Welcome to the Kentucky Genealogical Society

Janice Lovelace's grandfather worked for the railroad, as did many men in the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn how to discover which companies your ancestor worked for, what type of job he had, and where he worked. This presentation will focus on railroad companies and how to access their records, including pensions. Learn more about the program and the presenter.

This presentation will be live only. There will be no recording archived for later viewing.

The program is free and open to the public.
Register here.

Now Available On-Demand for Members:

The Calamity of the 1890 Federal Census

with Cynthia Maharrey

This program, presented virtually on Saturday, April 10, covers the where, when, and how of the 1890 Federal Census records loss; the outcomes of that loss; and alternative sources for finding information usually found in census records. Sign in to get program/presenter details plus links to the recorded program and handout.

Now Online:

Spring 2021

Featuring the winners of this year’s Digitization Grants; a new website on the way; Family Heirlooms Show & Tell; "Who were the parents of Angeline, wife of Thomas Carroll Mitchell?” – and more. Sign in for access to this issue and all issues published since 1974.

"Discovering Your Bluegrass Roots"

Recordings of all eight KGS Seminar 2020 presentations are available on demand.

1. Tracing Your Kentucky Roots with Peggy Lauritzen

2. Researching at the County and Local Levels in Kentucky with Dave Schroeder

3. Using Maps in Genealogy with Katherine R. Willson

4. Kentucky Genealogy Brick Wall Brainstorm

5. Ten Things a Genealogist Should Do Before Leaving a Library or Archive in Kentucky with Melissa Barker

6. LGBTQ Genealogy with Stewart Traiman

7. Discovering African Americans in Kentucky Records Prior to 1870 with Cynthia Maharrey

8. Strategies to Analyze Endogamous DNA with Alec Ferretti

Purchase access to all eight sessions:

Members $20

Non-Members $30

KGS Mission Statement

To foster excellence in genealogy through educational programs and projects that preserve, produce, and disseminate knowledge of genealogical or historical value.

To bring together persons who are interested in genealogy or family history, and to promote fellowship and networking.

To encourage the preservation and availability of records essential to genealogical and historical research.

KGS Diversity Statement

KGS is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all Kentuckians and Kentucky genealogical researchers. We strive to offer a wide array of topics that support the varied Kentuckian experience and highlight the kaleidoscope of humans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or immigration path that have called Kentucky home since before its statehood in 1792. We welcome the incredible opportunity to learn and grow together in our pursuit of genealogical education and preservation.

Kentucky Genealogical Society

PO Box 153

Frankfort, Kentucky 40602

info@kygs.org

Last Updated 13 April 2021

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Member Benefit: Researching the Movements of African Americans, 1875-1900s

African-American history and genealogy specialist Tim Pinnick presents strategies for using newspapers and other sources to identify and understand the similarities and differences between the movement of African Americans and other Americans. Recorded 13 Feb. 2021. On-demand video and handout are available to members through the Member Portal.

Member Benefit: How to Go Beyond the Usual Websites for Irish Genealogical Research

Presenter David Rencher, head of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and chief genealogical officer for FamilySearch.org, offers a wealth of resources for identifying and learning about your Irish ancestors. Recorded March 13, 2021. On-demand video and handout available to members through the Member Portal.

Member Benefit: Heritage Travel with Kathy Wurth

Presenter Kathy Wurth, founder of Family Tree Tours, shares insights to help you prepare for a trip to the homeplace of your ancestors. On-demand video and handout available to members through the Member Portal.

Invitation to Get Involved

We are a completely volunteer driven organization. We operate completely on the kindness of the volunteers in our community. Become a volunteer today. Send a brief email to president@kygs.org with the talents or strengths you have and we'll connect you to one of our volunteer opportunities.