FCGS (Fairfield County Genealogy Society)
2024 Announcements/Conferences
Thursday & Friday, January 4 & 5, 2024, 10:00AM until 5:00PM
A Collaboration for a NEW book Called
Communities Hope for the Future, A New Wind is Blowing
- 10:00AM - 10:30AM Greetings - Light Refreshments in Museum (Map to Museum)
- 10:30AM - 12:30PM Morning Session at Christ Central Community Church (Next Door)
- 12:30PM - 2:00PM Break for Lunch (Local Resturant to be Decided)
- 2:00PM - 4:00PM Afternoon Session at Christ Central Community Church (Next Door)
- 4:00PM - 5:00PM Final Session (Gathering of the Thoughts of the Day)
- 5:00PM - 6:30PM Adjourn for Supper (Local Resturant to be Decided)
Excellent Overnight Accomadations
Winnsboro: Song Bird Bed & Breakfast (Map)
Blythewood: Hotels (Map)
January 18th, 2024, Noon until 1:30 PM
FCGS (Fairfield County Genealogy Society) Full Board Meeting
Jon Ward Aunt's Home, 180 E. Church Street, Ridgeway, SC 29130 (Map)
Pizza/Subs Delivered By Sarah & Geo's Pizza (Map)
FCGS board & members, please wear your FCGS polo shirt.
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 January Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
"Military Records"
This presentation will focus on basic military records that are available at the National Archives
in Washington, D.C. The records cover the old military period from the Revolutionary War to the
beginning of the 20th Century.
Saturday, 27 January, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 16 November, 2023 (Online)
Virtual Program, However Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available
Call the Adamson Library (706) 722-4073
John P. Deeben
John P. Deeben is a military archivist with the Archives in the Reference Section (RR1R), and
he has been with the National Archives and Records Adminitration in Washington, D. C., since 2003.
John provides reference assistance for old Army records, and he has lectured and written about
federal records of genealogical interest.
Thursday, 15th February 2024, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Peace on Earth Cafe
159 S Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Directions)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Perserving Black History: The Legacy of Rosenwald Schools
Presented by Dr. Ken Alston
Tuesday, 20 February, 2024, 11:00 AM EST
DiGiorgio Center, Room 114, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
FREE Event, Open to the Public, (Details of Event)
For More Information, Email
South Carolina African American Heritage Commission
2024 SCAAHC Annual Conference
Thursday, February 22, 2024 (Details) (Register)
9:00 AM – 10:25 AM Opening Address
Dr. W. Eric Emerson, Director of SCDAH
Charmaine Clowney, Chair of SCAAHC
Edwin Breeden, Coordinator of Historical Marker Program
10:30 AM – 11:55 AM Morning Breakout Panels
Genealogy, History & Historical Preservation (Auditorium)
Mr. Harris Bailey, Ms. Bernice Bennett, Ms. Lucille Burton & Ms. Bryanna McCain
Demanding Space: African Am. Women in SC During & After Reconstruction (Wachovia Rm)
Dr. Valinda Littlefield & Dr. Marcia Synnott
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:25 PM Afternoon Breakout Panels
Fort Jackson: The Gateway to World War I, World War II and Beyond (Auditorium)
Dr. Fritz Hamer & Dr. Andrew Myers
Hidden Freedom: The Maroon Communities of South Carolina (Wachovia Room)
Dr. J. Brent Morris
2:30 PM – 3:55 PM Keynote Address
A Conversation on the State of African American History in South Carolina (Auditorium)
Dr. Vernon Burton & Dr. Walter Edgar
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 February Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 24 February, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 22 February, 2024 (Online)
"A New Resource for African American Genealogical Research"
In this session, attendees will learn all the Center for Family History has to offer through its
on-site exhibitions, reference library, research area, information kiosks, Story Booth, virtual
consultations, genealogy programming, and more.
Presented by
Brian Sheffey
Brian Sheffey is the Director of the Center for Family History at the International African American
History Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. He is also the founder and host of “Genealogy
Adventures,” which he presents with Donya Williams. His research areas have focused on the U.S.
regions to the east of the Mississippi River, including the northern British American Colonies.
