Welcome to Pastfinders!
Welcome to the Pastfinders of South Lake County Website.
We are located in Clermont, Florida (From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions). The Cooper Memorial Library's (CML) Genealogy Room is our base of operation with monthly meetings, genealogy help sessions, computer users’ classes, Beginner Classes, and special events both in person an on Zoom.
Pastfinders mission is to educate the public on the art and science of preserving family history. Learning about your roots, where you came from, and the struggles your family made to get you where you are today can open one’s eyes to what kind of pioneers our ancestors were.
All the classes Pastfinders of South Lake County Genealogical Society conducts are open to the public, and most are free to attend. Our meetings are held from September to May. With Genchat sessoins during the summer months.
Please see the event calendar on the menu bar for more details or contact us by email at info@pastfindersslc.org for more information.
Pastfinders Presents
Creating an Ancestor Sketch
Hybrid Presentation
Thursday, November 13, 2025 05:00 PM EST
Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!
Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community.
If you are attending this event In-Person it is
held at the Cooper Memorial Library Room 108 Refreshments will be served so get
there early.
If you are attending this event Virtually you will need to Register! Once you register you will receive an email with the link to join on the day
of the meeting. Zoom starts at 4:30 PM.
for Zoom link.
Register for The Research Techniques with Pastfinders Forums!
The Research Techniques with Pastfinders Forums will assist you in developing your genealogy research skills. Pastfinders already offers an excellent three-part Family History Research Class, as well as monthly speakers and Special Interest Groups. Each session of Research Techniques with Pastfinders will focus on a genealogy tool or technique that will enhance your understanding of what can be gathered from your research. Each monthly meeting will be virtual, and will be preceded by "homework" - several videos and articles to view or read prior to the meeting. Come to each meeting ready to discuss your thoughts on the topic, and always feel welcome to share with the group the techniques and tools that have worked for you.
All Research Technique Forums begin at 7:00pm.
These meeting are offers to members of Pastfinders and Kinseekers.
FORUM Dates FORUM Topic
November 6, 2025 Research Logs and Transcription
December 4, 2025 Organization (files, software, etc.)
January 15, 2026 Source Citations
February 5, 2026 Family Group Sheets and Timelines
March 5, 2026 Ancestry Pro Tools Trees
April 2, 2026 Location Research and Census Records
May 7, 2026 DNA Overview
June 4, 2026 Genealogy Education
Your Genealogical Journey Starts Here!
Learn how to proceed with virtual Family History Classes.
Learn more about these classes and Register for the Zoom Link HERE Join these free and informative class.
PASTFINDERS HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Thursday, December 11 at 1 PM
We cordially invite all local members to join us for our Annual Pastfinders Holiday Luncheon. This inclusive event is open to both past and present members of Pastfinders, as well as members of Kinseekers and Cooper Memorial Library County Staff. Feel free to bring along your friends and family to share in the festive celebration.
Please reserve your seats for Piesanos through this link RSVP here. Parties will pay the hostess for their own meal.
Pastfinders Special Interest Groups are held on Zoom.
In order to join a group please fill out the appropriate registration page.
By doing this the SIG leader will get your response and add you to an email list.
Each month you will get a zoom link in your inbox from the group leader.
Irish SIG - Discussion group helping one another to discover more about your irish heritage.
Family Tree Maker - By Following the Companion book for FTM this class will help you understand the programs capabilities better.
British Ancestors - Discussion group looking for british ancestors records.
Family Book Creator - This is a support group for those who are already using FBC and Rebecca Shamblins "Leaving a Legacy" method to create a book. If you are siginsing up for this program you must already have knowlage of this program.
Would you be interested in hosting a special interest group!
What topic grabs you? You do not have to be an expert, just willing to share your special knowledge. We would love to have you host a SIG. Things like DNA, German, a Particiular Website Or a Research SIG would be fun.
Membership Benefits
Behind the membership wall are past presentations, handouts, society quarterly newsletters and speial discounts. Please log in to the members portal to get your discounted code for the GenealogyBank website. Please remember that presentation recordings are only archived for a limited time, which is determined by the presenter.
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