FSGS Speakers Bureau

Melody K. Porter

Areas of Expertise:

• Beginning Genealogy

• Documentation/Sourcing for Beginners

• Florida Research including Florida Pioneer Applications

• Georgia Research

Lecture Topics

• Genealogy - Family Finding

• Genealogy Documentation

• Melody Really is an Indian!!

• Georgia Research Locations: Not Just for Georgia Reseachers!

• Florida State Pioneer Certification

• Elmer' s Genealogical Library, Madison, FL,  2007, 2008

• Tallahassee Genealogical Society, 2006-2008

• Florida Genealogical Society of Tampa, 2007

• Jacksonville Genealogical Society, 2007

Willing to travel 150+ miles. Meals and travel expenses must be compensated

Awards and Accomplishments

Florida State Genealogical Society Distinguished Service Award 2006

Biography

Melody Porter's background is in computer software as business analyst and project manager, but in her spare time, she has been researching her genealogy for over 20 years. Escaping to Thomasville, Georgia, she made her getaway and is pursuing genealogy as a researcher, lecturer and genealogy writer. Melody specializes in Florida, Georgia and Native American research. Proud to be a Native American (both Cherokee and Choctaw), Melody is a voting member of the Western Cherokee Tribe in Oklahoma. She has attended The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford.

As the past Secretary of the Florida State Genealogical Society (FSGS) and former Records Administrator and Reviewer for the FSGS Pioneer Certification Committee, Melody has substantial experience with the Florida research. Melody, previously the SE Director, is now the 1st Vice President for the International Society for Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE). A member of the Association for Professional Genealogists (APG) in the Georgia Chapter, the National Genealogical Society, and the Florida State Genealogical Society and South Georgia Genealogical Society. As Treasurer and Seminar Chair for the Tallahassee Genealogical Society, Melody has coordinated the annual seminar for the last three years. Conference planning is an area that Melody takes to heart since she is also the Vendor Chair for the Tallahassee seminar. In 2006 and 2007, as Vendor Chair for the Florida State Genealogical Society, a record number of vendors were in attendance producing happy vendors and ecstatic attendees.. A new member of the Thomasville, Georgia Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Melody is also a former Director of the Florida Genealogical Society of Tampa.