Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are informal group gatherings for members of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society for the purpose of sharing research techniques, data and references, and general information regarding the various topics or geographical areas. To learn more about these groups, please email us at info@capecodgenealogy.org.
Currently, there are 6 SIGs, four of which meet during the summer months:
The German Special Interest Group:
The German SIG meets at the Brewster Ladies Library, Rte 6A, Brewster, on the 1st Tuesday of the month, October through June, from 10 am to 12 noon. We also have a Facebook group. During this time of COVID, we are meeting via email and Zoom.
We welcome anyone interested in learning more about their German ancestors, the history, traditions, and customs of Germany. we research different websites and strategies in Germany, and in the United States, on how to find help in obtaining records and information. We have a five fold mission:
— To explore the political, social, and environmental conditions that existed when and where our ancestors lived, both in Germany and in America
— To understand the decisions made, the paths, trials, and tribulations our ancestors undertook to immigrate to America
— To focus on our specific German families, where they came from in greater Germany and where they went to in America, including named cities/districts, by named families, at specific time periods
— To learn of resources and techniques available to further our study of our German ancestors.
— to organize our research into a story, outline, timeline, Facebook group, blog, or other compilation to share with family, other researchers. or a greater audience.
For further information, or to be added to the invitation list for Zoom meetings, email GermanSIG@capecodgenealogy.org
The DNA Special Interest Group:
The DNA SIG usually meets at the Dennis Public Library, 5 Hall Ave, Dennis Port, on the 1st Tuesday of the month, year-round, at 1:30 PM. However, due to the coronavirus, we are currently meeting via Zoom, twelve months of the year, on the same day and time.
Members range from those just beginning their DNA research to “old hands.”
Each month, SIG leader Walter Murphy emails an agenda and registration link about one week prior to the meeting. If any CCGS member is interested in joining the meeting, or would like additional information about this SIG, please email us at DNASIG@capecodgenealogy.org
The Writer’s Special Interest Group:
This group is a forum for sharing your writing about your ancestors for either family members, personal satisfaction, and/or possible publication. Connect with fellow writers in a caring and mutual-critiquing format. New CCGS members are encouraged to join us!
For more information, or to be added to the invitation list for Zoom meetings, please contact Sherrill Baldwin at WritersSIG@capecodgenealogy.org
The Computer Special Interest Group:
With the onset of Covid-19, the Computer SIG began meeting on Zoom. Joining us on Zoom is easy and is free; all you need is a computer, tablet, or smart phone … and an invitation! If you are a CCGS member and are not on the invitation list for this SIG, send a message to ComputerUsersSIG@capecodgenealogy.org and ask to be added to the list. After the pandemic is behind us, we will resume meeting at the Dennis Public Library, but will continue with Zoom, so that we can continue to grow and support our members that do not live locally.
Have you ever been interested in places to search, ways to get organized, what to do with photos, and how to get the most out of DNA testing? How about software suggestions, back-up strategies, managing and enhancing photos, mapping your ancestors, writing their story, and studying style guides? These, and more, are the topics we delve into when we meet. We try to have a handout that will cover all the discussion points so note taking is minimized.
Join CCGS, then join us! Help us select the topics that are important to you.
The Computer SIG meets at the Dennis Public Library, 5 Hall Ave, Dennis Port, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, with the exception of July and August, from 10 AM to 12 noon.
The Irish Special Interest Group:
The Irish SIG usually meets monthly, on the 4th Monday, year round, from 10 AM to 12 noon, at the Dennis Public Library, Hall Ave, Dennis Port. During Covid-19, we are meeting virtually, at the same time, on Zoom.
Any CCGS member with an interest in Irish genealogy is most welcome to join us. We have members with lots of experience who can help those with less experience, or with a brick wall. It is a great combination! Our sessions usually include a presentation from a member on available records (either in the United States or in Ireland). We also share strategies for finding those elusive ancestors wherever they may be lurking. There is always time for good discussions during which questions are answered and experiences are shared.
Fro additional information, or to be added to our mailing list, please email IrishResearchSIG@capecodgenealogy.org
The Cape Cod Families Group:
Cape Cod Families SIG meets at the Sturgis Library, Rte 6A, in Barnstable Village on the 4th Tuesday of each month, year-round, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
This group usually meets in the research area of Sturgis Library on Main Street in Barnstable Village. There they have access to resource material and records of Cape Cod’s founding families. However, currently, with pandemic restrictions, we are unable to meet there and all group members are working independently. When Covid-19 is under control, meetings will resume on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
For further information and assistance, please email us at CapeCodFamiliesSIG@capecodgenealogy.org
