented by their Archives Historian, you'll also come away with insider insights and tips on how the State Archives can support your research.

Mini Case Studies in Black Family History presented by Adrienne Whaley

In this session, you'll see how genealogical puzzle pieces and research practices come together to form challenging, exciting, memorable, inspiring, and sweet stories across the 19th and 20th Centuries. Specific examples come from Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and even Oregon. You'll leave revved up to dive into records - online and onsite - to discover the stories hidden in your family tree.

Taneya Y Koonce, MLIS, MPH, is on the board of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society.

KB Barcomb, is a retired US Army officer who specializes in WWI and WW2 military records and research.

Matthew Storey, MA (history), is the Archivist Historian for the State Archives of Florida, located in Tallahasee.

Adrienne Whaley, MEd, is the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Led by Roger Goddard

Do you use Family Tree Maker software? This group is for you!

Bring your questions. Share tips & techniques. All levels welcome.

Open to members and non-members. September Sessions: 14 & 28 Sep

Non-members:

Email FTM@Kinseekers.org for link.

Military Records & Research Special Interest Group

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

Led by KB Barcomb

This is an informal collaborative discussion group focusing on military records and research.

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

Next session: Monday 10 Oct. Registration link

Primary Sept Topic: Open discussion of questions....plus researching WWI/Iunits and military job titles.

WikiTree Special Interest Group

3rd Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30 pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Register for the WikiTree Discussion group.

WikiTree.com is a free worldwide collaborative family tree. Our discussion group is led by Debi Hoag, a WikiTree ambassador and project leader with over 20 years of research experience.

Next Session: Monday, 17 October