He has a particular expertise in researching enslaved people and enslaved communities in the
early British American colonial era.
Brian is the author of two award-winning Amazon Top 10 selling genealogy books:
Practical Genealogy: 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History and
Family Tree Workbook: 30+ Step-by-Step Worksheets to Build Your Family History.
He has been with the National Archives and Records Adminitration in Washington, D. C., since 2003.
Virtual Program, Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available, Call the Adamson Library (706) 722-4073
3-Day RootsTech Conference by FamilySearch
Thursday, February 29, 2024 Through Saturday, March 2, 2024
See Conference Details
Spartanburg Libraries
2024 March Genealogical Workshop
Friday, 8 March, 2024, 8:00 PM and Saturday, 9 March, 2024, 9:15 AM - 2:45 PM EST
Headquarters Library—Barrett Room (Map)
Registration REQUIRED (Register While Seating is Available)
"Two Day - Genealogical Research Workshop" (Details)
Keynote Speaker: Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist®
Guest Speaker: Whitney Day, International African American Museum in Charleston, SC
Topics
Breaker Boys and Spinner Girls: Child Labor Laws and their Records presented by Judy Russell
Dowered or Bound Out: Records of Widows and Orphans presented by Judy Russell
Learn about the International African American Museum in Charleston by Whitney Day
Property Rights and Wrongs: African-Americans at the Courthouse presented by Judy Russell
South Carolina Society, Sons of the American Revolution
(Other 250th Events)
"Living History Event"
Saturday, 14 March, 2024, 10:00 am - 3:00 PM EST
South Aiken High School, 232 E. Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803
The South Carolina SAR and the Henry Laurens Chapter, Aiken SC want to sponsor a
living history event at South Aiken High School that would also include elementary,
middle and High school students. This would be a historical Living History event with
period dress militia, muskets and cannons along with the “Traveling Trunks” and
presenters’ of 1700s life. The focus would be a historical teaching event with hands
on learning we also will offer hands on learning about 18th Century life in Georgia
and South Carolina.
Request to Muster
Revolutionary War period: Living history presenters/Re-enactors/Militia/Color Guard
We are asking for your help in finding groups who would like to participate in this
wonderful teaching opportunity. We will be allowed to perform demonstrations of all
kinds so just let us know your requirements. Tent flies, camp fires, black smiths,
woodworks, skins, pelts, artifacts anything that demonstrates the period life will
be allowed we just need to work out the details. I look forward to hearing from you
and any suggestions that will help us make this a successful event for the South
Aiken High School Students.
Booth?/presentation?/special requirements?/period Dress?
To Register and participate in our event or if you have any questions,
please call me at (803) 599-1654 or email me at
.
Saturday, March 16th, 2024, 10:00AM until 1:30PM
A Continued Collaboration for a NEW Book Called:
"Communities Hope for the Future, A New Wind is Blowing"
or "Winnsboro is the World!"
- 10:00AM - 10:30AM Greetings at Museum (Map to Museum)
- 10:30AM - 12:30PM Follow-up Discussions on New Book (Museum Polar)
- 12:30PM - 1:30PM Lunch (Peace on Earth Cafe)
FCGS (Fairfield County Genealogy Society) March Program
Saturday, March 16th, 2024, 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM
DNA Doesn't Lie!
Presented by
Jerlean Noble
Jerlean S. Noble is the visionary & President of the Columbia Writers Alliance, J.S. Noble Books,
and For Your Namesake Productions. Three of her latest books are in the Richland County Library
in Columbia, SC. Originally from Greenville, SC, she has made Columbia her home for the last
41 years. She is an entrepreneur with three companies: She attended Boston University, Action
for Boston Community Development, and Rutledge College.
Of the now nine books she's written, "Big Mama and Me" is still her favorite. She was
selected as contributing editor in the Writer's Net; "Anthology of Prose, Vol. 1", edited by
Gary D. Kessler, & lately published as a contributing author in the anthology,
"Poets Respond to Race", edited by Al Black and Dr. Len Lawson. Her latest 2 novels are:
"Benson's Bloodline to Freedom's Trail", published in 2021 and
"Beyond the Lies of Freedom", published in 2022.
