Poolside Chats

Poolside Chats: A Genealogy Webinar Series

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.

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.

Past Webinars

Medical Genealogy: A Primer of Diseases That Killed Our Ancestors and the Epidemics They Lived Through

Medical Genealogy: A Primer of Diseases That Killed Our Ancestors and the Epidemics They Lived Through

By Michael D. Lacopo | November 15, 2018
So many researchers hunt for the death certificates of their ancestors but rarely read or understand the cause of death. Disease and death were commonplace occurrences in our ancestors’ lives, and knowing what afflicted them and their communities can help you understand the lives they lived.

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a retired small-animal veterinarian born and raised in northern Indiana. He takes a scientific approach to his research as he does to his profession. Researching since 1980, he has lectured internationally and writes the popular blog “Hoosier Daddy?”. A self-described “all-American mutt,” his research skills cover a broad range, including Pennsylvania, German, DNA research, and topics associated with social history.

The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records

The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records

By Gina Philibert-Ortega | October 18, 2018
Everyone knows about vital records, right? This presentation looks at the history of vital records in the United States, variations of those records, and alternatives.

Gena Philibert-Ortega holds a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology and Women’s Studies) and a Master’s degree in Religion.

But, It’s All On The Internet!

But, It’s All On The Internet!

By Peggy Clemens Lauritzen | September 20, 2018
The internet is a wonderful tool for researching our ancestors. But, it should not replace some of the tried-and-true methods for discovering our ancestors.

Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, was involved in genealogy before she was even born. The daughter of avid genealogists, she was spending time in courthouses and cemeteries while other children were playing on swings and going to the beach. The love of her family’s history has never left her. With her experience serving as a Family History Director, she frequently speaks at genealogical societies, workshops, seminars, and webinars where she loves bringing genealogy to life.

Sharecropping or Tenant Farming? The System and Its Records

Sharecropping or Tenant Farming? The System and Its Records

By Margo Fariss Brewer | August 16, 2018
Was your ancestor a farmer without land? Maybe he was a sharecropper or tenant farmer. Learn how this system worked and where the records are.

Margo Fariss Brewer is an active lecturer, consultant, instructor and the co-leader of genealogy research trips to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City which she finds strengthens her research and teaching skills. Her genealogy courses include beginning through advanced methodology, writing your family history narrative so it will be read, a genealogy computer lab and DNA testing for genealogy; her courses are offered through Duke University’s OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute where she has been on the faculty since 2004. Her lecture specialties include methodology, writing an enjoyable family history narrative with historical context, using DNA in genealogy, historical occupations, and military and land records; she focuses on records within the United States. Margo is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild (president), National Genealogical Society (2016 Conference vice-chair), Virginia Genealogical Society and several other local and state genealogical societies.

Organizing Your GENETIC Genealogy

Organizing Your GENETIC Genealogy

By Diahan Southard | July 19, 2018
Most individuals have hundreds of genetic cousins. Come learn a few methods you can start using today to help you organize your genetic genealogy research.

A microbiology graduate, Diahan Southard has spent 16 years in the genetic genealogy industry. In her current position as Your DNA Guide, she provides personalized, interactive experiences to assist individuals and families in interpreting their genetic results in the context of their genealogical information.

Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Invaluable to ALL Southern Research!

Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Invaluable to ALL Southern Research!

By Diane L. Richard | June 21, 2018
We overlook records that we think pertain to only one group of people. The Freedmen’s Bureau records cover more than freed slaves – they include ex-soldiers, impoverished widows, small children, and destitute parents. They include ration, school, court, marriage, military, and more records, along with incredibly personal correspondence regarding loved ones.

Diane L Richard is the Principle of Mosaic Research and Project Management (MosaicRPM), www.mosaicrpm.com. She has M.E. and M.B.A. degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She has been doing genealogy research since 1987 and since 2004 professionally focused on the records of North Carolina, other Southern States and migration paths to the Mississippi River.

A Path to Your Next Research Steps: Using Timelines to Organize, Analyze and Evaluate Evidence

A Path to Your Next Research Steps: Using Timelines to Organize, Analyze and Evaluate Evidence

By Annette B. Lyttle | May 17, 2018
So you’ve done all this research – now what? How do you figure out what you have and what to look for next? Learn how timelines enable you to organize your information, evaluate your evidence, analyze research results for accuracy, and identify next research steps.

Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories.

Naturalization Know-How: The Laws and Records of U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization Know-How: The Laws and Records of U.S. Citizenship

By Rich Venezia | April 19, 2018
Many records were created when immigrant ancestors became American citizens. Learn what they are and how to find them.

Rich Venezia is a New Jersey native who now calls Pittsburgh home. He was a member of the research team of “Genealogy Roadshow” (PBS) for the second and third seasons. He started Rich Roots Genealogy in 2013. Rich specializes in 20th-century immigrant ancestry, with main focuses on Italian, Irish, Pittsburgh and New Jersey/New York research. He also assists clients with dual citizenship applications for Ireland and Italy. He is President of North Hills Genealogists in Pittsburgh. He lectures nationwide and delivered a TEDx talk on genealogy and empathy in June 2017.

Enslaved Blacks in White Church Records: An Overlooked Resource

Enslaved Blacks in White Church Records: An Overlooked Resource

By Wevonneda Minis | April 15, 2018
Slaves often attended their owners’ churches. Learn to use records of those churches for details about a slave’s parents, owners, attendance, dismissal, sale and more.

Wevonneda Minis is a South Carolina-based genealogist with twenty-five years of experience. She researches, writes and speaks professionally. Ms. Minis focuses on general research methodology, African Americans, slave-holding families, South Carolina, Georgia, and several types of records.