OUR HISTORY
THE
SOUTH BAY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The
South Bay Genealogical Society (SBGS) began as a Special Interest Group of
The Computer Club in Sun City Center FL in 1991, when a group of genealogy
enthusiasts decided to band together. As such, membership was restricted to
Sun City Center residents.
The
group decided that more independence was needed and they desired to admit
members from outside the local community. Thus, after a few months, the
South Bay Genealogy Club was formed, with twelve founding members. As the
Club grew, it was recognized that a more formal structure was needed. In
1996, Bylaws were adopted and the name changed to the South Bay Genealogical
Society.
SBGS is
a bit unique among genealogical societies in that its monthly meetings are
all luncheon meetings. This has been true since the start. In addition to
a nice lunch, members enjoy a program centered on genealogy. Many noted
genealogist have made presentations at these luncheons - Dear MYRTLE, George
Morgan, Fran Carter, Damon Hostetler, Elmer Spear, and many others - plus,
excellent programs by SBGS members.
The
Society publishes a monthly newsletter, LINKS, which includes news of the
Society and of genealogy in general. Since 1997, SBGS members have taught two
courses in genealogy each year at the Community Church College, thus exposing
many others to the wonderful hobby of Genealogy. Annually, in conjunction
with SouthShore Regional Library, we sponsor a ten-session course “Heritage
Hunting” by professional genealogist, Sharon Tate Moody.
Workshops have been held on several subjects. The Society has two Special
Interest Groups - German Club and Genealogy Roundtable, which meet monthly.
In addition, we have Personal Ancestral File and Roots Magic assistance
available on an as-needed basis. Two very successful Seminars were held in
2005 and 2006, as preludes to our 2010 Seminar.
Two of
our special projects include staffing an “Ask a Genealogist” four days each
week at SouthShore Regional Library. We are also are very involved with the
Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild, making 1800 ship manifests
available to all genealogists.
From
September through May, we meet on the third Tuesday at noon in the SouthShore
Regional Library for a luncheon, featuring talks by noted genealogy
speakers. Our banner is proudly displayed at each meeting.
