Manatee Genealogical Society Meeting and Program

Hybrid Meeting – Via Zoom and in-person at Manatee Central Library
Program Title: 
"Lineage Societies – Tips for Successful Applications" 
Presented by Debbie Wilson Smyth
Joining a lineage society is a great way to honor the memory of an ancestor. But sometimes the application process appears to be an overwhelming and daunting task. There are hundreds of different types of lineage societies, each with specific requirements and rules for the application process. This presentation provides an introduction and overview of various lineage societies and their membership requirements. Learn general tips for researching and completing successful applications.
About the Speaker: 
Debbie Wilson Smyth has been researching her family since 1993 and holds a Certificate in the Genealogical Research program from Boston University. As the owner of Oak Trails Genealogy Services, LLC, she provides professional genealogical services in research, education, consultation, and speaking. Her research focuses on midwestern and southern states, methodology, lineage society applications, and DNA. Debbie is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogy Speakers Guild, as well as a number of national, state, and local societies.
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance Registration Required 
To attend, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: <a href="mailto:info@mgsfl.org" target="_blank">info@mgsfl.org</a>, requesting the Zoom link to the January Meeting.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.

Local Event: Debbie Wilson Smyth presents "Lineage Societies - Tips for Successful Applications"

Manatee County

Bradenton

Florida

Debbie Wilson Smyth presents "Lineage Societies...

Hybrid Meeting – Via Zoom and in-person at Manatee Central Library
Program Title: 
"Lineage Societies – Tips for Successful...

Debbie Wilson Smyth presents "Lineage Societies - Tips for Successful Applications"

Manatee Genealogical Society Annual Seminar

On the dawn of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the Manatee Genealogical Society invites you to join our virtual annual seminar, featuring four nationally recognized speakers.
Highlights:
<ul><li>Engaging presentations from leading genealogical experts</li><li>Opportunity to win prizes from major genealogical companies</li><li>30-day access to seminar recordings for registered attendees</li><li>Special pricing available for Society members</li></ul>
Registration Details:
<ul><li>Registration begins: November 24, 2025</li><li>Early Bird Drawing:
Register by December 31, 2025, for a chance to win</li><li>Final Registration Deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, January 23, 2026</li><li>Register Here:
<a href="https://mgsfl.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mgsfl.org</a></li></ul>
Cost for the seminar: Members: $35; Non-members: $50
Cost of yearly membership to the Society is $20.00.
Program speakers and topics:
David Ouimette, CG, CGL, “Seven Immigration Methodologies, with Case Studies Across the Centuries”,
10:15 AM, Tracing immigrant ancestors may be challenging, but genealogists armed with a variety of useful methodologies can approach immigrant research with confidence. This presentation shows how to apply seven distinct research methodologies, each based on genealogy standards and basic principles, to trace immigrant ancestors successfully.
D. Josh Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGU, “Advanced Colonial American Research: Embracing New Technologies and Modern Techniques”, 11:45 AM,This session will explore how to leverage contemporary tools, including DNA tests, artificial intelligence (AI), and online databases, to shed light on the lives of early settlers. Case studies will demonstrate breakthroughs achieved through traditional research methods and modern tools.
Michael Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, “Forging a National Army from the Colonial Era to the Early Republic, 1750-1800”, 1:45 PM. During the Revolutionary War, creating a cohesive army proved difficult, as militias were local, short-term, and poorly trained. The Continental forces also struggled with scarce supplies, money shortages, and weak transportation. Afterward, the “Levies Regiments” were established to maintain readiness in peacetime, providing the foundation for America’s future regular army.
Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG, MSc, FSAScot, “Revolutionary War Home Front, Researching Your Civilian Ancestor’s Life”, 3:15 PM. Uncover rich details about your civilian ancestor’s Revolutionary War experience through an array of documents from tax records, committee notes, church documents, and wartime claims. Learn research strategies for finding their occupation, property holdings, community role, and how they navigated wartime shortages and social upheaval. Discover the records that reveal their home front story!

Local Event: Finding Your Elusive Ancestors – The American Experience

Finding Your Elusive Ancestors – The American...

On the dawn of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the Manatee Genealogical Society invites you to join our...

Finding Your Elusive Ancestors – The American Experience

Presented by Drew Smith
Genealogists can work together using the FamilySearch Family Tree, Wiki-Tree, and Geni - Learn the differences among them and the best practices for each.
About the Speaker: Drew Smith is an internationally recognized genealogy educator, known for speaking, writing, podcasting, and graduate-level teaching. He holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, an MS in Industrial Management, and an MA in Library and Information Science. Drew is best known for being the co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast, the host of the Genealogy Connection podcast, the productivity columnist for the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly (APGQ), and one of the founders/admins for The Genealogy Squad Facebook group. He is the vice-president of Aha! Seminars, Inc.
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance Registration Required 
To attend, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: <a href="mailto:info@mgsfl.org" target="_blank">info@mgsfl.org</a>, requesting the Zoom link to the February Meeting.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.

Local Event: Drew Smith presents "Collaborative Trees:  Making Them Work for You"

Drew Smith presents "Collaborative Trees: ...

Presented by Drew Smith
Genealogists can work together using the FamilySearch Family Tree, Wiki-Tree, and Geni - Learn the...

