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
Citizen Soldiers: Militia to National Guard
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.
Finding Treasures in Academic Libraries
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: Wills and a Whole Lot More
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.
Using PERSI Like A Pro
This lecture will give the audience a look into Allen County Public Library’s PERSI, its history and partnership with Find My Past, tips and techniques for getting the most out of this valuable genealogical resource, and how societies can get involved. We will learn about this valuable and overlooked resource through several mini-case studies.
Effective Use of GENUKI: England’s Largest Free Genealogy Website
Learn how to effectively use the largest free website for British Isles research. Understand how the site is organized and to find and use the many resources and tools on the site. Plus see how to find its gems for specific local research.
Researching African American Ancestors: Funeral Programs and Photo Archives
20th-Century African American researchers will find funeral programs and photo archives invaluable. There is a rich tradition revolving around funeral programs. As a result, numerous archives have intentionally collected them, and many are now placing them online for all to access. You will find many details of genealogical relevance that help us fill in evidentiary gaps, and sometimes photos are included. Speaking of pictures, there is something magical about seeing a photograph of an ancestor we may have never met that is priceless. Let’s explore some collections rich in photos of African Americans; maybe your ancestors are included.
Land Barons or Dirt Farmers: Finding Land Transactions
In most cases, the purchase of a home and land is the largest expenditure of a lifetime. Following the land will often identify the Ancestor and family. Learn how to trace an individual through property records and how to trace a specific property. Although it is possible to locate an individual’s land from historic records, we will focus on working backwards from a current deed.
How Research Plans Can Up Your Genealogical Game
Research is more effective and productive if we make a plan before we dive in. Without planning, we run the risk of overlooking or misunderstanding important records. Learn the steps and techniques of research planning that will save time and frustration and can even help break down brick walls.
Traveling the US Marine Highway
All states have navigable waterways. These include rivers like the Mississippi, bays like Chesapeake, canals like the Miami, or lakes that link an area to other states or even the ocean. Across the United States, there are 250,000 rivers and canals that create the inland waterway system. For our ancestors, marine travel was an integral part of their lives. While many researchers have river ancestors, they have no idea where to start to look for records. Discover the various avenue of research for our ancestors who lived by or used the waterways for their livelihood and transportation.
Pat is a professional researcher with over 30 years of experience. Besides lecturing across the country, she is a course coordinator at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) and teaches at St. Louis Community College. She served as the Education Manager of the National Genealogical Society till March 2018.