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.

Upcoming Webinars

Past Webinars

Out on a Limb, Trapped by Bad Research

By J. Mark Lowe | January 20, 2022
Webinar Abstract: Feeling trapped with nowhere to go? Bad, weak or missing evidence all contribute to misleading research. Review your research findings, sharpen your techniques, evaluate your sources, and map a new course.
Organize Like an Archivist

Organize Like an Archivist

By Nancy Loe | December 16, 2021

16 Dec 2021 Webinar

This presentation helps you put your family history research in order. Learn simple and effective strategies to organize and link your digital files and paper records, using the same principles as professional archivists. No need for color codes, numbering systems, or other complicated schemes with this archives-based system. And when your records are organized, you can spend more time on research.

Native, First Nations, Indian: Researching Indigenous Peoples

Native, First Nations, Indian: Researching Indigenous Peoples

By Judy Nimer Muhn | November 18, 2021

18 Nov 2021 Webinar

Researching tribal peoples can be difficult without basic history and records information. While this session will review and provide guidance on basic methods of the rich resources of information for Native/First Nations peoples, this session will focus on the variety of records that will document Indigenous peoples as well as share content about the culture, spiritual traditions and aspects of Indigenous societies that can impact how and where records can be found.

Migration Patterns of Germans within America

Migration Patterns of Germans within America

By Sharon Cook MacInnes | October 21, 2021

21 Oct 2021 Webinar

We’ll explore how historical events channeled Germans into certain areas and how chain migration drew allied families together. Many migrated from NY/MD/PA down the Shenandoah Valley into VA, NC and SC. Accessible rivers and railroads led to the establishment of the German Triangle between Cincinnati, Milwaukee and St. Louis. The National Road and German-language advertisements channeled them to Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin and points west. The 1848 Revolution led them to the Texas German Belt. Knowing where your ancestors settled in the mid-1800s can often lead you backwards by considering the migration routes of other Germans, particularly allied families.

Organizational Strategies for DNA Analysis

Organizational Strategies for DNA Analysis

By Paul Woodbury | September 16, 2021

16 Sept 2021 Webinar

DNA test results are constantly changing and can therefore be overwhelming to analyze. Organizing DNA test results is akin to aiming for a moving target. Join us in this webinar as we explore ways of designing organizational systems that help to answer genealogical questions and achieve genealogical objectives. Learn to organize, filter, cluster, isolate and analyze the most pertinent genetic cousins for any given research question and gain the confidence to begin making genealogical discoveries of your own utilizing DNA evidence.

US Passport Applications

US Passport Applications

By Debra S. Mieszala | August 19, 2021
US passport applications contain a wealth of information. Who, why, and when people applied for passports will be covered. Examples are shown.
Militia to National Guard

Citizen Soldiers: Militia to National Guard

By Alice Hoyt Veen | July 15, 2021
From colonial militias to 21st century National Guard, America’s citizen soldiers have answered the call to serve and defend their communities and the nation. Discover and understand your ancestor’s militia and Guard experience. Federal, state, and local records help document your citizen soldier.
Academic Libraries

Finding Treasures in Academic Libraries

By Jill Morelli | June 17, 2021
You may think that academic libraries will not hold genealogical information for you. You are in for a surprise! We will review holdings in three academic institutions, — their general collections, special collections and archives. Topical research will be covered. Discover how to find the right institution, how to use their catalog, how to prepare for your visit and once there, how to research most efficiently. Even if your ancestor was not a student, or on faculty or staff, records pertaining to your ancestor may be there.
Probate Records

Probate Records: Wills and a Whole Lot More

By Annette B. Lyttle | May 28, 2021
Probate records can be some of the richest genealogical resources. Yes, they can contain wills, but often the best information comes from the other records in the packets—and our ancestors didn’t even have to die to make an appearance in a probate action. Learn about how to find probate records online and mine them for genealogical gems.