Drew Smith presents "Collaborative Trees:  Making Them Work for You"

Manatee Genealogical Society 

Announcement of Special Events!&nbsp;Save the Dates&nbsp;
Manatee Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that two classes will be held in February to address Beginning Genealogy and the Introduction to DNA for Genealogy. These classes are designed to help those new to genealogy to learn the who, what, where and why of researching their ancestors. You may desire to attend one or the other of the sessions, or both!&nbsp;
The classes will begin at 6:00 PM at the Manatee Central Library, 1301 Barcarotta Blvd West, Bradenton. The classes will be presented In-person only.&nbsp;
Beginning Genealogy - February 11th Discover how to begin your family research journey—where to look, what to record, and how to stay organized. Learn about obituaries, cemeteries, family interviews, and key online tools.&nbsp;
Introduction to DNA for Genealogy - February 18th See how DNA can confirm relationships and reveal new ancestors. Learn about testing types, inheritance basics, and which companies to

Local Event: Beginning Genealogy

Beginning Genealogy

Announcement of Special Events! Save the Dates 
Manatee Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that two classes will be...

Announcement of Special Events!&nbsp;Save the Dates&nbsp;
Manatee Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that two classes will be held in February to address Beginning Genealogy and the Introduction to DNA for Genealogy. These classes are designed to help those new to genealogy to learn the who, what, where and why of researching their ancestors.&nbsp;
You may desire to attend one or the other of the sessions, or both! The classes will begin at 6:00 PM at the Manatee Central Library, 1301 Barcarotta Blvd West, Bradenton. The classes will be presented In-person only.&nbsp;
Beginning Genealogy - February 11th Discover how to begin your family research journey—where to look, what to record, and how to stay organized. Learn about obituaries, cemeteries, family interviews, and key online tools.&nbsp;
Introduction to DNA for Genealogy - February 18th See how DNA can confirm relationships and reveal new ancestors. Learn about testing types, inheritance basics, and which companies to

Local Event: Introduction to DNA for Genealogy

Introduction to DNA for Genealogy

Manatee Genealogical Society Special Event

Laugh a little with Daniel at this in-person only event as he takes a refreshing look at genealogists and their sometimes-bizarre activities from an outsider’s perspective. You’ll also learn about some great resources and techniques along the way — and finally understand why everyone looks at you funny when you talk about your research. 
Daniel is a Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage, providing key contributions liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world. Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, he was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project “Searching for My Roots” in Venezuela for 15 years. Daniel is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects and holds a board level position at the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA).
The event will be held at the Manatee Central Public Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida.

Local Event: The Funny Side of Genealogy with Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage

The Funny Side of Genealogy with Daniel...

Laugh a little with Daniel at this in-person only event as he takes a refreshing look at genealogists and their...

The Funny Side of Genealogy with Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST 
Hybrid Meeting – Via Zoom and in-person at Manatee Central Library
Program Title: 
"Coming to America”
This lecture traces the major waves of immigration to America, focusing on who came, when they arrived, and the key reasons behind each movement. Attendees will gain insight into the push and pull factors that drove groups from all over the world to the US—from early colonial settlers and enslaved Africans to the diverse arrivals of the modern era. Attendees seeking to understand or celebrate the evolving American story will find this program rich with context for both family history research and broader historical reflection.
About the Speaker: 
Peggy Jude is a nationally known speaker, educator, and researcher for over 40 years, teaching in 5 areas: DNA, Genealogical Technology, Preserving Family History and Heirlooms, Methods and Records, and Swedish Genealogy. She is a co-course coordinator for Foundations in DNA course at the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR), a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, a graduate of ProGen, and multiple advanced genealogical institutes.
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance Registration Required for Zoom: 
To attend via Zoom, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: <a href="mailto:info@mgsfl.org" target="_blank">info@mgsfl.org</a>, requesting the Zoom link to the February Meeting.
To attend in-person, the meeting is held at the Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.
Questions?

Contact us at: <a href="mailto:info@mgsfl.org" target="_blank">info@mgsfl.org</a>

Local Event: Peggy Jude presents "Coming to America"

Peggy Jude presents "Coming to America"

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST 
Hybrid Meeting – Via Zoom and in-person at Manatee Central Library
Program...

Manatee Genealogical Society

Migration is an important concept in genealogical research. While our ancestors had fewer options for transportation than exist today, it was a common occurrence for many to move multiple times in their lifetime for numerous reasons. While there were exceptions, most would eventually begin the process of moving westward into the interior of America. Early on in US history, migration was primarily westward and southward. Ultimately, most of those who migrated southward would begin going out west.
About the Speaker: 
Bryan L. Mulcahy&nbsp;is the Adult Reference, Genealogy, and Literacy Librarian for Lee County Library System, Fort Myers Regional Library, Florida, a position he has held since 1990. He holds a B.A. (Political Science) and MLS (Library/Information Science) degrees from Florida State University.
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session.
Open to the Public – Advance Registration Required for Zoom: 
To attend via Zoom, non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: <a href="mailto:info@mgsfl.org" target="_blank">info@mgsfl.org</a>, requesting the Zoom link to the February Meeting.
To attend in-person, the meeting is being held at the Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida.
The Zoom meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EST.
Questions? Contact us at info@mgsfl.org.

Local Event: "Westward Migration" by Bryan L. Mulcahy

"Westward Migration" by Bryan L. Mulcahy

Migration is an important concept in genealogical research.  While our ancestors had fewer options for transportation than...

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Debbie Wilson Smyth presents "Lineage Societies - Tips for Successful Applications"

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