March 2019 Chapter Meeting
2019-03-24 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
Chapter member Jeff Castle will discuss the different forms of research that make up the exciting field of forensic genealogy. From missing heirs to military repatriation to unknown parentage and more, forensic genealogy utilizes traditional genealogical research skills in many different legal applications.

April 2019 Chapter Meeting
2019-04-28 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
The program for our April meeting by Chapter member Pat Kruger will be “Part I: Census Puzzle 1790 – 1890: Do You Have All the Pieces?” This is the first of two parts that will look deep into the Census Population Schedules to help you find clues for further research and identify sources to help you understand what doesn’t seem to make sense. Focusing on the first hundred years (1790 – 1890), this session will review census changes and discuss what categories, questions AND answers might really mean? It will look at the early schedules that can be so hard to use and highlight some of the details hiding within.
This is not Census 101. We will get into the details. We will talk about the meaning of blank columns (yes, sometimes they mean something), the differences between ‘x’ and ‘=’ as answers, and even explore why your deceased ancestor might not be in the mortality schedule. It’s census details only a genealogist could love, and a bureaucrat could create.
Pat’s “Part II: Census Puzzle 1900 – 1940: Do You Have All the Pieces?” will be held TUESDAY evening, May 14 at 6 PM – Main Library (CCPL), Room B, and will focus on 1900 – 1940 when the details and hidden meanings really get interesting.

Part II: Census Puzzle 1900 - 1940
2019-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Chas County Main Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
“Part II: Census Puzzle 1900 – 1940: Do You Have All the Pieces?” is the second of two presentations by Chapter member Pat Kruger that will look deep into the Census Population Schedules to help you find clues for further research and identify sources to help you understand what doesn’t seem to make sense. This is not Census 101. It’s census details only a genealogist could love, and a bureaucrat could create.

May 2019 Chapter Metting
2019-05-19 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States

September 2019 Chapter Meeting
2019-09-15 14:30 - 16:30 | Chas County Main Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
Our presenter for September will be DR. NIC BUTLER whose presentations are always fascinating and entertaining. The topic is still being finalized, so please back check for updates. For those of you who are new to the area, Dr. Butler is Historian for the Charleston County Public Library and has worked as Archivist of the SC Historical Society, as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Charleston, and as an historical consultant for the City of Charleston.
Please note the VENUE CHANGE as this meeting will be at the Charleston County Main Library and will be open to the public.

SCGS State Conference
2019-10-11 - 2019-10-12 | CAMBRiA Hotel, 84 Ripley Point Dr, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
The annual SCGS State Conference will be in Charleston this year – two days of genealogy, history, and fun in the Lowcountry!
Friday, Oct. 11:
3:00pm – 7:30pm – Conference check-in at the new CAMBRiA Hotel.
7:30pm – 9:00pm – Opening session at the hotel – speaker, Grahame Long, Curator of history at the Charleston Museum.
Saturday, Oct. 12:
9:00am – 3:00pm – Charleston SC Family History Center Annual Workshop.
3:00pm – 4:30pm – SCGS Annual Meeting right after the FHC Workshop.
Registration: $35 (details forthcoming – includes all costs for FHC Workshop).
Click Here to learn more about the FHC workshop.
Host Hotel:
CAMBRiA Hotel, 84 Ripley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 766-4322
Click Here to book your room NOW!

October 2019 Chapter Meeting
2019-10-20 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
Our October meeting will be a great SHARE-ATHON where we’ll divide up into smaller groups to discuss genealogical areas of interest and research opportunities around the United States. We’ve been canvasing our members about their wants and needs, so topics will be tailored to those of most interest. It should be a fun afternoon of sharing and learning.
Be sure to bring info that will help others with how to best conduct research in a particular state or region.

November 2019 Chapter Meeting
2019-11-17 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
Our presenter for November will be Jeff W. Grigg, author of “The Combahee River Raid: Harriet Tubman & Lowcountry Liberation” who will discuss the true story behind this Civil War raid in the South Carolina Lowcountry. In an attempt to remedy the Union Army’s inability to adequately fill its black regiments, Colonel James Montgomery led an 1863 raid up the Combahee River with the aid of famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The remarkable effort successfully rescued about 750 enslaved men, women, and children. Only one soldier was killed in the action, which marked a strategy shift in the war that took the fight to civilians.

