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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October 8, 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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October 12, 2026
10:00 am to 11:50 am FTM SIG Meeting
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING -- IN-PERSON ONLY Bring your laptop! Visit our website page for more details about this SIG. SIG Coordinator: John DeAngelo ...
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October 12, 2026
1:00 pm to 2:20 pm Italian Special Interest Group Meeting
Coordinators: Laura Wright & Paul Coia Topic: TBA
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October 13, 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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October 13, 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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Church records may include births, christenings, marriages, deaths and burials. Be sure you have the correct church/religious denomination. If you're not sure, search the churches closest to home first and then broaden your search in ever-widening circles.
[Church Records]
Make a list of all living relatives before you start your genealogy research. Interview as many of them as possible. Be prepared with a list of questions. Use a tape recorder for the answers or take very good notes. Respect the person's privacy.
[Interviews]
When the head of the household is no longer listed, don't assume he/she is dead. It's possible that the former head of household is now living with one of the children
[Census]
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