The "Poolside Chats: A Genealogy Webinar Series" is organized by the Technology-Outreach Committee and presented to the FSGS membership and the public on a monthly basis. We have had webinars on topics such as DNA in genealogy, cloud-based technology, Florida territorial records, and everything in between - and we are just getting started.
Genealogy education today can be accomplished in a number of mediums, webinars being one of them. This educational opportunity can provide you with information about resources, new technology and its relationship with genealogy, methodology, new websites and new databases coming online, and much more.
All you need to participate is a computer with speakers and a connection to the internet. So, we invite you to sit back and enjoy the presentations being brought to you by knowledgeable presenters and made possible through your membership dues.
All webinars start at 8 PM ET unless otherwise noted.
Other 2025 Upcoming Webinars will be added soon.
Past Webinars
Here Comes the Bride, and There She Goes
Webinar Abstract: Learn how to extract more information from marriage records and why you should also check divorce records for your families. Come hear some stories of the good and bad in relationships, marriage customs and changes in the law……
America’s Westward Expansion: Twenty-five Events in Fifty Minutes
Webinar Abstract: In this examination of America’s westward expansion between 1787-1890, we will explore U.S. Congressional acts and other events focused on territorial boundaries, slavery, and wars against Mexico and Native Americans. Presenter: Katherine R. Willson of Dexter, Michigan is……
Genealogical Proof for the Everyday Genealogist
Webinar Abstract: How do we know if the facts we’ve uncovered about our ancestors are correct? How do we avoid attaching somebody else’s ancestors to our family tree? The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is our guide to producing reliable research……
Which John Goleman Was Jacob’s Father? Solving a Southern Case of Identity and Kinship
Webinar Abstract: Genealogists often encounter multiple, same-named persons living in an area at the same time. Sorting out these identities to resolve difficult kinship problems requires skill in evidence analysis and correlation techniques. Learn how a similar problem in antebellum……
Combining DNA and Traditional Research – In-Depth Case Studies
Webinar Abstract: DNA testing has exploded onto the genealogy scene in recent years and is now one of the most important tools available to advance family history research. In order to successfully use DNA testing for genealogy, however, it is essential to combine it……
Using the National Archives Online Catalog
Webinar Abstract: The National Archives is the protector of the nation’s history. While not all of the historical documents they have preserved are online, many more are than you may think, and more come each day. This lecture will introduce……
The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records
Webinar Abstract: Everyone knows about vital records, right? It’s one of the first record sets you look for in the hunt for your ancestors. But do you know everything about those records you seek? What do you do when no……
AI Tools for Genealogy
Webinar Abstract: Whether you’re conducting research, preserving family artifacts, or writing your family history, artificial intelligence (AI) offers immensely powerful tools to the genealogist. Best of all, these tools are not only surprisingly easy to use, they’re often free! This……
Research Stalled? Leads Might be Lurking in Land Records
Webinar Abstract: Take a tour through various kinds of land records (not just deeds!) and see the genealogical evidence they have to offer. The talk highlights records you’ll see in different jurisdictions; county-level records; proprietors’ records; bounty land records, and……