The Family History Center is located at 3105 S. Broadway, Fort Myers, FL. Their phone number is 275-0001.

The Lee County Genealogical Society has joined the Amazon.com Associates Program. Visitors to our Website can link to Amazon.com by clicking on the box below. Purchases made at Amazon.com by that visitor will result in a referral fee for our Society. Please remember to visit Amazon.com for any of your shopping needs through our website.

In November 2007, we became a partner in the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and Family Tree Magazine fund raising program to support FGS member societies across the country.  Working with Family Tree Magazine, “America’s #1 family history magazine,” FGS has arranged a special subscription program for both new subscriptions and renewals, whereby Family Tree Magazine will donate half of the $24 subscription with $6 going to FGS and $6 to our Society.

For anyone not familiar with this publication, Family Tree Magazine covers all areas of interest for family history enthusiasts.  Highlights of upcoming 2008 issues include: 
Feb/Mar – Oral history techniques, DNA testing and Irish roots;
Apr/May – Surnames, Canadian roots and naturalization records;
Jun/Jul – Genealogy libraries, family tree software and French roots;
Aug/Sep – 101 best family history websites, court records and Hungarian roots; Oct/Nov Online military records, deciphering old handwriting and Scottish roots; Dec/Jan – Genealogy research beyond the Web, tracing immigrants and ancestral communication.

Florida State Genealogical Society (FSGS)
The society was founded to promote the study and collection of genealogies, family history and local history. FSGS provides Florida source materials through the publication of books, a quarterly publication, The Florida Genealogist, and their newsletter, Florida Lines. Subscribe to the electronic delivery of Florida Lines and remember to include your name in your email. FSGS provides research assistance to those seeking their Florida Pioneer Certificate. Educational opportunities are offered through their annual conference and workshops.

Honorary membership is offered to every Florida genealogy society. Individual memberships are available as well. Click here for more information.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)
FGS has more than 500 genealogical, historical societies, family associations, libraries and archival institutions as members. It provides products and services to help member organizations strengthen and grow. FGS publishes FORUM, a quarterly magazine which provides current information to genealogists. Members of FGS Member Societies receive discounts on FORUM and in the FGS Store. A yearly conference is held bringing together experts in family research.

FGS has established partnerships with Family Tree Magazine (see above), Footnote.com and soon for Ancestry Magazine whereby member organizations can

National Genealogical Society (NGS)
This national society offers its membership excellence in educational offerings, print and electronic publications, research and research guidance. NGS publishes the NGS NewsMagazine quarterly with articles on genealogical subjects, technological and software reviews. Many articles are submitted by its members. A free, monthly genealogy email newsletter UpFront with NGS: The Online Newsletter of the National Genealogical Society brings you the latest genealogy news and information about upcoming events. This e-newsletter is designed for society members as well as the entire genealogy community. Members receive NGS Quarterly emphasizing scholarship, readability and help in genealogy problem solving. NGS also holds a yearly national conference, an annual research trip to Salt Lake City, access to custom tailored information for various research areas and holds multiple genealogy competitions and award programs.

NGS offers 10 different levels of membership from Individual and Family, to Organization, Benefactor and Lifetime. L.C.G.S. has an Organizational Subscription.

July 8, 2008
Genealogy Society of Collier County Monthly Meeting - "Citing Facts, Figures and Sources"
7:30 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 500 Park Shore Dr., Naples, Florida
Speakers: Ruth Myers, Jackie Siebenaller and Jill Wahrenberger.

July 16 - 28, 2008
12th Annual Genealogy Conference "Keys to Discovery"
Angelina College at Lufkin, Texas.
Annual 3-day conference including vendors with the latest in books, maps, etc.  Syllabus and lunch on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (and Friday dinner) are included in the registration fee.
For more information visit www.angelina.edu/genealogy.htm.

August 15 & 16, 2008
Midwestern Roots Conference sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society.
Indianapolis, Indiana.
For more information visit www.indianahistory.org.