December 2019 Chapter Meeting
2019-12-15 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
December is our annual “Show and Tell” holidays get-together. We invite chapter members to talk about genealogy-related “news” from the year – there’s always lots of tasty goodies too! Come join us and learn a bit more about what’s been happening with our members.
If you would like to present at this meeting, let Karolea Lucas know.

January 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-01-19 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
“Looking Around Us – A Tour of the Masonic Lodge” presented by Tom Lewis will be an informative tour of the place where we routinely meet.

February 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-02-16 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
“The Mayflower Society and How to Prove Your Lineage” presented by Bonnie Wade-Mucia.

** Chapter Meeting Cancelled **
2020-03-22 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
The March meeting has been cancelled because of virus concerns. We will try to reschedule Dr. Ellison’s presentation.

April 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-04-19 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
PLEASE NOTE – due to COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the City of Charleston, our April meeting is on hold. Please check our calendar once the restrictions are lifted.

May 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-05-17 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
Chapter member Harriet Little will be discussing her recently released book “Richardson-Sinkler Connections: Planting, Politics, Horses, and Family Life, 1769-1853”

September 2020 Chapter Meetings
2020-09-20 14:30 - 16:30 | SC
“Slave Traders in the Family: Discovering my Roots” – a Zoom presentation by Chapter member Margaret Seidler. Please contact us if you would like to participate.
For 65 years, Margaret has believed her descendants were poor German immigrants living in Charleston’s Eastside from the 1850s. Then, she discovers much deeper Charleston roots, three additional generations, and a VERY different narrative. In truth, her family plays a large role in the slave trade business spanning more than 90 years. Like never before, Margaret’s family research shines a bright light on Charleston’s domestic slave trade business. Her 4th great-grandfather, William Payne, makes an entire career on Broad Street, brokering the sale of local enslaved people. Slave trading was big business both in her family and across all of Charleston. Margaret has two hopes as she reveals this groundbreaking research: first, telling a more complete history of Charleston’s business system and, second, offering a portal for African Americans to trace their enslaved ancestors from more than 1100 newspaper ads.

October 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-10-18 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
“DNA Basics” – a Zoom presentation by Chapter member Nina Bruhns. Please CONTACT US if you would like to participate.

November 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-11-15 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
“Holiday Projects” – a Zoom presentation by Chapter member Lynn Baker. Please CONTACT US if you would like to participate.
Lynn will share ideas for creating genealogy related projects that are suitable as holiday gifts and/or holiday entertainment.

December 2020 Chapter Meeting
2020-12-20 14:30 - 16:30 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
December is our annual “Show and Tell” holidays get-together where we invite chapter members to talk about genealogy-related “news” from the year. This year we’ll share the news virtually via Zoom. Please CONTACT US if you aren’t a member and would like to participate.
Chapter members who want to present at this meeting should contact Karolea Lucas.

January 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-01-17 14:30 - 16:00 | SC
“Ancestry Deep Dive” – a Zoom presentation by Chapter member Lynn Baker – will review some of the principles of using Ancestry.com, then dive into some of the new features or changes in Thrulines, StoryScout, Card Catalog and Hints. Also time will be spent on some approaches to handle hints.
Please CONTACT US if you would like to participate.

February 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-02-21 14:30 - 16:00 | SC
“How to Find Old Maps for Free” – Part 1 of webinar by Lisa Louise Cook: How to Find Old Maps for Free at the DavidRumsey.com. Please CONTACT US if you would like to participate in this Zoom meeting.

March 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-03-21 14:30 - 16:00 | SC
“How to Find Old Maps for Free” – Part 2 of webinar by Lisa Louise Cook: How to Find Old Maps for Free at the DavidRumsey.com. Please CONTACT US if you would like to participate in this Zoom meeting.

April 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-04-18 14:30 - 16:00 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
CHANGE IN PRESENTATION (due to COVID restrictions)
“Searching Scotland’s Statutory Registers” – a Zoom presentation by Chapter member Charlie Black about the Statutory Registers that came into use in 1855. The registers are digitally available through FamilySearch but are somewhat cumbersome to use, so Charlie will provide a few tips for using them more efficiently. Please CONTACT US if would like to participate in this Zoom meeting but are not yet a Chapter member.

