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.
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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.
April Update was emailed 1 April. 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
MAY PROGRAM
Is That Really Your Guy? Proving Your Conclusion
Saturday, 11 May, 10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom.
Enjoy the camaraderie of our informal meet 'n greet starting at 10:15am ET.
Building a family tree is fun. You go online, search for, and discover records that seem to be for your ancestors. But, accidentally adding the wrong branches to your tree can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix. Learn how to avoid (or at least minimize) errors by channeling your own inner detective.
This presentation discusses how to sort and evaluate evidence to make sure that really is your guy (or gal), and to help you logically prove your conclusions.
Debbie Wilson Smyth holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and is an alumnus and past coordinator for the Professional Genealogy (ProGen) Study Group program. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogy Speakers Guild. Debbie is also the owner of Oak Trails Genealogy Services, LLC.
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!
APRIL PROGRAM
Using Newspapers to Explore Communities and Daily Lives
Saturday, 13 April, 10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern Time) via Zoom
Recording and handout are available in the Members' Area through 15 June.
The Post-Op SIG for this program is 25 April. See the Post-Op SIG description to register.
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.
Post-Op SIG
Thursday, 25 April
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.
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.)
*** 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 started in October and 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.
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 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.
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.
May discussion topic is newspaper citations (see Chapter 15 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 6 May. Register HERE.
Military Records & Research SIG (WWI/WW2)
2nd Mondays, 1:30 - 2:45 (Eastern Time) via Zoom
Led by KB Barcomb
.png) 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 May. Topic: Attendee submitted questions, plus a discussion on State-unique laws pertaining to veterans (time permitting). Register and submit questions here.
FAMILY BOOK CREATOR® STUDY GROUP
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.
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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
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.
Genealogy Help
Wed, 24 Apr
10:00 - 1:00
Leesburg Library
Walk-In's Welcome
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.
Genealogy Help
Wed, 1 May
10:00 - 1:00
Leesburg Library
Walk-In's Welcome
FTM Course (Daytime)
Friday, 3 May
11:00am - 12:30pm
Open to all!
Citation Anxiety SIG
Monday, 6 May
1:30 - 2:30pm
Open to all!
FTM Course (Evening)
Tue, 7 May
7:00 - 8:30pm
Free & Open to All!
Family Tree Maker SIG (Daytime)
Wed, 8 May
11:00am - 12:00pm
All are welcome!
Genealogy Help
Wed, 8 May
10:00 - 1:00
Leesburg Library
Walk-In's Welcome
Family Tree Maker SIG (Evening)
Thur, 9 May
7:00 - 8:00pm
Open to all.
Board Meeting
Friday,10 May
1:15 - 2:15pm
Members Welcome!
MAY PROGRAM
Saturday, 11 May
10:30 - 11:30 am
"Is That Really Your Guy? Proving Your Conclusions"
by Debbie Smyth. Open to all.
Military Records & Research SIG
Monday, 13 May
1:30 - 2:45pm
Open to all!
FBC SG
Help Session
Mon, 13 May
7:00 - 8:00pm
Study Group members only.
FTM Course (Evening)
Tue, 21 May
7:00 - 8:30pm
Free & Open to All!
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