August 17-22, 2008
28th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile This annual conference is the premier event for Jewish Genealogists. Attendees from around the world gather to learn, share expertise, find others researching the same surnames, towns, and countries. All are welcome -- from beginners to experienced genealogists. The IAJGS is proud to co-host this conference with the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois and the Illiana Jewish Genealogical Society :
For more information visit www.Chicago2008.org.

September 3 - 6, 2008
Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference
"Footprints of Family History"
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For more information visit www.fgs.org.

September 13, 2008
The Florida Genealogical Society Annual Fall Fair
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL.

Four lecture topics to be presented:
•20th and 21st Century Research
•Railroad Records and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking
•Organizing Your Genealogical Materials: Methods to Keep it Current
•Untrod Ground: Sources You May Not Have Encountered

Speaker: Paula Stuart-Warren, CGSM, an internationally recognized genealogical expert, author, lecturer, and professional researcher who works full-time in the field of genealogy.
For more information visit www.fgstampa.org.

September 27, October4, 11, 18 and 25 , 2008
Genealogy Research Clinic - Tracing Immigrant Ancestors, Then Organizing and Documenting Your Data
10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Fort Myers Library, 2050 Central Avenue, Fort Myers.
This workshop series will explore both online and print resources for tracking immigrant ancestors. Lectures will be combined with interactive sessions. Participants are invited to bring samples of their current research to share with the group. Beginning researchers are encouraged to register for a free pre-workshop consultation by calling Bryan Mulcahy at 479-4651 or e-mail the request to bmulcahy@leegov.com.

Session One:  (Two Parts)
Using Census Clues to Track Immigrant Ancestors.
Developing a Research Plan: Identify What You Know and What You Want to Learn.

Session Two:  Research Day – This is an informal research day providing opportunities for participants to utilize the collection, receive assistance with online searches, or address research challenges.  Bring your ancestor chart and family group sheets for your reference.

Session Three:  Locating Immigrant Ancestors Online Including the Use of Tutorials and Databases.

Session Four:  Identifying Record Sources Generated During Emigration from Europe or the British Isles.

Session Five:  Keeping Track of Your Family History Data – Organizing and Documentation.

September 28 - October 5 , 2008
Family History Cruise 2008 sponsored by RootsMagic
Sailing on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas from Los Angeles, CA to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Mazatlan, Mexico to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and back to Los Angeles over 7 days.. Classes will be held during the "days at sea". Each speaker will present several classes on a wide variety of subjects. You will also have an opportunity to have a one-on-one session with one of the presenters to help with breaking down one of your brick walls. Speakers include: Elizabeth Shown Mills, George G. Morgan, Dick Eastman, Diana Crisman Smith, Gary M. Smith and experts from RootsMagic.
For more information visit http://www.rootsmagiccruise.com/.

October4, 2008
Genealogy Research Clinic - Tracing Immigrant Ancestors, Then Organizing and Documenting Your Data
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Fort Myers Library, 2050 Central Avenue, Fort Myers.
This workshop series will explore both online and print resources for tracking immigrant ancestors. Lectures will be combined with interactive sessions. Participants are invited to bring samples of their current research to share with the group. Beginning researchers are encouraged to register for a free pre-workshop consultation by calling Bryan Mulcahy at 479-4651 or e-mail the request to bmulcahy@leegov.com.

Session Two:  Research Day – This is an informal research day providing opportunities for participants to utilize the collection, receive assistance with online searches, or address research challenges.  Bring your ancestor chart and family group sheets for your reference.

October 11, 2008
Genealogy Research Clinic - Tracing Immigrant Ancestors, Then Organizing and Documenting Your Data
10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Fort Myers Library, 2050 Central Avenue, Fort Myers.
This workshop series will explore both online and print resources for tracking immigrant ancestors. Lectures will be combined with interactive sessions. Participants are invited to bring samples of their current research to share with the group. Beginning researchers are encouraged to register for a free pre-workshop consultation by calling Bryan Mulcahy at 479-4651 or e-mail the request to bmulcahy@leegov.com.

