Events


Membership Meetings

The Martin County Genealogical Society meets monthly September through May. Admission is free and open to the public.


Unless otherwise noted,  meetings take place in the John F. and Rita M. Armstrong Wing, Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart. They start at 1 p.m. with social time and a business meeting. Presentations start at 2 p.m., or a little earlier. With the exception of the December meetings, meetings are broadcast via Zoom. Registration is required.

The December 19th Holiday Festivities will be held at the Blake Library.

DECEMBER 19

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

Speaker: None

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart


Genealogists, young and old, seeking answers to questions, looking at roots or perhaps that certain illusive branch of a tree, sometimes they have more questions than answers or rather questions on things they would like answers to.


So, how do people interested in Genealogy, DNA, Family Trees handle the Holidays? Are they Festive? Are they Dull and Boring? Pull out that ugly sweater, that sparkly holiday attire and join us for a little fun and fellowship. Bring your favorite “Festive Holiday” snack to share and we might just surprise you.



JANUARY 16

SQUEEZING ALL THE FACTS OUT OF YOUR
DNA MATCHES

Speaker: Kate Penney Howard, Genetic Genealogist

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart


Near the top of your match list, you’ve got this mystery match that just might be the key to your research. The only problem is: they don’t have a visible tree and they didn’t respond to the message you sent two years ago.


But that doesn’t mean that you should give up! This Zoom presentation will give users of every skill level more tools to crack that difficult case. You’ll learn about strategies for logically approaching your search, what you can glean from your match’s profile, how free & paid resources can help you, and you’ll receive a research template that will help you ensure you have left no stone unturned.

Suitable for all audiences.


Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades

of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully

solved genetic genealogy cases.


Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged throughout.


Kate discovered her passion for teaching during her cancer journey, finding fulfillment in sharing knowledge with fellow genealogists. She approaches her work with integrity, deliberately addressing historical injustices and dispelling common myths in

her presentations.


Her speaking engagements include RootsTech, Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, and the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, in addition to many state and county level organizations.


Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011. She has served as a pastor in Fort Wayne since her ordination in 2012.


If you can't attend in person, you can watch via Zoom. Registration required. Click here to register.



FEBRUARY 20

FINDING YOUR FAMILY WITH DNA TESTING

Speaker: Richard Hill

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart


In this Zoom presentation, learn how adoptees and others find biological parents and siblings through DNA testing. Review the case that started it all and see today’s recommended strategies. View examples of surprise discoveries and see the tools used to identify relationships.


Richard Hill was the first adoptee to identify his birth family through genetic genealogy DNA tests. He shared his story in an award-winning book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA.” He has founded two websites on DNA testing, most recently, DNAFavorites.com. Richard gives presentations on genetic genealogy topics both virtually and in person. He is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild.

He lives in Michigan with his wife of 57 years.


If you can't attend in person, you can watch via Zoom. Registration required. Click here to register.










Questions about MCGS events? Email us at mcgsfl@gmail.com and include Events in the subject line.