Learn practical steps to start a genealogy society and turn family records into readable stories. Executive Director Lillian Wingate (Thomasville Genealogical Library) shares how she founded the Bulloch County Genealogical Society, kept members engaged through Zoom, and why photos, signatures, and collateral lines can unlock new discoveries.

We also talk immigration through Ellis Island, Jewish heritage in Detroit, and a surprising Motown connection.

What you’ll learn

• How to organize and grow a local genealogy society (even if one doesn’t exist yet)

• Easy interview prompts for relatives and why nicknames matter

• Writing tips: choose a clear start/end, keep it readable, include images and signatures

• Why collateral research (aunts, uncles, cousins) breaks brick walls

• Favorite tools mentioned: Storied, Find a Grave, BillionGraves
  

About our guestLillian Wingate is a Boston University–trained genealogist specializing in Georgia research, Executive Director at the Thomasville Genealogical Library, and founder of the Bulloch County Genealogical Society.

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