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.
Upcoming Webinars
Past Webinars
Deeper Analysis: Techniques for Successful Problem Solving
Webinar Abstract: The Genealogical Proof Standard states that analysis and correlation of data are necessary before we can say something is proven, but what techniques are best? Many people collect information but don’t know how to manipulate it for evidence analysis. Spreadsheets, timelines, maps, charts and tables are a few of the techniques that will be discussed to pull out evidence needed to answer research questions.
Unique African American Records
Webinar Abstract: Learn about some of the most unusual and underutilized African American records and where to find them.
Finding Uncle John by Talking to the Neighbors
Webinar Abstract: Using available records, manuscripts, and land records, learn details about your ancestor’s neighborhood and the people with whom they worked, prayed, fought and married. Remember, the neighbors know more than you think.
Surviving the Digital Dark Ages-Backups and Archiving
Webinar Abstract: Are you overwhelmed with stacks of paper? Learn how to backup and archive your family research for future generations to enjoy.
Location, Location, Location: Putting Your Ancestors in Their Place
Webinar Abstract: Locality research is key to making progress in genealogy research. An understanding of the history, geography, records, and repositories for the research locality is the foundation for building a solid research plan and finding additional information about your ancestor.
Google Translate and Genealogy: What You Should Be Using Instead
Webinar Abstract: Google Translate is not always the most reliable tool to translate your genealogy documents. Discover the other options available and how to use them.
From Deeds to Dirt: Analyzing Research with Maps
Webinar Abstract: Our ancestors existed in a time and a place. Maps are one way to give the names and dates in our genealogical research more life, context, and excitement. Where did they live? What would they have seen? How did they get around? Cari Taplin will examine various ways researchers can use maps to trace their ancestors and their research.
Finding and Using Digitized Manuscript Collections for Genealogical Research
Webinar Abstract: Manuscript collections can contain genealogical gems. Letters, diaries, photographs, histories, and many more information-packed wonders reside in repositories around the world. Many repositories are digitizing parts of their collections and making them available online, so we don’t have to visit the repository to access the information we’re looking for, but finding these collections can still be a challenge. Learn how to search for online collections, use finding aids to determine their usefulness for our research, and locate amazing records.
Faded Echoes of the Civil War: Correlating Evidence of Identity and Kinship
Webinar Abstract: The presentation recounts the research involved in identifying New England and Mid-West Union soldiers whose burials in St. Augustine, Florida, were lost to time. The research begins with an 1865 stereogram photograph housed at the Library of Congress. Attendees will learn methods of researching record groups for men whose names were not known. This involves working within locality related sources to identify potential men, and then verifying them through other documentation. A case study illustrates the methods and highlights some of the documentation used to solve this research problem and to connect these men to their families.