Session Three:  Locating Immigrant Ancestors Online Including the Use of Tutorials and Databases.

October12-17, 2008
Ancestor Seekers Tenth Salt Lake City Research Trip
Join others from throughout the USA and Canada for the dream genealogy vacation. Spend a whole week at the Family History Library, accessing the world's largest collection of genealogical records with help and advice from accredited genealogist professionals. Opening and closing socials, theater trip, and other optional activities! – 10% Discount for Early Registration –
Visit www.AncestorSeekers.com/slcrt for more information.

October 13, 2008
Sabal Springs "Coffee Hour"
9:00 a.m. at the Sabal Springs Club House, North Fort Myers, FL.
Family History Month and the Lee County Genealogical Society
Speaker: Shirley O'Donnell, LCGS First Vice President/Program Chair.

October18, 2008
Genealogy Research Clinic - Tracing Immigrant Ancestors, Then Organizing and Documenting Your Data
10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Fort Myers Library, 2050 Central Avenue, Fort Myers.
This workshop series will explore both online and print resources for tracking immigrant ancestors. Lectures will be combined with interactive sessions. Participants are invited to bring samples of their current research to share with the group. Beginning researchers are encouraged to register for a free pre-workshop consultation by calling Bryan Mulcahy at 479-4651 or e-mail the request to bmulcahy@leegov.com.

Session Four:  Identifying Record Sources Generated During Emigration from Europe or the British Isles.

October18, 2008
40 Years of Discovery - Portals to the Future
Elgin, Illinois, USA
Host: Illinois State Genealogical Society. The 40th anniversary conference will highlight an experienced group of nationally known speakers who will present more than 16 classes including the latest about how to use online resources. Practice new search techniques in the classroom computer laboratory.

For more information visit the Illinois State Genealogical Society website.

October25, 2008
Genealogy Research Clinic - Tracing Immigrant Ancestors, Then Organizing and Documenting Your Data
10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Fort Myers Library, 2050 Central Avenue, Fort Myers.
This workshop series will explore both online and print resources for tracking immigrant ancestors. Lectures will be combined with interactive sessions. Participants are invited to bring samples of their current research to share with the group. Beginning researchers are encouraged to register for a free pre-workshop consultation by calling Bryan Mulcahy at 479-4651 or e-mail the request to bmulcahy@leegov.com.

Session Five:  Keeping Track of Your Family History Data – Organizing and Documentation

October 25 - November 1, 2008
Genealogy Seminar at Sea - CANCELLED

December 7 through 13, 2008
24th Annual Salt Lake Christmas Tour
Travel with fellow Florida genealogists to Salt Lake City and research opportunities at the Family History Library. Download registration form.
For more information visit Salt Lake Christmas Tour.

January 10-19, 2009
Irish Genealogy Seminar and Cruise
Sailing on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas from the Port of Fort Lauderdale for eight nights through the Eastern Caribbean returning back home to the Port of Fort Lauderdale. Seminar presenters will be by Valerie Adams, from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland; Mary Ellen Grogan, TIARA, Boston; George Handran, expert on Griffith's Valuation, Boston; Michael J. Leclerc, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston; Gregory O'Connor, the National Archives of Ireland, Dublin; Eileen and Sean O'Duill, Dublin.
For more information visit The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA).

May 13-16, 2009
National Genealogical Society Conference in the States and Family History Fair
Raleigh, North Carolina.
For more information visit NGS Research Trip.

September 2 - 5, 2009
Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference
"Passages Through Time"
Little Rock, Arkansas.
For more information visit www.fgs.org.

October 15-17, 2009
Michigan Genealogical Council Seminar
Valley Plaza Resort - Hotels & Convention Center, Midland, Michigan
Sponsored by the Midland Genealogical Council and hosted by the Midland Genealogical Society 16 Speakers - 32 Sessions - 4 Tracks; 30 Vendors & Societies. Global's Rick Roberts will be speaking at this event on researching Ontario ancestors and on genealogy software.
For more information visit the Midland Genealogical Society website.