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.  
 
Join us. All experience levels welcome.
 
2023 - 2024 Theme: Legacies - Past & Future
Scroll below to see details about current and 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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Pastfinders is our sister society, located in Clermont.
Visit their website for their full schedule of events: pastfindersslc.org.
 
 
 

MEMBERS:
March Update was emailed 5 March. It is also posted in the Members Area.
(Please check your spam file if you didn't receive it.)
 
STUDY GROUP MEMBERS:
The recurring link for classes & help sessions is under "Zoom Links" in the Members Area

 

APRIL PROGRAM


 
Using Newspapers to Explore Communities and Daily Lives
Saturday, 13 April, 10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom
Meet 'n greet starts 15 minutes prior. Say hello and enjoy the camaraderie.
Register here.

 
Newspapers report on the day-to-day life of the communities they serve. As we seek out the details of our ancestors' lives, newspapers are where we can discover information we can't find in other records. In addition, they can supplement the records we do find. This presentation will discuss what newspapers offer when searching by name or by community.
 
We are excited to bring back Gena Philibert-Ortega, a recognized leader in genealogy education. Gena specializes in social history, women's history, & newspaper research. In addition to speaking to societies, she teaches for both the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh.
 

 
 
 

MARCH PROGRAM

Jumping the Pond:
Connecting Immigrants to Their Homeland - 1870s to 1930s
Saturday, 9 March, 10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom
The recording is available in the Members Area through 9 April.
 
Last month, our feature program provided an overview of immigration and naturalization. This month, we're taking a deeper look at researching immigration from the 1870s-1930s.
 
Are you and your ancestors tired of hanging out in US records? Ready to get back to Europe? In this presentation, Mary Roddy will cover a methodology for finding an ancestor's place of origin. You'll learn about a host of records that might provide a location or clues toward finding one. Mary's got a spreadsheet trick for squeezing the most out of passenger lists and a couple ideas for when all else fails. Finally, she'll inspire you with a couple of case studies where she connects immigrants back to their home in Europe.
 
We're excited to bring back Certified Genealogist®, Mary Roddy. A popular presenter at national conferences, Mary is also co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and a founding member of the Applied Genealogy Institute. 
 

 

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, 20 April. Register HERE.
April will expand our research discussion into migrations, occupations, and advocacy groups. Questions and other topics are welcome!!
 
All are welcome. You do not have to be a member to attend our SIGs!
 

 

Citation Anxiety SIG

1st Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30 (Eastern Time) via Zoom
 
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. 
 
April's discussion topic is Chapter 3 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 1 April. Register HERE.
 

 

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.)
                                                                                                

 

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 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 8 April. Register here.
Topics: Attendee submitted questions, plus a discussion on government publications (time permitting).
 

 

Post-Op SIG

Thursday, 25 April
1:30 - 2:30pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom
Led by Shelia MacGrath
Register HERE.
 
This discussion and help session is offered as a follow-up to our monthly speaker program.
 
April Topic: The records, methods, and tips covered in our April program Using Newspapers to Explore Communities and Daily Lives.
 
Discuss what was presented, ask questions, share discoveries, and learn from each other.
 
(This SIG meets the second Thursday following our monthly Speaker Presentation.)
 

 

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. Our most popular program is back!                                           
This free 20-class course provides a deep dive into Family Tree Maker, the world’s most popular genealogy software. We 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.
Join in anytime. 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.
 
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).
 


FAMILY BOOK CREATOR® STUDY GROUP

SESSION ONE Recording is posted.
(Located in the Study Group page of the Members Area Section.)
 
Free Bonus Program for Members!
26 February - 24 June, 4th Mondays at 7:00pm (ET) via Zoom
Includes optional mid-month support sessions via Zoom: 2nd Monday of the month. 
 
THIS GROUP IS FULL. We can no longer accept registrations.
 
Led by Rebecca Shamblin. Course Description:
Do you dream of turning all that research into an actual book? Let's do it together! During this workshop, I will hold your hand through the process of planning, writing, and producing your family history book. We will break everything down into manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time, until you are holding the book of a lifetime in your hands.
 
