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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.

Theme for 2024-2025 Season: A Focus on Records

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:

December Update was emailed 5 December.

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

Also posted under Handouts and Updates in the Members Area.

DECEMBER PROGRAM

Exploring the National Archives Website for Family History Research

Saturday, 14 December

10:30am - 11:45am, Sign-in starts 15-min prior. (Join early and say hello!)

The recording of this excellent program has now been posted in the Members Area.

This presentation will explain the ins and outs of federal government records and show you some of the great family history resources on the National Archives website. We'll explore the online catalog and learn how to make connections between the catalog with what's online at Ancestry, FamilySearch, and elsewhere.

Marisa Louie Lee is a professional researcher who specializes in federal government records. Having worked for the National Archives in San Francisco, she is intimately familiar with navigating the National Archives catalog and related online databases.

Family Tree Maker Course

This FREE course started in mid-October (Join anytime)

EVENING Course

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

Session 4 recording is now available in the members area.

DAYTIME Course

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

Session 3 recording is now available in the members area.

This free 21-session course runs from mid-October through August 2025.

Attend all or some classes.

Non-members are welcome. The course 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.

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).

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 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 13 Jan. Register HERE.

If you have a WWI & WW2 related question, put it in the comment box when registering.

Black Family History SIG (1900-1950)

3rd Saturdays, 10:30-11:30am (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Led by Charles Wilson

Next session: 18 January (No December session due to Holidays). Register here.

This group focuses on Black family history during the pivotal decades from 1900 to 1950. We encourage and collaborate with each other to explore and document the rich family histories generated during this era. Non-members welcome!

Recordings & handouts from the Black Family History Seminar held in September are available in the Members Area of our website through 31 Aug 2024.

Seminar topics were:

- Researching Black Youth, 1900-1950 (Adrienne Whaley)

- Black War Workers of World War II (KB Barcomb)

- Legacy of Black Women in World War II (E W Cummings) [View here]

- Redlining (Taneya Koonce) - Delayed. Date TBA.

Citation Anxiety SIG

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

Next session: 6 January

This is an informal discussion group focused on citing sources.

We primarily reference the 4th Edition of Evidence Explained by Elisabeth Shown Mills. (You are not required to have a copy to participate, though you may find it helpful.) We also suggest following the Evidence Explained page on Facebook and/or the Forum on EvidenceExplained.com.

Open to all.

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.)

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.