FGS Program for July 21st, 2007

The Florida Genealogical Society (Tampa) is pleased to announce the upcoming program for July 2007 at the John F. Germany Library at 900 N. Ashley Drive in Downtown Tampa.

The guest speakers will be Noreta Wells and Sarah “Sally” Miller, who will present a program about “An Overview of the DAR and a Discussion of the Contents of the DAR Library in Washington, DC.” Both Noreta and Sally are experts in Revolutionary War Patriot research, and they each have intimate knowledge of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution (NSDAR) Library at 1776 D Street, NW, in Washington, DC 2006. Both Noreta and Sally are DAR members and have assisted others in researching and documenting their American Revolutionary War ancestors to facilitate joining he DAR.

Noreta and Sally will discuss the background of the NSDAR and will address the venerable NSDAR Library, its contents, resources that are available in our own local libraries in both Tampa and Largo, and answer any questions you may have about the DAR. They can also direct male descendants of Revolutionary War ancestors and patriots to the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) contacts that they have.

This is an exciting program for FGS Members and visitors from other societies. Noreta and Sally are extraordinarily helpful and will help clarify any mystery that you have about the NSDAR!

In the afternoon, there will be a special interest group meeting in the Ceta Rodgers Armitage Room on the second floor of the West Wing of the library (in the Genealogy and Local History Department) to discuss Southern Research. In addition, FGS plans to have a society member on duty for the "Ask a Genealogist" program to assist patrons with getting started with their genealogical research or with trying to crack through their "brickwall"
research problems.

Admission to the meeting is free.

Jill Noblit MacGregor Presents Fascinating Program

If you missed our meeting on 16 June 2007, you missed a terrific program presented by Jill Noblit MacGregor (right). Jill is is a native Floridian and third generation native of Tarpon Springs the great grand-daughter of Tarpon Springs Pioneer Granville Edwin (G.E.) Noblit, Sr., originally of Brockwayville, PA.

Jill is the author of a recent book, Once Upon A Bayou, a historical biography featuring the life and legacy of her great-grandfather, Noblit, Sr. during the formative years of Tarpon Springs history and the birth of Pinellas County, of which, Noblit Sr., dubbed the "Daddy of Pinellas," played a key role in their beginnings.

One of the goals of our society's programs is to highlight local people, events, and history. Pinellas County was a part of Hillsborough County until 1911.

Free Genealogy Classes at John F. Germany Library

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System offers free genealogy classes. The following classes are being offered at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa on the dates indicated below.

• 6/23 - Introduction to Genealogy
• 7/14 - Genealogy Sources
• 7/28 - Census Records

The classes will be held in the Computer Lab at the library. Attendance is open to the public. For more information, please contact Melissa Shimkus, Reference Librarian of the History and Genealogy Department, at (813) 273-3652.

Reminder of the FGS Program for Saturday, June 16th!

Jill Noblit MacGregor

Jill Noblit MacGregor is a native Floridian and third generation native of Tarpon Springs the great grand-daughter of Tarpon Springs Pioneer Granville Edwin (G.E.) Noblit, Sr., originally of Brockwayville, PA. Born and raised in the bayou city of Tarpon Springs, MacGregor's love of history and her local heritage runs deep. Primarily a published author of poetry, featured in store gift books and magazines, Jill has written and performed local plays/musicals and performs The National Anthem for featured Bay area sports events. Her recent book publication of, Once Upon A Bayou, is a historical biography featuring the life and legacy of her great-grandfather, Noblit, Sr. during the formative years of Tarpon Springs history and the birth of Pinellas County, of which, Noblit Sr., dubbed the "Daddy of Pinellas," played a key role in their beginnings. Jill is currently working on another historical biography featuring the inspiration account of a local survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945. MacGregor considers herself blessed to have grown up in an area so rich in history and diversity, an area that is a constant source of inspiration for her music and writing.

Ms. MacGregor will present a program at out June 16th meeting about her Noblit ancestors of Tarpon Springs, Florida -- a real insight into this area of Florida, her ancestors, and the writing of this great new book. You won't want to miss this presentation!