The Genealogical Society of Collier County, Inc. offers genealogy classes sponsored by the Collier County Public Library and open to the public free of charge. The classes are geared to those new to genealogy or just getting started in researching their family history.

GENEALOGY CLASSES 

2026 Library Genealogy Class Schedule

Genealogy classes are taught by Marie Overman and Joyce Thompson at the Collier County Regional Library, 650 Central Avenue.

Three classes will be offered in January 2026 in the Rees Room at Naples Regional Library. Each class will be approximately one hour from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Immediately, following the classes, the Genealogy Room will be opened. Volunteers will be there to help you.

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 – Vital Records 
Presented by Marie Overman 
What is the difference between primary and secondary records and where to find them. The presentation will concentrate on records beyond birth, marriage, and death, and where to find them.

Wednesday, Jan 21,2026  – Free Genealogy Websites by Marie Overman
Google isn’t the only free website that can help you search. We will discuss several free sites specific to genealogy, what they contain, and how to use them.

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 Joyce Thompson will show several different famous ancestors and a variety of ways she discovered them. She will concentrate on using Relative Finder and other Family Search fun activities. Before class you need to download your tree to Family Search and also add the Family Search app to your phone. Be sure to bring your phone and your tablet or computer to class with you. This way you can follow along on how to use it to discover your famous ancestors.

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS
Open to members with an interest, please consult our Schedule page for dates and times.

ANCESTRY/ FAMILY TREE MAKER SIG

WRITER’S SIG

DNA SIG
Hosted by Arthur Sissman

JEWISH GENEALOGY SIG
Hosted by Arthur Sissman
Location: Jewish Federation Office,
2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 2201

 GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF COLLIER COUNTY MONTHLY MEETINGS
Where: Moorings Presbyterian Church, Moss Hall
791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL Click Here for map
Parking and hall entrance are located in back of church.
When: 1:00 p.m. second Friday each month.* (October through May)
Educational Program presented during meeting.
Guests are welcome to attend.
Click on our Schedule page link for program topics.

GET RESEARCH HELP AT THE LIBRARY

VISIT THE GENEALOGY ROOM- The Genealogy Collection is located at the Naples Branch Library, 650 Central Avenue, in the reference area.  It is a non-circulating collection of basic and intermediate resources, including books, periodicals, electronic resources, and web-based subscription databases which include Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest and New England Ancestors. Volunteer members of the Genealogical Society of Collier County are available to assist you in the Genealogy Room. 
Please visit the VOLUNTEER HELP link for a schedule of the times the volunteers will be available throughout the week.

RESEARCH FROM HOME
From your home computer using the Internet you may access HeritageQuest through the special library link using your library card.  Click on the LIBRARY Link on the left menu. The Collier County Public Library has a subscription to HeritageQuest Online , which offers the U.S. census, family history books, city directories and much more. You may access this database from your device using this link and your Collier County Public Library card. NOTE: Enter your library card number when prompted for barcode.

SPEAKERS ARE AVAILABLE TO TALK TO YOUR GROUP

Subject: Genealogy- Demonstrations and lectures on how to start your family tree and record your family history. Contact us: Click Here