The Genealogical Society of Collier County, Inc. offers beginning  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 

2025 Library Genealogy Class Schedule

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

All classes will be held in the Reis Room on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. 

Nov 20, 2024 – Introduction to Genealogy: How do you get started?
Presented by Marie Overman
How to record information, how to get records, and what programs are available will be discussed.  There will be time and individual help after presentation.

Dec 18, 2024 – Myths and Misconception in Genealogy: How you can be misled and trace the incorrect ancestors!
Presented by Joyce Thompson
Sixteen various myths to avoid in your research are discussed as well as DNA myths that can mislead you as well.

Jan 15, 2025 – Vital Records Part 1: How to find birth and marriage records
Presented by Marie Overman and Joyce Thompson
The difference between primary and secondary records and where to find birth and marriage records will be discussed. 

Jan 22, 2025 – Vital Records Part 2: How to find death, burial, and internment records
Presented by Marie Overman and Joyce Thompson 
Individual help will be available after the class on January 15 and 22.  Bring your information and any documents you may have.

Feb 19, 2025 – 10 Rules for a Good Genealogy Search
Presented by Joyce Thompson
Beware of online hints. Learn various technique to separate the Good from the Bad findings in your research.

Feb 26, 2025 – Using Census Records to Trace Your Ancestors
Presented by Marie Overman
Census records are secondary records but hold some of the best leads to help you find primary records for your ancestors.

Mar 19, 2025 – Celebrate Women’s History Month: A Guide to  Researching Your Female Ancestors
Presented by Marie Overman
Our female ancestors are often lost min history.  This presentation will help you find them.

Mar 26, 2025 – City and Farm Directors can supply needed information about your ancestors
Presented by Joyce Thompson.
Ever wish you could know what your families were doing between the censuses?  These two sources are the most overlooked genealogical tool that can help put your ancestor in a time and place.

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

ANCESTRY/ FAMILY TREE MAKER SIG

CANADIAN eSIG

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: 7:00 p.m. second Tuesday 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