Genealogy lecture set at Moultrie-Colquitt County Library

MOULTRIE — The opening lecture for the newly-renovated Odom Genealogical Library will feature one of southwest Georgia’s leading genealogists later this week.

Melody Porter will present a two-hour lecture entitled “Census First” beginning at 2 p.m. on Jan. 26. The lecture will be held in the auditorium of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, located at 204 Fifth St. Southeast in Moultrie.

“‘Census First’ is for all audience levels, beginners to advanced,” a news release on the event said. “The census is the easiest and best place to start or restart a genealogy search. The census is a timeline to our ancestors, and we often overlook information provided beyond names, places and ages.

“This class will help you take the time to read all the columns on each census and the census-takers’ notes and learn what they mean. (The first hour) is Census 1790-1870 and (the second hour) is Census 1880-1940.”

Those attending the lecture are also invited to explore the newly-renovated library, especially the Odom Library. The lecture is sponsored by the John Benning chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

The lecture is free, but pre-registration is requested. Those interested are asked to register for the lecture or send questions to [email protected].

Porter has been involved in genealogy since 2004. She has attended The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University and the volunteer genealogist class at the headquarters for DAR in Washington, D.C. The past secretary of the Florida State Genealogical Society, she was presented the FSGS Distinguished Service Award in 2006.

Porter is a current member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, National Genealogical Society and treasurer/seminar chair for the Tallahassee Genealogical Society. Her lineage societies include United Daughters of the Confederacy, Mayflower Society and the Thomasville chapter of NSDAR, of which she served as past regent and is now registrar. She also currently serves as the Georgia DAR registrar.

For additional information about DAR and its programs, email [email protected]. Members of the John Benning chapter will be available at the lecture for those interested in tracing their lineage to an American Revolutionary War patriot and becoming a member of DAR.

Jennifer Parks