Society Meetings
Our meeting programs feature guest lecturers, workshops, seminars, roundtable discussions and the opportunity to network with others sharing the same interests. Visitors with an interest in Jewish genealogy are always welcome. Meetings are held from September to June, normally on the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 1:30 PM. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the offices of Gulf Coast Family and Community Services in Clearwater.
Next Meeting: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
Get the most out of FamilySearch.org
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay will meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Largo Public Library’s Genealogy Center to learn more about FamilySearch.org, the genealogy search platform operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Pinellas Genealogy Society Center in the library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library offering access to more records than you can access at home.
Pinellas Genealogical Society President Lori Coffey will talk about FamilySearch.org, the free, crowd-sourced genealogy platform that allows you to build your family tree and search billions of historical records. Using the six computers at the library or your personal laptop, participants can start by creating a free account and your personal tree with living relatives. Personal trees are private and cannot be seen by anyone else. Once you add a deceased ancestor, the tree will automatically link you into the one world tree where often dozens of ancestors will appear. Coffey will also talk about searching for records including using the platform’s Full Text Search.
Coffey has spent 50 years researching her family tree and is a lifetime member and avid volunteer of the Pinellas Genealogy Society, serving as its president.
• Date: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
• Time: 1 p.m
• Place: Pinellas Genealogy Society Center at
Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo, Fl.
• Program: “Get the most out of FamilySearch”
• Speaker: Lori Coffey, Pinellas Genealogy Society president
• NOTE: Please note special time and location
The center has 6 computers, so you may want to bring your
own laptop
Dues through 2026 are $25 for single members and $35 for couples/families and can be paid through our Dues Payment Page. Membership application can be found at https://www.jgstb.org/membership-application. For specific questions please contact Bruce Hadburg at 727-796-7981, or email him at 6bhadburg@tampabay.rr.com. For more information about the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay, go to https://www.jgstb.org/.
For specific questions please contact Bruce Hadburg at 727-796-7981, or email him at bhadburg@tampabay.rr.com. For more information about the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay, go to https://www.jgstb.org/.
Many families that Gulf Coast JFCS serve struggle to provide food for themselves and their children. The Gulf Coast JFCS William and Sally Israel Food Pantry supports families and individuals in need including through our Family Reunification Services program. Your support ensures program counselors and coordinators can access healthy food items for families experiencing food insecurity. Removing worry about food shortages allows families to focus on other vital building blocks for healthy families. Please consider supporting those in need by donating debit cards or cash to Gulf Coast JFCS in person or through their website or through its// Amazon store.
July, August - Summer break
September - At Largo Library genealogy center: FamilySearch.org
October - TBA
November - Ask an Expert/break down brick walls
December - Holiday party, members' success stories