Upcoming Monthly Program
September Monthly Meeting (Zoom only)
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 / 10:00 a.m. (Zoom only)
Speaker: Kelley Conner Lear
Topic: Positively Negative: Using a Super-Trio to Meet the Genealogical Proof Standard
 Topic Info: This session focuses on a "super-trio of negatives" – negative findings, negative searches, and negative evidence – used to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard. When working in time periods or places where records are scant or destroyed, negative findings and searches become essential tools. Together, these "negatives" play a positive role in resolving questions of identity, relationships, and events.
Speaker's Bio: A West Virginia native and former advertising creative director, Kelley Conner Lear brings twenty years of communication experience to her genealogy practice. Her research in Central Appalachia and the surrounding regions focuses on the lives of often-overlooked ancestors. Kelley is a Certified Genealogist® and Treasurer of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
For more details about this event and the speaker, visit our Coming Events listing.
Upcoming Monthly Program
October Monthly Meeting at Lake Miona Rec Center & via Zoom
Wednesday, October. 28, 2026 / 10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Peggy Jude
Topic: My Cousin Vinny – Three DNA Case Studies in Identifying Matches
 Topic Info: Explore how DNA analysis can break through genealogical brick walls. Using real case studies, this session explores basic to advanced approaches to identifying DNA matches and extending your family tree.
Speaker's Bio:
Peggy Jude is a professional genealogist, speaker, and researcher with specialties in genealogical technology and DNA. She regularly presents at societies and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. Peggy serves as Vice President of Projects for the Manatee Genealogical Society (FL) where she leads both the DNA and the Technology Special Interest Groups, and teaches monthly. She has been a co-course coordinator and instructor at the Institute for Genealogical and Historial Research (IGHR) and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speakers Guild.
For more details about this event and the speaker, visit our Coming Events listing.
Upcoming Monday Evening Webinar
Live Webinar / Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 – 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Dilemmas In Genealogical Research – Artificial Intelligence
Featured Guest Speaker: Fiona Brooker
 Topic Info: This presentation examines how artificial intelligence is influencing genealogical research and the dilemmas that come with it. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to navigate AI's benefits and risks while maintaining sound genealogical practices.
Presenter Info: When people discover that Fiona Brooker is a genealogist, one of the first questions they ask is, "How far back have you got?". For Fiona, family history is not really about how far back the tree goes, but about what we discover along the way – the stories, the people, and the connections. One of her favorite moments was holding the document her five-times great-grandparents signed in the early 1800s. Fiona is a professional genealogist and the founder of Memories in Time, where she helps individuals explore their family history through research, DNA analysis, and practical research strategies.
For more details about the speaker and this webinar, including how to register to attend, visit our Coming Events listing.
Admission to in-person meetings of The Villages Genealogy Society
is limited to VGS members and paid guests.
You must be a resident of The Villages, FL for membership.
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September 7, 2026
2:30 pm to 4:20 pm RootsMagic Special Interest Group Meeting
Topic: TBA Reminder: Bring your laptops Coordinator: George Zitterell
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September 8, 2026
10:00 am to 11:50 am Genetic Discoveries SIG Meeting
Coordinators: Sherry Bean, Marcella Zorn & Cheryl Richardson Topic: TBA An email containing the Zoom link will be emailed to SIG members prior ...
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September 8, 2026
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Preserving Family History SIG Meeting
Topic: Special programs with open discussion on preserving your family history for future generations. Coordinators: Sharol Lewin & Nancy Schultz
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September 9, 2026
2:30 pm to 4:20 pm ABCs of Genealogy SIG Meeting
The ABCs of Genealogy SIG is for VGS members with any level of experience in genealogical research. Sessions are geared to be easy to understand to ...
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September 10, 2026
9:30 am to 11:50 am German Genealogy SIG Meeting
Coordinators: Dianne Fedderson & Steven Buhrow An email containing the Zoom link & info will be emailed to SIG members prior to the meeting ...
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Bounty Land is public land given by the government to induce young men to join the military. Applicable for soldiers prior to the Civil War. A "Bounty Land Warrant" is a gift of bounty land due to a person entitled by military service.
[Land Records]
The U.S. Federal Census is taken every 10 years on a designated census day by an "enumerator" in a specific area called an enumeration district. The first census was done in 1790; there are no censuses before 1790.
[Census]
Chromosome: An organized package of DNA found in the nucleus of the cell. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. 22 numbered chromosomes, called autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes X and Y.
[DNA]
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