As of October 13th, 2022, through a virtual ceremony held in Washington DC she was awarded the
International Literary Award for Historical Fiction by the African American Historic and
Genealogical Society for "Benson’s Bloodline to Freedom’s Trail". To God be All the Glory!
Jerlean S. Noble's Books are at (Amazon.com).
At Christ Central Community Church (Next to Fairfield County Museum),
235 S. Congress Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Directions)
FCGS board & members, please wear your FCGS polo shirt.
Fairfield County Genealogy Society March Board Meeting / Program
Thursday, March 21st, 2024, 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM (Lunch Afterwards)
The National Digital Newspaper Project
Presented by Laura Carter
The National Digital Newspaper Project preserves newspapers throughout South Carolina and
makes them freely available on the Library of Congress's Chronicling America website.
This website has over 20 million newspaper pages ranging from 1770-1963 from all 50 states,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Laura Carter is a Project Manager for the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP)
in the Digital Collections Department at the University of South Carolina.
Fairfield County Museum, 231 S. Congress Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180
FCGS board & members, please wear your FCGS polo shirt.
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 March Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 23 March, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 21 March, 2024 (Online)
"Roots Revealed"
In this session, attendees will learn about Townlands, Parishes and Baronies -
Understanding Land Administrative Units in Ireland
Presented by
Natalie Bodle
Natalie is a full-time professional genealogist, educator and author who undertakes ancestral
research throughout the UK and Ireland, specialising in Irish and Scots-Irish genealogy research.
She is a frequent speaker on the local, national and international circuits on Irish genealogy
topics and delivers regular genealogy courses with a focus on Irish records. A native of County
Antrim, her company Roots Revealed is based in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. She
has a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogical Studies from the University of Strathclyde,
because she has built upon many years of Irish family history research experience. Tracing Your
Family History Using Irish Newspapers and Other Printed Material has just been published, and
it is her first book for Pen and Sword. She also presented two talks at RootsTech 2024.
More information about Natalie & Roots Revealed may be found at Roots Revealed.
Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available, Call the Adamson Library (706) 722-4073.
Thursday April 4th through Sunday, April 7th, 2024
Come Celebrate Scotch-Irish History With the Gathering of the Clans!
Tartan Day South
11th Annual Highland Games & Celtic Festival
(More Details)
Saturday, April 6th, FCGS Will Have a Clan Tent (Booth), Come By & Join Us!
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Thursday, 17th April 2024, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Barn Express
215 N Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Location)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
DNA Genetic Genealogy Round Table
(Initial Meeting, Quarterly?)
Guest Participant: Phil Klugh
Thursday, April 25th, 2024, 11:30AM until 1:00PM
Fairfield County Museum (Map to Museum)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 April Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 27 April, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 25 April, 2024 (Online)
"Research Planning for the Win: Next Steps for Breaking Down a Brick Wall"
Fruitful research begins with a plan. Learn the steps and how to harness the power of thought before action.
Presented by
Diana Elder AG, AGLTM
Diana Elder AG, AGLTM, is a professional genealogist accredited in the Gulf South region of the
United States and serves as a Commissioner for The International Commission for the Accreditation
of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Diana authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide
and co-authored the companion volume, Research Like a Pro with DNA: AGenealogist’s Guide to
Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence.
She created the study group and eCourse that teach the Research Like a Pro process through videos
and learning modules. Diana and her daughter, Nicole, share research tips on their website,
(Family Locket), and host the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast.
Diana regularly teaches at genealogy conferences such as RootsTech and the National Genealogy
Society Conference. She also presents webinars and seminars to local genealogy societies across the
United States.
Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available, Call the Adamson Library (706) 722-4073.
DNA Genetic Genealogy Round Table
(Follow-up Meeting)
Thursday, May 16th, 2024, 11:30AM until 1:00PM
Fairfield County Museum (Map to Museum)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, 10:00AM until 12:00PM
"
A Continued Collaboration for a NEW Book Called:
"Communities Hope for the Future, A New Wind is Blowing"
or "Winnsboro is the World!
