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The History of LCGS
The Lee County Genealogical Society began on November 25, 1975, when a small group of Lee County residents interested in genealogy met at the home of Ernest England. They discussed their family history research, and because of their enthusiasm about this topic, a second meeting was planned.
By January 20, 1976, when the second meeting was held, the size of this genealogical group had more than doubled, and a decision was reached on the name: "The Lee County Genealogical Society". Two months later, the organization's by-laws were approved, and in April 1976 the first slate of officers was presented. Membership dues were established at $3.00 per year. It was an active group. They started a newsletter and an ancestor chart notebook; they held workshops and they donated books to the library. On September 22, 1988, they filed Articles of Incorporation and became the Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc.
Because of the wisdom, foresight and efforts of these pioneer members who established policies and goals, today's Lee County Genealogical Society, has a firm foundation on which to build. Current members continue to promote the study of family history and provide sound training in genealogical research. View our Timeline in the Public Download area.
The Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3), federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations, gifts, bequests and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
What we do ...
Lee County Genealogical Society is dedicated to collecting,
preserving and perpetuating the genealogical and historical records of our ancestors; and to encouraging and aiding individuals in their family search. Donation of Genealogical Reference Books
Each year, the Lee County Genealogical Society donates books to the Fort Myers - Lee County Library Genealogy Collection. These books are carefully selected by the Library Advisory committee for the benefit of our members as well as the general public. To view a complete list for the years 2002 through 2009, click here.
Genealogical and Historical Records Preservation Society members also participate in many projects to preserve local historical documents.
1. Lee County, Florida Marriages 1887-1924, was first published by the Lee County Genealogical Society in 1992. Members volunteered their time and energy to abstract records found in the Lee County Courthouse. This book is currently out of print but available to view on our website in the Public Downloads area by clicking here.
2. In 1997, the Society published a cookbook, Family Traditions: Recipes and Memories, compiled from favorites submitted by members and their families and friends.
This book is currently out of print but is available to view by visiting our Public Downloads area. 3. In 1998, LCGS started the Obituary Indexing Project, abstracting Lee County deaths published in the News-Press between 1930 and 1997. The project has involved over 70 dedicated volunteer members who have read microfilm, made photocopies, abstracted data to index cards, done proofreading, and entered the obituaries into a computer database. Five volumes have been published in printed form and are available for patrons' use at the Ft. Myers-Lee County Public Library, 2050 Central Avenue, Ft. Myers.
4. A second Obituary Project that LCGS members have worked on is a collection of obituaries clipped from the News-Press from 1990 through April 2006. Index cards containing the actual obituary are alphabetically arranged in a file cabinet at the Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library. Researchers wishing to locate an obituary from this time period should contact the Genealogy Librarian at the Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library.
5. The Genealogical Records Preservation Project Committee has abstracted selected death records of the Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home in Ft. Myers. The abstraction begins with 1919 and ends with 1929. The index includes:
Printed copies of the index are located at the Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Boulevard and at the Ft. Myers Library.
6. This group has also extracted records and articles of interest from the older periodicals being removed from the Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library's Genealogy Collection. The group is reorganizing the records and articles so that upon return to the library shelves, the materials will be more user-friendly to researchers. You will be able to find these articles in our searchable Genealogy Shelf List.
Genealogical Workshops and Seminars Workshops and seminars are held throughout the year for members and local researchers. Working in partnership with the Lee County Library System, a four week beginner's class is held at the downtown Fort Myers each February as well as a fall series in October in connection with Family History Month. See our Events area.
Research Volunteers
Several members of the LCGS volunteer in the genealogical area at the Ft. Myers-Lee County Library. The volunteers assist patrons with their family history research and provide help with various library tasks.
Youth Genealogy
The Lee County Genealogical Society is proud to promote the early education of family research for today's youth.
During 2003, a family history curriculum guide was developed for middle school teachers of gifted students in the Lee County School System.
In October of 2006, LCGS sponsored a Youth Heritage Fair at the historic Burroughs Home in the River District of downtown Ft. Myers overlooking the beautiful Caloosahatchee River. LCGS worked with many local organizations and individuals who partnered with us to provide young people with an opportunity to learn about their family history as well as their cultural heritage and how we connect with the world around us. This was an enriching experience for all participants, as they recognized the contributions of various cultures and understood the importance of preserving their own heritage and traditions. Activities included family history learning stations, traditional music, art, dance, food, crafts and storytelling and more in an exciting daylong event.
In 2007, LCGS piloted a Genealogy Workshop program geared towards middle school youth to learn the basics of family research. Working with the Lee County Library System sessions were held at the Ft. Myers-Lee County Library and the Lehigh Library.
In the fall of 2007, LCGS published Let's Plant a Family Tree ~ How to Start Your Genealogy Research written by member Ruth Emmel. This seventy-one page workbook is designed for young people but many research newbies find it helpful as well. Step-by-step instructions are given for discovering your roots and how to uncover the stories and events that make them and your family unique.
This hands-on workbook will help them learn the first steps in researching including:
This book is available in the LCGS MarketPlace.
In 2007 LCGS joined in partnership with The News-Press and their Newspaper In Education (NIE) program. In October of both 2007 and 2008, the Society designed an activity section for the EdVenture page to celebrate Family History Month to assist in bringing genealogy awareness to their readers.
LCGS offers basic youth oriented genealogy information on our website.
Family History Month
The Lee County Genealogical Society has been honored to received Proclamations from the Board of County Commissioners, Lee County, Florida and the City of Fort Myers, Florida recognizing October as Family History Month. The LCGS observes Family History Month annually in October in multiple ways. Genealogical displays are arranged in local libraries. At some of the libraries the display is featured in a showcase; at others the Society provides a display board and brochures designed to help the public understand the work of the Society, and how to get started tracing a family history.
LCGS also sponsors an essay contest for middle school youth in Lee County Florida’s public, private and home schools.
Operating Year: 2010
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Executive Board
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The Michigan 1810 Territorial Census Records are missing.
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The Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3), federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations, gifts, bequests and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. |
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