Manatee Genealogical Society Meeting and Program

✍️ Bring Your Ancestors’ Stories to Life! ✍️
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Hybrid Event — Zoom and In-Person 
Manatee Central Public Library Auditorium 
1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida
<hr>
🔍 Program Title:
"Sharing Ancestor Stories: Writing Brief Biographical Sketches" 
Presented by Karen A. Fortin
We all have interesting relatives and ancestors whose lives tell the stories of our family’s past. This presentation takes a step-by-step approach to guide you through the process of planning and writing these stories in brief, informal biographical sketches that you can share with family and friends.
<hr>
🎤 About the Speaker:
Karen A. Fortin has degrees in History and Library and Information Science and a passion for research. She worked in a public library in Florida for 30 years before switching to genealogical lecturing in 2016. She is a member of various genealogical societies and loves to help people explore their family history so that they can better understand their ancestors and the world in which they lived.
<hr>
🤝 Stay After the Program!
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session — a valuable time to ask questions, collaborate, and share research strategies.
<hr>
🎟 Registration Information:
Open to the Public — Advance Registration Required 
Non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: 
📧 info@mgsfl.org
<hr>


📂 Handouts &amp; Recording:
If available, the presentation handout will be posted before the meeting in the Members Only section of our website. 
<a href="https://mgsfl.org/members.php" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>A video recording may also be posted after the event for our members, depending on the speaker’s agreement. Access may be time-limited.

<hr>
❓ Questions?
Contact us at: info@mgsfl.org
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and creative session!

Local Event: "Sharing Ancestor Stories: Writing Brief Biographical Sketches" by Karen A. Fortin

Manatee County

Bradenton

Florida

"Sharing Ancestor Stories: Writing Brief...

✍️ Bring Your Ancestors’ Stories to Life! ✍️
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Hybrid Event — Zoom and...

"Sharing Ancestor Stories: Writing Brief Biographical Sketches" by Karen A. Fortin

We all have farmers in our families; here in the USA or in Europe or another Continent Includes pre-prep you need to do ahead of time and what can you find out about your farmers? Also, many internet and local Sources. Talk about your successes or questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Speaker: 
Margaret (Peg) Kapustiak’s presentations and handouts are designed to provide you with extremely practical tips, ideas, links and sources. Peg has been a Genealogist/Family Historian for 49 years, researching family history in Chicago, the Midwest, New England, &amp; New York state plus ten countries in Europe and Asia, when she lived overseas. She has provided over 200 talks nationally and internationally. Peg has authored two books and 58 research articles and currently has two more books in progress. She volunteers at five historical/genealogical groups including South Suburban Genealogical &amp; Historical Society in Illinois for 25+ years. She has volunteered in the Venice Museum &amp; Archives since 2011 and for Historic Spanish Point since 2012, along with the Board of Hazelgreen Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
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>
Questions? 
Contact us at: <a href="mailto:info@mgsfl.org" target="_blank">info@mgsfl.org</a>

Local Event: Peg Kapustiak presents "Farmers & Agriculture in the USA & Across the World: How to Locate"

Peg Kapustiak presents "Farmers & Agriculture...

We all have farmers in our families; here in the USA or in Europe or another Continent Includes pre-prep you need to do ahead...

Peg Kapustiak presents "Farmers & Agriculture in the USA & Across the World: How to Locate"

Virtual - Zoom Only

The Manatee Genealogical Society is hosting a Virtual Seminar on Saturday, January 23, 2027, 10:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. EST. 
Six nationally known speakers will address the theme of the seminar: “Finding Your Elusive Ancestors – The American Melting Pot”.
Registered attendees will have access to recordings of all the speakers for 30 days.
Registration begins on November 23rd! We look forward to seeing you at this event.

Local Event: Finding Your Elusive Ancestors: The American Melting Pot

Finding Your Elusive Ancestors: The American...

The Manatee Genealogical Society is hosting a Virtual Seminar on Saturday, January 23, 2027, 10:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. EST. 
Six...

Finding Your Elusive Ancestors: The American Melting Pot

✍️ The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success✍️
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Hybrid Event — Zoom and In-Person 
Manatee Central Public Library Auditorium 
1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida
<hr>
🔍 Program Title:
"The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success" 
Presented by Drew Smith
Research processes only succeed when they begin with a well-written research plan. Learn to go from questions to what is known to relevant records.
<hr>
🎤 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.
<hr>
🤝 Stay After the Program!
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session — a valuable time to ask questions, collaborate, and share research strategies.
<hr>
🎟 Registration Information:
Open to the Public — Advance Registration Required 
Non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: 
📧 info@mgsfl.org
<hr>

❓ Questions?
Contact us at: info@mgsfl.org
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and creative session!

Local Event: "The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success" by Drew Smith

"The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for...

✍️ The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success✍️
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Hybrid...

