October is Family History Month, and the Indian River Genealogical Society will celebrate with a presentation titled The Tombstone Just Said “Wife of…” by professional genealogist Jack Butler.  In addition to being an experienced speaker and former college instructor, Mr. Butler is a Past President of the Florida Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists and contributor to numerous genealogical society quarterlies.   He specializes in research in the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries.

The IRGS will meet Tuesday, October 8^th at 9:30 AM in the large, first floor conference room of the Indian River County Main Library.  Following a brief business session and refreshments, the program will begin about 10:30.  This and all IRGS general meetings are free and open to the public.

In describing the program’s inspiration, Mr. Butler has written, “The title came from a woman’s grave marker that I once came across in a family plot.  There was no name—it just said ‘Wife of …’ whatever the husband’s name was.  Women make up half of our genealogy, but because of things like this stone, it is often a hidden half.  This lecture addresses a wide variety of records that often contain information about female ancestors, along with how to find them.”

For more information about this meeting, please call (772) 492-4012.  To Learn more about membership in the IRGS and to access the newsletter, please check the website http://www.irgs.org.