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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.

2023 - 2024 Theme: Legacies - Past & Future

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:

July Update was emailed 30 June.

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

JULY PROGRAM

For Whom The Bell Tolls: Documenting & Memorializing Death

13 July, 10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom.

The recording of this event is available in the Members Area through 14 August.

Want to talk about the amazing content from this program? Have questions or discoveries to share? Register for our Post-Op SIG coming up 25 July.

This program looks beyond death certificates to examine records that can help us document death dates. It also explores burial practices and mourning rituals used to remember and honor departed loved ones. Join us for this informative exploration of death, burial, & remembrance.

Lisa Oberg, MLIS, is a senior special collections librarian at the University of Washington. Her professional research interests include women's suffrage, the WWI era, and understanding how death and disease affected our ancestors. She also curates a blog dedicated to Base Hospital No. 50 (WWI).

Post-Op SIG

Cancelled for July. Our apologies for the late change.

1:30 - 2:30pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Led by Shelia MacGrath

This discussion and help session is offered as a follow-up to our monthly speaker program. Discuss what was presented, ask questions, share discoveries, and learn from each other.

(This SIG meets the second Thursday following our monthly Speaker Presentation.)

Black Family History SIG

Black Family History (1900 - 1950)

Every other month, 3rd Saturdays.

10:00 - 11:00am (Eastern Time) via Zoom.

Led by Charles Wilson

Next session: Saturday, 17 Aug. Register HERE.

Topic: Advocacy & support groups that impacted our ancestors. Questions and other topics are welcome!!

Open to all. Non-members welcome.

RECORDINGS - 2023 Black Family History event

Held 23 September 2023 in partnership with the Leesburg Public Library, presentation recordings are viewable in the Members Area through 31 Aug 2024.

- Researching Black Family History, 1900-1950: Essential Foundations (Taneya Koonce)

- Context Matters: Researching World War Two Black Ancestors (KB Barcomb)

- Colleges, Clubs, & Cotton Fields: Researching Black Women, 1900-1950 (Adrienne G. Whaley)

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.)

Citation Anxiety SIG

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

DATE CHANGE AUGUST ONLY: 2nd Monday

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.

August topic: Government Records, plus participant questions. (See Chapter 12 of Evidence Explained (Fourth Edition. Don't have the book? No problem, your attendance and participation is still welcome! Citation questions are welcome as well.)

Open to all. Next session: Monday 12 August. Register HERE.

Military Records & Research SIG (WWI/WW2)

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

DATE CHANGE AUGUST ONLY: 3rd Monday

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 19 Aug. Register here.

Topic: Attendee submitted questions plus more discussion on WW2 sleuthing.

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.

* Family Tree Maker Course (Free) *

EVENING Course

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

DAY Course

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

Open to all.

This free 20-class course started in October. It 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.

Latecomers are welcome. Attend some or all 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.