The CGSI conference is the premiere event to learn about techniques for genealogical research in the areas now known as Czech Republic and Slovakia, and to share and connect with the genealogy, history, and culture of those from the Czech and Slovak ancestral lands of Central Europe. The conference will explore the history and culture of the people who lived in the present-day countries of Czech Republic and Slovakia through presentations and workshops, films, tours, networking opportunities, and social events. 

The conference's format allows attendees to connect with each other, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors. In addition to the in-person programming at The Ingleside Hotel, attendees will have access to pre-conference online networking opportunities.

Early Bird registration is now open. The conference itself is "in-person only," but will include virtual pre-conference networking via Whova, an online platform to connect, discuss topics, organize virtual meet-ups, and more, which was a great success at our 2021 virtual conference, enabling discussion on a wide variety of relevant topics. For an admission fee of $25, the Whova online platform can be available if you are unable to attend the conference in person. 

GSNOCC is hosting a virtual seminar featuring Lisa Louise Cooke on July 29, 2023. For more details, please visit https://www.gsnocc.org/seminar/

Session Titles:
How to Reopen and Work a Genealogical Cold CaseGoogle Earth Pro for GenealogySeeing Family History Through Google LensTap Into Your Inner Private Eye: 9 Strategies for Finding Living Relatives

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST - Every month on the Fourth Tuesday. Learn how to interpret your DNA test results and apply those results to your current family history research. Join our casual group as we research and learn together. Presented by Denise Manning and Susan Luce.

This class will be held online only via Zoom.

10 am - 12 pm EST - Questions/answers and demonstrations of how to use the RootsMagic genealogy database software program. This class explores the use of this software program and demonstrates the many features of the program, from the basics of initial entry of family information to more detailed topics. Presented by Bob Bryan.

This class will be held online only via Zoom.

1pm – 2pm EST - This class will cover what types of courthouse records are available, where and how to find them, and their use in genealogy. Presented by Damon Hostetler.

This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Local History Room (2d Flr), Largo, FL 33771 and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.

1pm – 2pm EST - American Ancestors, the website for the New England Historic Genealogical Society, provides more than 1 billion records in over 450 databases online. Although much of the collection focuses on New England, records from around the U.S. and even some from other countries are available. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the website, and will go through the basics of searching these extensive databases. Presented by Karen Fortin.

This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Local History Room (2d Flr), Largo, FL 33771 and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST - Research is more effective and productive if we make a plan before we dive in. Without planning, we run the risk of overlooking or misunderstanding important records. Learn the steps and techniques of research planning that will save time and frustration and can even help break down brick walls. Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle.

In addition, a Walking Tour of the Genealogy Center on the second floor of the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771, will be conducted by Lori Coffey at 12:30 pm.

NOTE: This is the monthly general membership meeting with educational program. The first 15 minutes of this program will include the Society meeting.

One of the fun things about genealogy is getting to know our ancestors as people, not just as names and dates on a chart. This presentation will help you to identify sources that can assist you in locating the precise locations where your ancestors lived and worked. Presented by Karen Fortin.

This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Local History Room (2d Flr), Largo, FL 33771 and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.

You are invited to attend our virtual program event “Deep Dive Into DNA" on Sat, Jun 10, 2023, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST.  Every 2nd Saturday from 1-3 pm EST. Free and open to the public. Live via Zoom. We cover a variety of intermediate to advanced DNA topics utilizing guest speakers, selected books and videos. This virtual discussion group will review one chapter a month from the book "Research Like A Pro With DNA" by Nicole Dyer. While all are welcome, this is an attendee-led discussion with a moderator. We will be discussing Chapter 1: Take a DNA Test by Robin Wirthlin (pg 1). Attendees are expected to have read the chapter and be prepared to discuss its contents. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Discussions led by Susan Luce & Denise Manning.

This class will be held online only via Zoom.

The 102 who got on the Mayflower are famous. But what about those who didn’t make it on to the ship for that fateful voyage?  This is the little-known backstory of the heroes who allowed the Pilgrims the freedom to travel. Those who were imprisoned, leaders who were needed by the flock who couldn’t go and even those who were afraid of taking the trip. These unsung heroes allowed the famous pilgrims to have their spotlight in history. Now we turn the spotlight on them. Presented by Lori Coffey.

This will be a hybrid meeting held in-person at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Local History Room (2d Flr),  Largo, FL  33771 and online via Zoom. Registration is only required for Zoom attendees.