The Villages Genealogical Society
Welcome to The Villages
Genealogical Society
Promoting and stimulating knowledge and interest
in the study of genealogy
"It's Another Beautiful Day in The Villages"
 
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Upcoming Special Events

 
VGS Western Caribbean Cruise
February 2 - 9, 2019
Complete Details HERE...


Family History Expo Update

Slideshow
March 28, 2018 General Meeting
How could you describe our Family History Expo? Would 192 new members give you an indication? It was a huge success!  The day was busy from before the event started right through closing time.  Some of the venders couldn't even take time from lunch they were so busy.  Most of the presentations were filled to capacity especially Google Tips & Tricks, and the DNA presentations by AncestryDNA and My Heritage.  We thank everyone who attended and hoped you received a wealth of information about what the VGS offers its members. See the photos...


18th Annual Seminar Update

Seminar Overview
February 28, 2018 Annual Seminar
From our survey results, Dr. John Colletta was well received at our 18th annual seminar. 
John presented four topics... They were:
  • Libraries, Archives and Public Record Offices: Understanding Resource Repositories
  • The County Courthouse: Your ‘Trunk in the Attic’
  • State Archives: What They Are and How to Use Them
  • Sixteen Repositories, One Life: Uncommon Original Sources Portray a
  • 19th-Century Immigrant
A big "Thank You" to all the volunteers who helped make the day a success.
All 4 Handouts are now available in the "Members Only" section for 30 days only.


VGS Receives the NGS Gold Star Award

Read the Letter from C. Ann Staley, Conference Chair, to President Lannin:
Comments from our members attending the Conference can be read HERE


“Admission to meetings of The Villages Genealogy Society is limited to
VGS members and paid guests.”


COMING EVENTS
Monday, Apr. 23rd
10:00 am
Technology SIG Meeting
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Tuesday, Apr. 24th
2:00 pm
Midwest SIG Meeting
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Wednesday, Apr. 25th
8:30 am
Brick Wall Solutions SIG Meeting
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Wednesday, Apr. 25th
10:00 am
VGS General Monthly Meeting
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Tuesday, May. 1st
9:00 am
Adoption & Mystery Kin SIG Meeting
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Facts
Remember that each generation doubles the number of ancestors. It's easy to get lost if you don't plan ahead for your trip. Focus on one or two families. The others will still be there when you get to them.
[Basic Genealogy]
FEDERAL Land States were created from public domain, land the United States bought or acquired. The land was divided into territories as it became populated. Survey is done according to the rectangular system.
[Land Records]
Don't assume that widow in earlier census records means her husband is deceased. It could mean that they were divorced.
[Census]
Surnames began in Europe about the 11th century. They developed as trade increased. The four basic groups of surnames are the patronymic (based on the father's name), landscape features or place names, action or nicknames, and occupational or office names.
[Basic Genealogy]
X chromosome: One of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y. The X chromosome is passed down from mother to child. X is the sex chromosome that is present in both sexes, singly in males and doubly in females.
[DNA]
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