February 26 - "Laying the Groundwork: Planning & Research"
Our first step is deciding what type of book you want to create, who it will be about, and how you are going to bring it to life. We will talk about cleaning up the applicable branches of your tree in Family Tree Maker before you begin, and fleshing out your research to find the images and stories that will provide context to your tree.

March 25 - "The Power of Family Book Creator: Getting Started"
Putting pen to paper is often the hardest part. Not anymore! I will hold your hand as you get started with Family Book Creator, choosing the settings you need to turn your data into an initial narrative with the click of a button. You can edit it, add to it, or just use it as a reference for your own writing.
 
April 22 - "Taking it a Step Further: Adding the Extras"
Now that your book has a foundation, you can go a little further with some optional add-ons to your book. I will show you how to add things like word clouds, maps, and other images. We'll also discuss incorporating your own writing (with pictures!) and design ideas.
 
May 27 - "Finishing Touches: Printing & Distribution"
Let's get this book off of your computer and onto your bookshelf. We will talk about finalizing your book and turning it into a PDF. Then we will step through the process of using print-on-demand publishing using Lulu.com. Finally, we will talk about ways you can share this book with your family.
 
June 24 - "Student Showcase: Time to Celebrate!"
You did it! You created a family history book! It doesn't have to be perfect; the goal is to gain confidence with the process. During this session, we'll show our books (optional), celebrate everyone's progress, and share ideas for future projects. 
 
Study Group leader, Rebecca Shamblin, is the author of "Leaving a Legacy: Turn Your Family Tree into a Family Book." A genealogist, and professional photographer with a Master's degree in Communicative Arts, she is a dynamic, engaging, and exceptionally skilled educator.
 
Learn more about Family Book Creator® here.
 

 

Latest News
Virtual
Programs are
via Zoom,
except GenHelp & select events.
Support our Programming
Registration is Closed
Our Family Book Creator Study Group is full.
Genealogy Help
In-person GenHelp is available most Wednesdays, 10am - 1pm at the Leesburg Public Library.
AT - A - GLANCE
All events are EASTERN TIME
Family Tree Maker SIG (Evening)
Thur, 28 Mar
7:00 - 8:00pm
Open to all.
Citation Anxiety SIG
Monday, 1 Apr
1:30 - 2:30pm
Open to all!
FTM Course (Evening)
Tue, 2 Apr
7:00 - 8:30pm
Open to all!
Genealogy Help
Wed, 3 Apr
10:00 - 1:00
Leesburg Library
Walk-In's Welcome
FTM Course (Daytime)
Friday, 5 Apr
11:00am - 12:30pm
Open to all!
Board Meeting
Friday, 5 Apr
1:15 - 2:15pm
Members Welcome!
Military Records & Research SIG
Monday, 8 Apr
1:30 - 2:45pm
Open to all!
FBC SG
Help Session
Mon, 8 Apr
7:00 - 8:00pm
Study Group members only.
Family Tree Maker SIG (Daytime)
Wed, 10 Apr
11:00am - 12:00pm
All are welcome!
Genealogy Help
Wed,10 Apr
10:00 - 1:00
Leesburg Library
Walk-In's Welcome
Family Tree Maker SIG (Evening)
Thur, 11 Apr
7:00 - 8:00pm
Open to all.
APRIL PROGRAM
Saturday, 13 April
10:30 - 11:30 am
"Using Newspapers
to Explore Communities
& Daily Lives"
with Gena Philibert-Ortega. Open to all.
FTM Course (Evening)
Tue, 16 Apr
7:00 - 8:30pm
Free & Open to All!
Genealogy Help
Wed, 17 Apr
Cancelled
FTM Course (Daytime)
Fri, 19 Apr
11:00 - 12:30pm
Open to all!
Black Family History SIG (1900 - 1950)
Saturday, 20 Apr
10:00 - 11:00am
Open to all!
FBC Study Group
Monday, 22 Apr
7:00-9:00pm
Study Group members only.
Family Tree Maker SIG (Daytime)
Wed, 24 Apr
11:00am -12:00pm
Open to all.
Post-Op SIG
Thur, 25 Apr
1:30 - 2:30pm
Open to all!
Family Tree Maker SIG (Evening)
Thur, 25 Apr
7:00 - 8:00pm
Open to all.