news release

Join the Indian River Genealogical Society, IRGS for its free public program Researching Beyond the Death Certificate with Melissa Johnson on Tuesday, May 9 beginning at 11 AM. 

Johnson will discuss how the death of an ancestor can trigger the creation of many different records, all of which can provide valuable genealogical information on the deceased, as well as their ancestors and descendants. Learn about how to use a funeral home, cemetery, family, probate, bible, church, social security, court and land records, as well as mortality schedules, coroners’ inquests, headstones, newspapers and pensions, to uncover additional clues about your family.

Back by popular demand, the virtual program will draw from Johnson’s expertise on forensic genealogy research, including locating missing heirs and providing due diligence in cases with legal implications. She has worked with law firms, administrators of estates, and government agencies on estate, title, mineral rights and other legal matters throughout the United States. She holds a certificate from the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) Institute.  Experienced in planning, writing and editing various genealogical works, including family histories, biographies, narratives, memoirs and articles, Johnson has worked with authors to weave historical context into genealogical and biographical information to develop written materials for scholarly and private publications. She is the Reviews Editor of the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly (APGQ); editor of the GSNJ Newsletter, a publication of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey; and former editor of NGS Monthly.

Pre-registration through the Zoom link  is required. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc-2trjMoGtQVWrsXaFtdprY6TDKEArMdhttps://us0

Monthly socials are held outdoors at the Pole Barn located at the IRSC Mueller Campus, Laura Riding Jackson Historic House next on Saturday May 6 at 11 AM. 

The IRGS monthly programs will break for summer following the May meeting and resume in September. Membership information, resources, volunteer opportunities and many areas of special interest may be found the IRGS website: www.irgs.org