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
Stitching Together Family History: Finding Women in the Textile Art
Webinar Abstract: Some of our women hid themselves well! Let’s turn to the records of the Textile arts. Our women ancestors were, for the most part, practical, so the textile arts were perfect for them, although at the time most……
Finding the Original Record When the Index is Unclear
Sometimes to find the original record based on a reference or an index will require a concentrated effort and logical thinking skills to find that record. A well‐prepared index can greatly enhance the usefulness of a resource to researchers, but it is important that we understand how this tool was created. Come along as we try to find several important records and discover what is really there – using a step-by-step process.
Researching in Federal Land Records
Over the history of the United States, almost 2 billion acres of land have been in Federal ownership at one time or another. Federal public land came into private ownership in a variety of ways, from cash sales to preemption to homesteading. Federal land was also granted to railroads and states, who then sold it to private individuals. We will look at how our ancestors acquired federal land and how to find the records of these transfers.
Case Studies in Gray: Identifying Shared Ancestries Through DNA and Genealogy
You’ve identified a group of shared DNA matches, but you’re stumped on how you’re all related. Learn how to let DNA take the lead in determining who and where to search to uncover the group’s most recent common ancestor.
Put Some Meat on ‘Dem Bones
Combine your research with historical information and turn your ancestral data into a compelling story even the non-genealogist will want to read. Learn how to bring life to your ancestors, structure a story line, depict time and place, use general information as a backdrop, and let the tale evolve into a fully developed story. No previous writing experience is required.
Cluster Research: Using Groups of People to Find Your People
Our ancestors did not live in a vacuum. They lived, worked, socialized, and married in the midst of a larger group of people. Those people included not just family members but friends, neighbors, employers and fellow employees, fellow churchgoers, and business associates. Genealogists often refers to this group with the clever shorthand of the “FAN” club—their friends, associates, and neighbors. Researching this larger group of people often leads to greater success in reconstructing families. Ms. Smith provides guidelines and several case studies of applying the technique.
Death Record Research Sources: Beyond Death Certificates
Webinar Abstract: Death certificates are often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a record created at death; however, statewide death registrations in the United States did not start in most states until the first quarter of……
Grandpa Was a Tail-gunner: Researching Army Air Corps Ancestors
Over 2.4 million men and women served in the Army Air Forces (aka Army Air Corps) during World War II. This presentation provides strategies and methods for discovering their stories, whether they served on air crews or in support units. Learn what individual and unit records are available, where to find them, and how to interpret and analyze their content using a variety of contextual resources.
Seeing the Patterns: Organize, Visualize, and Evaluate the Evidence
We gather lots of information, data, and evidence as we research our ancestors. The difficulty lies in analyzing the information, correlating and comparing it to data gathered from multiple sources, evaluating the evidence, and ultimately concluding what it all means. Organizing data using timelines, chronologies, charts, tables, and other assemblages can help us visualize the evidence to make it easier to analyze and evaluate. We can discover gaps and missing information, see how pieces of the puzzle fit together (or don’t), and uncover new paths for research.