- 10:00AM - 10:30AM Greetings at Museum (Map to Museum)
- 10:30AM - 12:00PM Follow-up Discussions on New Book (Museum Dining Room)
- 12:00PM - 1:00PM Lunch (TBD)
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 May Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 25 May, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 23 May, 2024 (Online)
Erick Montgomery, Diane Jensen & Margie Barton
Family Search Labs, Full Text search
FamilySearch.org has recently launched a new and amazing feature called
FamilySearch Labs, Full Text search. Currently in Beta testing, it is nevertheless
available to anyone who has a free account at FamilySearch.org. Artificial
Intelligence (AI) has been applied to read the digitized images of land and probate
records that are on the FamilySearch website. Finding information recorded, but
often buried in those records, is now simple, easy, and nearly instantaneous. Areas
covered at this time are throughout the entire United States. Providing access to
other types of records is expected in the future.
Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available, Call the Adamson Library (706) 722-4073.
*** H E A D S - U P ! ! ! ***
Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, June 2, 2024
Eddie Killian Genealogist, Researcher, Library Manager, FCGS President and Webmaster
will be out of the office, but will be checking email.
Thursday, 6th June 2024, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Barn Express
215 N Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Location)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Thursday, 20th June 2024, 11:00 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Fairfield County Museum (Map to Museum)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
DNA Genetic Genealogy Round Table
(Follow-up Work Sessions)
Thursday, June 20th, 2024, 11:30AM until 1:00PM
Fairfield County Museum (Map to Museum)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
51st SCGS Summer Workshop
(Visit Website)
Friday & Saturday, July 12th & 13th, 2024
Speakers include:
Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist our Keynote Speaker for 4 presentations!
One sessions will be one of the hottest new tools in Genealogy – AI [Artificial Intelligence]!
Drew Smith, The Genealogy Guys Podcast & Genealogy Connection (Featured Speaker)
SC Department of Archives (Map)
(Event Schedule)
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
11:00AM until 11:30AM - "FCGS Full Board Meeting"
*** AFTERWARDS ***
11:30AM until 12:30PM - "DNA Genetic Genealogy Round Table"
(Follow-up Work Sessions)
Presentation: Ancestry DNA Thru Lines by Nancy Hoy
(FCGS DNA Admin. Fairfield Families Project Leader)
Fairfield County Museum (Map to Museum)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 July Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 27 July, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 25 July, 2024 (Members Online)
Register by 25 July, 2024 (Non-Members Online)
Melanie McComb
Senior Genealogist
New England Historic Genealogical Society
Throughout its history, the United States has offered several land incentives to
encourage settlement and migration westward. In this class, we will first
discuss federal bounty land warrants for military service between 1775 and 1855
and then deive more deeply into homesteading records including land entry case
files, patents, and tract books. (More Details)
Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available, Call Adamson Library (706) 722-4073.
The Foundation for East European Family History Studies
Eastern European Genealogy Conference
August 6th, 2024 through August 9th, 2024
Location: (Plaza Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah)
(Details, More Details & Register)
Thursday, 15th August 2024, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Lizard's Thicket
711 University Village Dr, Blythewood, SC 29016 (Directions)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 Annual Symposium Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 24 August, 2024, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM EST
Cheri Hudson Passey
(Featured Speaker)
Professional Genealogist, Instructor, Writer, Speaker, and
Owner of Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC.
Thursday, 19th September 2024, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Peace on Earth Cafe
159 S Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Directions)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Augusta Genealogical Society
(Non-Profit Organization Since 1979)
2024 September Virtual Genealogical Program (Details)
Saturday, 28 September, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
Register by 26 September, 2024 (Online)
"Who are These Huguenot Ancestors and How Do I Find Them"
Most people don’t think they have a Huguenot ancestor. I often find that the ancestor is hiding right in
front of their face. You just have to know where to look and how to look. The National Huguenot Society
is doing a good job of helping people find their ancestors. There are some good resources out there,
but most people don’t know what they are. Let me tell you a little bit about the Huguenots and how to
find your Huguenot ancestor.
