Events

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.

MARCH 20

LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH

Speaker: Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert, MyHeritage

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart

In this session, Daniel will show you how to harness the power of social media for genealogy.  Learn how you can use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and other platforms to connect with relatives, learn about your ancestors, obtain new photos and details, crowdsource translations and answers to your questions, and much more.

Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, Daniel was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project "Searching for My Roots" in Venezuela for 15 years.  He is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects, and holds a board-level position at The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA).  Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world.

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

APRIL 17

TAKE IT AS IT COMES: TRANSFORMING FAMILY HISTORY INTO A COMPELLING BOOK

Speaker: Sonja Mongar, MFA, Educator and Author

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart

Have you ever wanted to turn your family’s stories and history into a printed book for future generations—and perhaps a wider audience? Drawing on her experience as an indie-publisher, writer, researcher, family folklorist and fifth-generation Montanan, Sonja Mongar, MFA will discuss the strategies, process, and challenges of gathering family stories and shaping them into a book.  She will share her 88-year-old mother’s beautifully designed hybrid book, Take It as It Comes: A Montana Oral History (2025,) which combines oral history, memoir, narrative photography, and family folklore as a model. She will also introduce the self-publishing process.

Sonja Mongar, MFA is an indie publisher with Paradise Alley Publishing, an award-winning novelist, and a published essayist.  A retired tenured Professor of English, she has long specialized in memoir and life narrative, helping writers turn lived experience into powerful personal stories.  Over the years, she has guided students in creating and publishing numerous family folkloric writing projects in both digital and print formats. 

Sonja currently teaches in the Western Connecticut State University Low Residency MFA Program in Creative and Professional Writing and leads workshops through the IRSC Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning and the Martin County Chautauqua South arts and education series.  Her current project is a book based on her great-grandmother’s 1907 diary, written when she was a fourteen-year-old rancher’s daughter in Central Montana.

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

MAY 15

THE HOUSE OF REFUGE: PRESERVING A MARITIME LEGACY

Speaker: Lindsay Famiglietti, Assistant Keeper of the House, Historical Society of Martin County

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart

This presentation explores the extraordinary history of the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar, Florida’s oldest structure on the Treasure Coast and the last remaining House of Refuge in the state. It traces its origins from 1876 as a U.S. Life-Saving Service station through its evolution into a vital part of the community’s maritime and cultural history.  Attendees will gain insight into the extensive preservation efforts and the ongoing multi-phase restoration project made possible through the support of the Martin County Board of Commissioners and community partners.  The discussion will also offer a glimpse into upcoming exhibitions and revitalization projects, including the opening of the Overlook Gallery, new rotating art exhibits, community workshops, and the much-anticipated immersive exhibit, The Tempest, set to debut during the 150th anniversary celebration in March 2026.

From the presenter: "I am the Assistant Keeper of the House at the Martin County Historical Society’s House of Refuge.  I have over two decades of experience in education, specializing in special education, and hold a background in Anthropology. 
I initially began here as a docent and have since developed a deep fascination and passion for the rich history of Martin County and the unique heritage of the House of Refuge, which I consider a dream opportunity.  I am dedicated to sharing this history and the unique stories of the House with the public."

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