"The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success" by Drew Smith

✍️ It takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant’s Origins✍️
Tuesday, March 2, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Hybrid Event — Zoom and In-Person 
Manatee Central Public Library Auditorium 
1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida
<hr>
🔍 Program Title:
"It Takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant’s Origins" 
Presented by Shelley Bishop
Knowing an immigrant ancestor’s town of origin is vital to the goal of finding his family in the old country. But what if all you know is the name of the country or region? Expanding the search, correlating pieces of indirect evidence, seeking help, and perseverance can often reveal an exact birthplace and close relatives. This case study will demonstrate the strategies and resources used to successfully connect a European immigrant with his family of birth and extend his lineage.
Speaker bio:
Shelley Bishop is a professional researcher, writer, and speaker with a passion for finding ancestral stories. She enjoys helping others learn more about family history records and problem-solving methods. She writes for Family Tree Magazine, NGS Magazine, and other publications. As the owner of Buckeye Family Trees, she specializes in Ohio and midwestern research. She is past-president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. 
<hr>
🤝 Stay After the Program!
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session — a valuable time to ask questions, collaborate, and share research strategies.
<hr>
🎟 Registration Information:
Open to the Public — Advance Registration Required 
Non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: 
📧 info@mgsfl.org
<hr>


❓ Questions?
Contact us at: info@mgsfl.org
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and creative session!

Local Event: "It Takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant's Origins" by Shelley Bishop

"It Takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant's...

 ✍️ It takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant’s Origins✍️
Tuesday, March 2, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Hybrid Event —...

"It Takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant's Origins" by Shelley Bishop

✍️ Trees, Trees, Trees……..✍️
Tuesday, May 4, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Zoom only 

<hr>
🔍 Program Title:
"Trees, Trees, Trees……." 
Presented by Peggy Jude
This presentation focuses on the most critical tool for any genealogist: the family tree itself. We will explore all aspects of family trees. From finding and using trees, to the key differences, benefits, and pitfalls of using online community trees versus private desktop software. Practical tips and strategies for creating, organizing, maintaining, and backing up your trees to build a more credible and reliable family history. 
Peggy Jude is a nationally-known speaker and researcher who has been researching her family for over 40 years. She teaches in 5 genealogical areas: DNA, Genealogical Technology, Preserving Family History and Heirlooms, Methods and Records, and Swedish Genealogy. She was the co-course coordinator for the Foundations in DNA course at IGHR from 2023-2025 and regularly speaks at conferences, and to societies, across the US and Canada. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, a graduate of ProGen, and multiple advanced genealogical institutes. Peggy holds a BS in Zoology from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
<hr>
🤝 Stay After the Program!
Following the presentation, stay online for our “Members Helping Members” session — a valuable time to ask questions, collaborate, and share research strategies.
<hr>
🎟 Registration Information:
Open to the Public — Advance Registration Required 
Non-members must register at least one day in advance by emailing: 
📧 info@mgsfl.org
<hr>


❓ Questions?
Contact us at: info@mgsfl.org
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and creative session!

Local Event: "Trees, Trees, Trees......" by Peggy Jude

"Trees, Trees, Trees......" by Peggy Jude

✍️ Trees, Trees, Trees……..✍️
Tuesday, May 4, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Zoom only 


🔍 Program Title:
"Trees, Trees,...

✍️ 40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names✍️
Tuesday, June 1, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Zoom only 

<hr>
🔍 Program Title:
"40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names" 
Presented by Katherine R. Willson
Discover why a married woman’s maiden name can be difficult to find and what to consider before beginning a search. Learn how the FAN Club approach, combined with more than 40 civic, sacred, and social record types, can uncover a maiden name or provide clues to a woman’s identity.
Katherine R. Willson is a professional genealogical researcher and an engaging, dynamic speaker. She teaches at both the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. Her courses explore the historical, social, and economic forces that shaped ancestral lives and influenced the decisions made across generations.
<hr>
🤝 Stay After the Program!
Following the presentation, st

Local Event: "40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names" by Katherine R. Willson

"40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names" by...

✍️ 40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names✍️
Tuesday, June 1, 2027 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
🏛 Zoom only 


🔍 Program Title:
"40+...

"40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names" by Katherine R. Willson

Joe Publicity

Tiffany Razzano

Tampa Bay Area

Sarasota County

Sarasota

Pinellas County

Gulfport

St. Pete

Hillsborough County

Bloomingdale-Riverview

Tampa

Pinellas Beaches

Largo

Brandon

Clearwater

Seminole Heights

Town Center Green

Join us for an evening of entertainment featuring live music by Akiem Esdaile and performances from four hilarious comedians. For $35, guests enjoy complimentary beer, seltzers, waters, and teas, with food trucks available on-site; reserved tables for groups of 8 or 10 are also available.

Local Event: Laughs On Longboat Comedy Night

Longboat Key

Laughs On Longboat Comedy Night

Join us for an evening of entertainment featuring live music by Akiem Esdaile and performances from four hilarious comedians....

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton &amp; Sarasota is coming to Parrish! Experience the music you love, performed live by a full orchestra and special guest artists, right in your community!
From the unforgettable hits of Bruce Springsteen to patriotic favorites honoring our nation's veterans, Born in the U.S.A. brings audiences together for an uplifting afternoon of great American music. Enjoy familiar songs, outstanding musicianship, and the excitement of a full orchestra performing live!

