Manatee Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting and Program

📜 Every Word Matters: Finding Ancestors Through Full-Text Search
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
💻 Hybrid – Zoom and In-person at Manatee Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd West, Bradenton, Florida
<hr>
🔍 Program Title:
"Every Word Matters: Finding Ancestors Through Full-Text Search" 
Presented by Peggy Jude
What if you could search every word on every page instead of relying solely on an index? Full-text search opens new opportunities to find ancestors, family stories, and local history references buried within millions of digitized records. This session explores the major genealogy websites offering full-text search and how to search them effectively to break through research brick walls.
<hr>
🎤 About the Speaker:
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 practical and enlightening session!

Local Event: Peggy Jude presents "Every Word Matters: Finding Ancestors Through Full-Text Search"

Manatee County

Bradenton

Florida

Peggy Jude presents "Every Word Matters:...

📜 Every Word Matters: Finding Ancestors Through Full-Text Search
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 
🕙 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM EST 
💻...

Peggy Jude presents "Every Word Matters: Finding Ancestors Through Full-Text Search"

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

"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"

✍️ 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

Nathan Benderson Park

Start your weekend right by shopping a variety of vendors at the beautiful Nathan Benderson Park. This seasonal community market offers a delightful morning of shopping conveniently located next to Homewood Suites UTC.

Local Event: Shop The Market at Nathan Benderson Park

Shop The Market at Nathan Benderson Park

Start your weekend right by shopping a variety of vendors at the beautiful Nathan Benderson Park. This seasonal community...

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Starting Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church will again present their much beloved gastronomic extravaganza -&nbsp;"Greek Food Fest"! Come on over to a Taste of Greece right here in Fort Myers. All your favorites: Delicious Gyros, sizzling Suvlaki (shish-kabob), Greek-style Chicken, Fresh Greek Salad, savory Spanakopita (Spinach Pie), Oh-so-Good Tiropita (Cheese Pie), other items as well -&nbsp;and those scrumptious Greek Pastries and Deserts!!!&nbsp; Please call if you have any questions.&nbsp; Dine-In our beautiful church hall or bring your feast to home or office&nbsp;via take-out.&nbsp; To save time, preorder your food and it will be ready at the time you choose - hot &amp; fresh! Here is the preorder link:&nbsp;
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.orderspoon.com/store/agoc-Taste-of-Greece-2025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a href="https://www.orderspoon.com/store/agoc-Taste-of-Greece-2025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.orderspoon.com/sto...</a>
The attached flyer has all the information.&nbsp; See you at the Annunciation G.O Church&nbsp;Greek Food Fest 2026!

Local Event: 10/22, 10/23, 10/24 & 10/25/2026 Taste of Greece Food Festival in Fort Myers

Lee County

Fort Myers

10/22, 10/23, 10/24 & 10/25/2026 Taste of...

Starting Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church will again present their much...

10/22, 10/23, 10/24 & 10/25/2026 Taste of Greece Food Festival in Fort Myers

Amore Restaurant

Season Beginnings " Amore Restaurant Wine Pairing DinnerOctober/27/2026 1 - CourseSauvignon Blanc, Cottesbrook, Reserve, Marlb. NZ '24Mussels alla PescatoreSaut*ed jumbo New Zealand Mussels with olive oil, parsley, garlic,&nbsp;fresh tomato, white wine seafood broth&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2 - CourseTinto, Trincadeira Monte Branco, Alentejo, Portugal '21Whole Roasted Wild BoarWild Boar offers a rich, deep flavor with a slightly sweet and nuttyundertone. Slow-cooking with red wine, onion, garlic and fresh herbsserved with fondant potatoes. 3 - Course&nbsp;Aglianico, Vigna Cataratte, Riserva, Campania Italy '19&nbsp;Beef Braciole&nbsp;Rolled up beef, stuffed with pine nut, sundry tomato,&nbsp;romano cheese, raisins and prosciutto, braised with tomoto&nbsp;red wine sauce, served with Polenta Cheesecake 4 - CourseChateau Cantegril, Sauternes '18Cherries JubileeThe classic flamb*ed Bing Cherries with Cherry liqueur-carameldessert come together over vanilla ice-cream&nbsp;$140.00 per person all-inclusive Limited Limited seating available Call (941)383-1111

Local Event: Wine Pairing Dinner 

Wine Pairing Dinner 

Season Beginnings " Amore Restaurant Wine Pairing DinnerOctober/27/2026 1 - CourseSauvignon Blanc, Cottesbrook, Reserve, Marlb....

Lockwood Ridge Road

Join us Saturday, November 7th for a fun, FREE community event for families, caregivers, and anyone looking to live healthier, stay active, and connect with great local resources!
Come spend the day exploring everything our community has to offer — with plenty of fun along the way!
<ul><li>FREE admission</li><li>70+ local health, wellness &amp; community vendors</li><li>FREE health screenings &amp; resources</li><li>Educational talks &amp; expert Q&amp;A</li><li>LIVE entertainment</li><li>Food &amp; refreshments</li><li>Giveaways, raffles &amp; prizes</li><li>Resources for active adults, caregivers &amp; families</li><li>Explore our one-of-a-kind 1950s-themed Town Square</li><li>Top Chef Competition</li><li>Dementia Live Experience</li></ul>
Saturday, November 7th | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Town Square University ParkwayCall Now 941-277-5048
Start living well! Whether you&nbsp;are looking for great local resources, education, or services, there's something here for you.
FREE &amp; open to the community — bring a friend and make a day of it! RSVP&nbsp;HERE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993855096266?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">eventbrite.com/e/1993855096266?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

Local Event: FREE Health Expo & Resource Fair

FREE Health Expo & Resource Fair

Join us Saturday, November 7th for a fun, FREE community event for  families, caregivers, and anyone looking to live healthier,...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Peggy Jude presents "Every Word Matters: Finding Ancestors Through Full-Text Search"

NOV

10

11:00 AM

Bradenton, FL

"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

"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

Shop The Market at Nathan Benderson Park

10/22, 10/23, 10/24 & 10/25/2026 Taste of Greece Food Festival in Fort Myers

Wine Pairing Dinner

FREE Health Expo & Resource Fair