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!
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
LPL is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This
means enhanced access to FamilySearch records!
|
 |
|
| |
MEMBERS: The January update was emailed 27 Dec. A special notice was emailed on 1 Jan. Please check your spam file if you didn't receive them.
If you would like one-on-one assitance with Zoom, email us! We want to help!
FEBRUARY PROGRAM
Hidden Stories: Discovering Our LGBTQ Ancestors
Saturday, 11 February
10:30 - 11:45 am (Eastern Time). Meet-n-greet at 10:15 am. Via Zoom.
When researching our family history, we often assume spinsters and confirmed bachelors were unlucky in love. Perhaps they had a long-term partner, but no legal method to record their union. Their own families may have been unwilling to acknowledge and carry their stories to future generations.
By forgoing the assumption that everyone in our tree was exclusively heterosexual, we can discover stories that expand and enrich our family history. We gain new understandings of who they were and new insights into family rifts, separations, individual migrations, and job choices. This presentation will help you recognize the contextual clues that indicate an ancestor may have been non-heterosexual. These clues can be found in photographs, censuses, newspapers, obituaries, cemeteries, military records, marriage records, and documents located in LGBTQ archives around the world.
Presented by Stewart Traiman, MD, a professional genealogist and speaker with over 30 years of research experience. He is an alumnus of the 18-month Professional Genealogy (ProGen) Study Group, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and previously served six years on the Board of the California Genealogical Society.
BLACK FAMILY HISTORY MONTH
MEMBERS:
All four recordings from September's Black Family History Event are available to view in the recordings sections through 28 February.
- Explorations in African American Genealogy History (Taneya Koonce)
- Researching WWI African American Ancestory (KB Barcomb)
- Researching Black Family History in the Florida State Archives (Matthew Perry)
- Mini Case Studies in Black Family History (Adrienne Whaley)
AncestryDNA® Study Group
Bonus Program for Members!
27 March - 24 July, 4th Mondays at 7:00pm (ET) via Zoom
Includes optional mid-month support sessions via Zoom.
Registration opens 1 January. (Space is limited)
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. Registeration 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.
Family History Jumpstart!
Tuesdays, 21 February - 21 March10:00 - 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.
JANUARY PROGRAM
Organizing Family History Research with Your Brain in Mind
Saturday, 14 January
10:30 - 11:45 am (Eastern Time). Meet-n-greet at 10:15 am. Via Zoom.
Webinar recording is now available in the Members' Only section
.png)
What a great way to kick-off the new year!
We are excited to host the premier presentation of this amazing talk.
Have you been trying to organize your family history files but can't find a system that makes sense? Don't waste any more time...start organizing with your brain in mind! This talk will show you how to identify your distinctive personality type & learning style and teach you the best brain-based organizing strategies for your specific characteristics. Learn how you learn, so you can finally get organized with the right system for YOU!
Presented by Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, a professional genealogist, writer, and national speaker. She is an alumna of the 18-month Professional Genealogy (ProGen) Study Group, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and author of the family history lifestyle website, Heart of the Family. Her mission is to help others 'make the past part of their present.' A credentialed educator, she brings a unique perspective to the topic of our January program.
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
.png)
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.
Topic: Attendee submitted questions...plus a brief discussion of WW2 Selective Service Classification Ledgers.
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.
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.
