Kinseekers Genealogical Society of Lake County Florida
Kinseekers Genealogical Society of Lake County Florida
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!
 

 
Florida State Genalogical Society Logo 
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  Leesburg Public Library logo
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!
 
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MEMBERS:  The March Update was emailed on 3 March. Please check your spam file. If you didn't receive it, let us know at ContactUs@Kinseekers.org.
 

 
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!
 


AncestryDNA® Study Group

Bonus Program for Members!
The program link was sent to registered participants on 27 Mar. Please check your spam file.
27 March - 24 July, 4th Mondays at 7:00pm (ET) via Zoom
Includes optional mid-month support sessions via Zoom. 
 
This program is for members of Kinseekers and Pastfinders Genealogical Societies. It is offered as a thank you for your amazing support.
 
This five part program is designed to provide attendees the confidence and working knowledge to successfully leverage AncestryDNA® tools for family history reseach. Classes are 1.5-2 hours and include lectures, task work, and discussion.
 
Optional mid-month support sessions will by offered by society volunteers and fellow study group members. 
 
Details are in the January Update emailed to members on 27 December. Registration link is in the Bonus - Study Group section under the Members Only tab.
 
Study Group leader, Kelli Bergheimer, is a professional genetic genealogist and educator. She holds a Bachelor's in Biology, a Master's in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master's in Business Management. We are excited to have her leading this program. She is dynamic, engaging, and exceptionally skilled in explaining and demonstrating the practical application of genetic genealogy concepts and tools.
 

 

APRIL PROGRAM

Social & Civic Clubs: Discovering Your Ancestors' Community Involvement
Saturday, 8 April
10:30 - 11:45 am (Eastern Time). Meet-n-greet at 10:15 am. Via Zoom.    
 
In every community there were dozens of social and civic clubs: Garden Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Patriotic Clubs, Home Demonstrating Clubs, Historical Societies, Ladies Societies, and many more.
 
Learn how to discover what social and civic clubs existed in a given community and how your ancestors may have been involved with them.
 
 
Presented by Melissa Barker, a Certified Archives Manager and Public Historian currently working at the Houston County, Tennessee Archives. She lectures, teaches, and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives, and records preservation.  She has seventeen years experience as a Professional Genealogist specializing in Tennessee records. She also writes the popular blog, A Genealogist in the Archives.
 
Register here.

 

Family History Jumpstart!

Tuesdays, 28 February - 28 March
10:00 - 11:30 (Eastern Time) via Zoom          
Interactive 5-part series. 
 
Attend some or all. Open to Everyone! (Free)     
 
New to genealogy?
Experienced, but looking for a mini start-over?
This free five-part series is for you! Learn how to research family history and jumpstart your genealogy journey.
 
Members: No registration necessary. Use the link in the members only section to join sessions.
 
Non-members: Register by emailing projects@kinseeekers.org to request the Zoom link.
 


MARCH PROGRAM

Navigating Digital Archives for Genealogy Research
Saturday, 11 March    
Program recording is posted in the Members Only section. View until 11 April.
 
Discover the wide variety of family history and genealogy records held in archives worldwide. 
 
Learn how archivists make their collections accessible through free online archival portals and digital finding aids. Discover URLs for institutional, regional, and worldwide archival portals. Learn how to effectively search these websites for family history records and documents that can add context to your family stories. Whether you had famous ancestors or not, a rich variety of sources are waiting to be found, explored, and used to expand your family history.
 
 
Presented by Nancy Loe, MA, MLS. Nancy has several decades of professional experience working in academic archives and genealogy libraries. She provides expert guidance on information management to help genealogists search smart and find more primary sources. Her popular website, SassyJaneGenealogy.com features a blog, a monthly newsletter, and e-books of U.S. and European research. She has presented both nationaly and internationally.
 
Register here.

 

Genealogy Work Zones

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.


Family Tree Maker Course

1st & 3rd Fridays, 10:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time)
Via Zoom. Attend some or all. 
(Course started 21 Oct.)
 
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).
 


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. 
 
 
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 discussion group focusing on military records and research methodology. 
 
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 4 Apr. Registration link coming soon.
 
Topic: Attendee submitted questions, tracking an ancestor's return and discharge from WW2.
 

 

WikiTree Special Interest Group

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

DECEMBER PROGRAM

Stories Behind the Stars:  
Remembering America's World War II Fallen
 
The recording of this program has been added to the Members Only section.
    
Saturday, 10 Dec     
10:30 - 11:45 am (Eastern Time). Meet-n-greet at 10:15 am. Via Zoom. 
 
For more information about this project, please visit their website at: https://www.storiesbehindthestars.org/
 
Stories Behind the Stars is a volunteer initiative dedicated to telling the stories of America's WW2 fallen so as to preserve them for future generations. These postings are freely accessible via Fold3.com. 
 
Learn about this amazing effort and all it has to offer. They provide training and access to resources to help volunteers capture the stories of these men and women. You'll also learn how the program can help you research the military service of a family member or any of the other US WWII fallen.
 
During World War II a banner with a gold star was presented to the families of America's fallen. Stories Behind the Stars is telling the stories of the more than 421,000 U.S. servicemembers who were killed during World War II. 
 
Presented by Don Milne, Founder and Director of Stories Behind the Stars.
 
This program will be followed by a brief Membership Business Meeting.
 

 

Genealogy Help

Wednesdays 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)
In-person, Leesburg Public Library 
 
We're excited to announce GenHelp is back!
 
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.
 
 

 

Latest News
Virtual
Programs are
via Zoom,
except GenHelp & select events.
Support our Programming
Genealogy Help
In-person GenHelp
Wednesdays
10:00 - 1:00
Leesburg Public Library.
Family History Jumpstart
This 5-session beginner class starts on 28 Feb. Free & open to all!
Program Recordings
March program is posted in the Members Only section.
Free FTM Course!
16-Class Course
Family Tree Maker Software.
Attend all or some sessions. Free & open to everyone.
AT - A - GLANCE
(Events are Eastern Time)
AncestryDNA Study Group (Members Only)
Mon, 27 Mar
7:00pm - 9:00pm
(Must be a study group member)
Genealogy Work Zone
Tuesday, 28 Mar
1:30 - 3:30pm
Genealogy Jumpstart
Tuesday, 28 Mar
10:00 - 11:30
via Zoom
Five-part Series
Session Five:
"Next Steps Forward"

Non-members: email us for the Zoom link.
Genealogy Work Zone
Tuesday, 4 Apr
1:30 - 3:30pm
Board Meeting
Friday, 7 Apr
1:15 - 2:15pm

Members Welcome!
Family Tree Maker Course
Friday, 7 Apr
10:00 - 11:30am
Open to all!
April Program
Saturday, 8 Apr
10:30 - 11:45 am
"Social & Civic Clubs: Discovering Your Ancestors' Community Involvement"

via Zoom
Open to all
Military Records SIG
Monday, 10 Apr
1:30-2:30pm
Open to all!
Family Tree Maker SIG
Wed, 12 Apr
10:00 - 11:00am
All are welcome!
Family Tree Maker Course
Friday, 21 Apr
10:00 - 11:30am
Open to all!
Family Tree Maker SIG
Wed, 26 Apr
10:00 - 11:00am
All are welcome!