Events

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

RESEARCH FOR THE WRITER - FINDING STORIES IN GENEALOGICAL RECORDS

Speaker: Mike Godown

Location: Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart

The presentation will utilize an example which weaves research from early land records,

vital records, diaries, DNA, artificial intelligence, and full-text search into a story. The

variety of sources can provide ancestor profiles for an authentic family history

narrative. The genealogical details can supply ideas on settings, characters,

relationships, religious and political persecution, migration, conflicts, loss, resilience,

and other social history.

Mike Godown, a retired GE executive, has co-facilitated an adult writing group since

2021 for the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation in Vero Beach, Florida. He has taught

the Storycorps.org curriculum to local youth organizations, taught a family history

program for the foundation’s summer writing camp, and is currently promoting the

foundation’s Wisdom and Wonder intergenerational writing program.

In addition to being a new MCGS member, Mike served three years as President of the

Indian River Genealogical Society and four years in other board positions and has

previously been a speaker at both the IRGS and MCGS annual conferences. 

He completed the NGS American Genealogical Studies (AGS) graded courses and the

recent ProGen Study Group 95 on Thomas Jones’ Mastering Genealogical Proof. He is

an NGS member and has assisted 10 distant DNA matches identify their birthparents

and will co-facilitate the April 23 rd MCGS DNA Workshop with Joe Boriotti.

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.