Finding Elusive Ancestors - The American Experience

Description

Manatee Genealogical Society – Virtual Annual Seminar Theme: Finding Your Elusive Ancestors – The American Experience On the dawn of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the Manatee Genealogical Society invites you to join our virtual annual seminar, featuring four nationally recognized speakers. Highlights: • Engaging presentations from leading genealogical experts • Opportunity to win prizes from major genealogical companies • 30-day access to seminar recordings for registered attendees • Special pricing available for Society members Registration Details: • Registration begins: November 24, 2025 • Early Bird Drawing: Register by December 31, 2025 for a chance to win • Final Registration Deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, January 23, 2026 • Register Here: https://mgsfl.org Cost for the seminar: Members: $35; Non-members: $50 Cost of yearly membership to the Society is $20.00. Program speakers and topics: David Ouimette, CG, CGL, “Seven Immigration Methodologies, with Case Studies Across the Centuries”, 10:15 AM, Tracing immigrant ancestors may be challenging, but genealogists armed with a variety of useful methodologies can approach immigrant research with confidence. This presentation shows how to apply seven distinct research methodologies, each based on genealogy standards and basic principles, to trace immigrant ancestors successfully. D. Josh Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGU, “Advanced Colonial American Research: Embracing New Technologies and Modern Techniques”, 11:45 AM, This session will explore how to leverage contemporary tools, including DNA tests, artificial intelligence (AI), and online databases, to of early settlers. Case studies will demonstrate breakthroughs shed light on the lives achieved through traditional research methods and modern tools. Michael Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, “Forging a National Army from the Colonial Era to the Early Republic, 1750-1800”, 1:45 PM. During the Revolutionary War, creating a cohesive army proved difficult, as militias were local, short-term, and poorly trained. The Continental forces also struggled with scarce supplies, money shortages, and weak transportation. Afterward, the “Levies Regiments” were established to maintain readiness in peacetime, providing the foundation for America’s future regular army. Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG, MSc, FSAScot, “Revolutionary War Home Front, Researching Your Civilian Ancestor’s Life”, 3:15 PM. Uncover rich details about your civilian ancestor’s Revolutionary War experience through an array of documents from tax records, committee notes, church documents, and wartime claims. Learn research strategies for finding their occupation, property holdings, community role, and how they navigated wartime shortages and social upheaval. Discover the records that reveal their home front story!