May 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-05-16 14:30 - 16:00 | SC
Larry Koger, author of “Black Slaveowners: Free Black Slave Masters in South Carolina, 1790-1860” will be our speaker for the May Chapter meeting. We can expect his presentation “Black Masters: The Misunderstood Slaveowners” to be quite informative. Please CONTACT US if would like to participate in this Zoom meeting but are not yet a Chapter member.
Afro-American slaveowners are misunderstood masters by the lay audience and even among many scholars. Yet they existed in small to modest numbers throughout the south and parts of the north. Many of these individuals purchased family members with the hope of protecting them from the stigma of chattel slavery and attempted to emancipate them. In South Carolina, many black masters were slaveowners for profit. They exploited the labor of their human chattel to work on their plantations, farms, and commercial businesses just like their white counterparts. Some of these individuals knew the yoke of bondage as they were enslaved but chose to enslave their own race. A few actually immigrated from West Africa as free people of color and transported African slaves into South Carolina to work their newly acquired plantations. The history of slavery in antebellum South Carolina is neither black nor white. It is written in many shades of grey where Afro-Americans played a small, yet significant role in the peculiar institution.

September 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-09-19 14:30 - 16:00 | SC
An Introduction to DNA Clustering, presented by chapter member Nina Bruhns
Do you have a brick wall you can’t get past? Or perhaps you are searching for an unknown parent or grandparent due to adoption or an NPE? Using DNA is an awesome way to help you uncover new information that can aid in your quest to fill in those gaps and unknown ancestors. One of the very best tools available to sort out all those zillions of DNA matches is known as clustering. With clustering you can quickly and easily identify groups of matches who all share a common ancestral couple, and sometimes even a single ancestor, thus focusing your search to the matches that are most relevant. It is also the first step to take when starting a DNA chromosome mapping project. Join Nina’s presentation to learn about this super useful technique!
Please CONTACT US if would like to participate in this Zoom meeting but are not yet a Chapter member.

October 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-10-17 14:30 - 16:00 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
History of the Charleston Fair (now the Coastal Carolina Fair)
Our October speaker, Frank Shorter, will present a history on the Charleston Fair which has operated from 1872 to the present. The Exchange Club of Charleston is the owner and operator of the Coastal Carolina Fair. Mr Shorter is a 42 year member of the Club and will present a slide show of the fair’s history.
NOTE: This will be an “in person” presentation by Mr. Shorter at the Masonic Center but will also be available via Zoom. Please CONTACT US if you’d like to participate via Zoom but aren’t a Chapter member.

November 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-11-21 14:30 - 16:00 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
“The Wanderer” – author Erik Calonius will discuss his book about “The Wanderer” which sailed to the coast of Africa in 1858, loaded 471 Negroes on board and landed weeks later on the Georgia coast.
NOTE: This will be an “in person” presentation by Mr. Calonius at the Masonic Center but will also be available via Zoom. Please CONTACT US if you’d like to participate via Zoom but aren’t a Chapter member.

December 2021 Chapter Meeting
2021-12-19 14:30 - 16:00 | The Masonic Center, 1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, 29407, United States
December is our annual “Show and Tell” holidays get-together. We invite chapter members to talk about genealogy-related “news” from the year. Come join us and learn a bit more about what’s been happening with our members.
If you would like to present at this meeting, please let Doreen Larimer (dlarimer “at” comcast.net) know.

January 2022 Chapter Meeting
2022-01-16 14:30 - 16:00 | virtual via Zoom
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this month’s chapter meeting will be a Zoom presentation. Chapter member Charlie Black will review several recent changes to the FamilySearch website search tools that were implemented in 2021. Charlie is a long time volunteer at the local Family History Center and has devoted considerable time to understanding the “ins and outs” of finding records on the FamilySearch website.
Please CONTACT US if you would like to participate via Zoom but are not a Chapter member. Guests are always welcome.

February 2022 Chapter Meeting
2022-02-20 14:30 - 16:00 | virtual via Zoom
Chapter member Pat Kruger will provide us with the latest guidance concerning the 1950 US Census which will be released in April 2022. The release of a US census occurs only once every ten years, so this is an anxiously anticipated event for genealogists throughout the country.
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom (not in person). Guests are always welcome.

March 2022 Chapter Meeting
2022-03-20 14:30 - 16:00 | virtual via Zoom
Chapter member Lynn Baker will present Researching the National Archives and Records Administration
The National Archives and Records Administration (aka NARA) is the original source for most of the U.S. Government information that is available to genealogists, including federal censuses, military records and many more collections. Learn how to use the NARA databases to search for these records yourself, including some images that are not identified in the databases of the “Big Four” genealogy web services. Also learn about how many government records are still waiting to be digitized.
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom (not in person). Guests are always welcome so please CONTACT US if you are not yet a chapter member and want to participate via Zoom.