Bring your friends and neighbors for an afternoon of music with The Pops Orchestra! Enjoy 50% off with code PARRISH

Local Event: The Pops Orchestra - Born in the USA

The Pops Orchestra - Born in the USA

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota is coming to Parrish! Experience the music you love, performed live by a full...

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton &amp; Sarasota is coming to Parrish! Experience the music you love, performed live by a full orchestra and special guest artists, right in your community!
From the unforgettable hits of Bruce Springsteen to patriotic favorites honoring our nation's veterans, Born in the U.S.A. brings audiences together for an uplifting afternoon of great American music. Enjoy familiar songs, outstanding musicianship, and the excitement of a full orchestra performing live!
Bring your friends and neighbors for an afternoon of music with The Pops Orchestra! Enjoy 50% off with code PARRISH

Ellenton

Manatee River Garden Club

Get into the festive spirit at the Manatee River Garden Club's annual craft fair featuring unique plants, handmade crafts, and floral arrangements. Shop for gifts, enjoy homemade baked goods, and participate in exciting raffles at this cash-only community event.

Local Event: Holiday Craft Fair

Holiday Craft Fair

Get into the festive spirit at the Manatee River Garden Club's annual craft fair featuring unique plants, handmade crafts, and...

Manatee Unitarian Universalist

Fifth-generation Floridian, singer-songwriter and storyteller Doug Spears has spent more than 30 years performing original folk and Americana music throughout FL and across the country. His songwriting draws on the people, places, history and character of FL and storytelling has always been an important part of his performances.
Spears recently released Blacktop Road and the album has been receiving excellent reviews. Orlando Weekly Music critic Bao Le-Huu described him as having “gentlemanly grace and John Denver-esque soul” and characterized the album as “a classic slice of Florida folk portraiture.” 
For this show he’ll be joined by Ron and Bari Litschauer, longtime fixtures of Florida’s folk and acoustic music community. Ron is an exceptional guitarist and mandolin player and Bari brings her distinctive banjo and tenor guitar playing to the trio. Together, it’s a musical friendship and easygoing stage chemistry that makes their concerts as much about the stories, humor and shared experience as the songs themselves.
Video Links: 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1cujItGXhwAFSPQirhK-Xg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1cujItGXhwAFSPQirhK-Xg</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1cujItGXhwAFSPQirhK-Xg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1cujItGXhwAFSPQirhK-Xg</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhxChxUwrxc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhxChxUwrxc</a>
Doors open at 2:30pm, and a $20 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments available. Open seating. Plenty of parking. For more info. visit www.manateeuuf.org or www.dougspearsmusic.com. Email buildingbridgesch@gmail.com for questions.

Local Event: FL Folk Singer Doug Spears at Building Bridges Cofeehouse

FL Folk Singer Doug Spears at Building Bridges...

Fifth-generation Floridian, singer-songwriter and storyteller Doug Spears has spent more than 30 years performing original folk...

FL Folk Singer Doug Spears at Building Bridges Cofeehouse

3 Amazing Houses for Sale in Bradenton.Want a quiet, Key West Style lifestyle:&nbsp;The Ridge at Crossing Creek is a top pick! 4727 Creekridge Court, 3 Bed 2 Bath, heated saltwater pool.Want a quiet, simple lifestyle, VERY&nbsp;low HOA with all new appliances, HVAC, Hot Water heater and 4 true bedrooms?&nbsp;Silver Lake is a top pick! 115 64th Ave E.Last but not least, Want GOLF without the mandatory membership? Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour is a top pick (and this is a short sale - so you have the opportunity to buy below market value). Contact me for details and to see this amazing 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom pool home.. 8746 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton.

3 AMAZING Houses - FOR SALE

3 Amazing Houses for Sale in Bradenton.Want a quiet, Key West Style lifestyle: The Ridge at Crossing Creek is a top pick! 4727 Creekridge Court, 3...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

"Sharing Ancestor Stories: Writing Brief Biographical Sketches" by Karen A. Fortin

DEC

1

11:00 AM

Bradenton, FL

Peg Kapustiak presents "Farmers & Agriculture in the USA & Across the World: How to Locate"

JAN

5

10:00 AM

Bradenton, FL

Finding Your Elusive Ancestors: The American Melting Pot

JAN

23

10:00 AM

Bradenton, FL

"The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success" by Drew Smith

FEB

2

10:00 AM

Bradenton, FL

"It Takes a Village: Identifying an Immigrant's Origins" by Shelley Bishop

MAR

2

10:15 AM

Bradenton, FL

"Trees, Trees, Trees......" by Peggy Jude

MAY

4

10:15 AM

Bradenton, FL

"40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names" by Katherine R. Willson

JUN

1

10:15 AM

Bradenton, FL

Laughs On Longboat Comedy Night

The Pops Orchestra - Born in the USA

The Pops Orchestra - Born in the USA

Holiday Craft Fair

FL Folk Singer Doug Spears at Building Bridges Cofeehouse

3 AMAZING Houses - FOR SALE