Presented by
Janet B. Walker
Honorary President of the Hugenots Society of Georgia
and former President General of the National Society
Janet was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. Her parents, Shirley Ann Bloodworth and David Melson
Butler, were born in Macon and both of grandfathers were attorneys in Macon. She graduated from
Stratford Academy in Macon in 1975. She attended Converse College in Spartanburg, SC and graduated
from the University of Georgia in Athens with an A.B. degree in Psychology in June 1979. She did
graduate work at Mercer University in Macon.
Janet was married to high school and college sweetheart the late William “Billy” O. Walker
of Macon in August 1979. They have one adult married son with two sons, and one adult married
daughter with two daughters, all of Macon.
Janet has vast business experience as a Forest Landowner and Manager of over 6000 acres of
timber and kaolin. She is a former Support and former Lead Therapist with Severely Emotionally
Disturbed Adolescents in a Psychoeducational Program. She is a former Director of Children’s
Ministries at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church and a former retail owner.
Virtual Program, Limited In-Person Seating May Be Available, Call the Adamson Library (706) 722-4073
Saturday, October 5th & Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Saturday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Supper RSVP by Email or Call Eddie. (FCGS Sponsored)
Saturday, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM DNA Round Table Presentation (Lead by the FCGS DNA Committee)
Sunday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM FCGS Will Have a Booth/Table (Plan to Attend and Help Out)
FCGS Board & Members, Please Wear Your FCGS Polo Shirt.
We are very sorry to have to report that there is little chance of power and water being restored to
Feasterville before this weekend. Therefore, with no restrooms or water and widespread infrastructure
disruptions, we must cancel all planned activities for the Reunion. The Blair, SC and Newberry
areas were hit hard by Helene. Many will be without power and water for days to come. However, the
Feasterville properties will be open for visitors this weekend, and a few members of the Association
will be on site to greet those who want to come out or do not get this message. If you do, gas up before
hand, bring drinking water, lunch and anything you might need. We should have the port-a-potty at the
Boarding House. Please contact Ron or Eddie, if you have any questions.
Coleman Feaster Mobley Assocation
York County Library Genealogy & Family History Expo
Saturday, October 12, 2024, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Courtyard by Marriott, Fort Mill, S.C. (I-77 at Highway 160)
* 13 Sessions From Nationaly Known Speakers, Including:
* Exhibitor and Vendor
* Giveaways and Door Prizes, Including Books, DNA Testing Kits, and Free subscriptions to
Genealogy Websites & Software
* Delicious Catered Luncheon
* ALL Absolutely FREE!
Registration Begins September 7, 2024 (Website)
For Details or Questions or Register
Email: or Call (803) 203-9218
Thursday, 17th October 2024, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Peace on Earth Cafe
159 S Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Directions)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Saturday, 9th November, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (includes short break at 2:00PM)
(10x11 Flyer, 10x14 Flyer)
a DNA Genetic Genealogy Round Table Presentation
"Learn How to Be a Genetic Genealogist: Working with DNA Match Results"
Afterwards One-on-One Lab Sessions
by Kate Penney Howard (About Kate)
- Topics Include:
- Introduction to Working with DNA Match Results
- Leeds Method
- Mapping Matches
- DNA Painter Shared cM project
- WATO/Banyan DNA
- Brick wall case study
- Parent case study
231 S. Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Directions)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Thursday, 21st November, 11:30 AM
"FCGS Full Board Meeting"
Location: Barn Express
215 N Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Location)
If You Have a FCGS Polo Shirt, Please Wear It to Show Your Colors.
Friday, December 6, 2024, 4:30-6:30 PM
Fairfield County Museum Open House and Christmas Gala
231 S. Congress St., Winnsboro, SC 29180 (Map)
Jointly Sponsored by the
Fairfield County Genealogy & Historical Societies and Winnsboro Garden Clubs
Thursday, December 12th, 2024, 5:30pm until....
6th Annual Fairfield County Genealogy Society
Board, Volunteers & Friends Christmas Party
Location: Betty Carol Luffman's Home (Directions)
FCGS board & members, please wear your FCGS polo shirt.