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Lake County Research

Welcome to KINSEEKERS Genealogical Society

Family History connects us.

To our ancestors. To who we are. To each other.

All experience levels welcome.

2025-2026 Theme: FAN* Clubs & Communities

(*FAN = Friends, Associates, & Neighbors)

Scroll below to see details about our various programs

and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).


		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:

The latest update was emailed to members on 5 August.

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

BONUS PRESENTATION !!

In conjuction with our Black Family History SIG

Saturday, 15 Aug at 10:30am ET via Zoom (3rd Saturday)

Redlining and Family History:

Understanding the System that Shaped Our Family's Addresses.

Don't miss this special program presented by Charles Wilson.

It is an exceptional example of how applying historical context and nuanced analysis to our research can lead to new and profound insights into family history.

Charles Wilson holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and is an alumnus of the 12-month Professional Genealogist (ProGen) Study Group Program. He is also a retired Naval Chaplain and holds advanced degrees in ministry and theology.

Image Source: Mapping Inequality (CC-BY-NC)

Military Records & Research SIG (WWI/WW2)

2nd Mondays, 7:00pm - 8:30pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Led by KB Barcomb. Open to all.

This is an informal and collaborative discussion group focusing on WWI and WW2 military records and research methodology.

Questions on WWI & WW2 records and related topics are always welcome! Ask in the comment box when registering.

Next session: 10 August. Register here.

Family Tree Maker SIG

Led by Roger Goddard. Open to all.

DAYTIME:

2nd Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

4th Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm (ET) via Zoom

EVENING:
2nd Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

4th Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00pm (ET) via Zoom

This informal discussion & help session is for those using FTM genealogy software or thinking about using it. 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.)

Black Family History SIG (1900-1950)

3rd Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:30 (Eastern Time) via Zoom
Led by Charles Wilson. Open to all.

This informal, diverse, and collaborative discussion group focuses on American History through the lens of Black family history during the decades from 1900s to 1950s.

Special emphasis is given to understanding and applying historical context. Whereas documents give us data, history gives that data meaning. Even routine documents can provide important insights into how Black families navigated these pivotal decades.

Next Session: Saturday 15 August:

NARA SIG

3rd Mondays, 7:00pm - 8:30pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom

Led by KB Barcomb. Open to all.

This is an informal and collaborative discussion group focusing on the US National Archvies (NARA). Open to all.

Have questions about the new catalog? Finding aids? Searching collections? Exploring the website's nooks & crannies? This group is here to help.

Have NARA-related questions or suggested topics? Put them in the comment box when registering.

Next session: Monday 17 Aug. Register here.

Labor & Employment Records SIG

1st Mondays, 7:00pm - 8:30pm Eastern Time.

Led by Randall Dodds. Open to all.

This informal and collaborative discussion group focuses on researching ancestors in a wide variety of industries: agriculture, skilled trades, factories, and more.

If you have specific questions about labor and employment records, resources, or historical context, it helps if you submit them prior to the SIG. (Sooner is better.) Send them to Info.LaborSIG@gmail.com . We'll do our best to address all submissions.

Next session: 7 September. Register here.

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 (via Zoom)

This 21-session course is updated for FTM's 2024 version.

Free for members & non-members. Join anytime. Attend some or all sessions.

EVENING Course (started 6 Jan)

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

DAYTIME Course (started 2 Jan)

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

The course provides a deep dive into Family Tree Maker, the world’s most popular genealogy software. Classes include live demos. 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). See SIG info below.