The History of CCGS

Genealogy plays a major role in Mormon Church doctrine. A lack of interest in the subject among the Church of the Latter Day Saints membership in Charlotte County became apparent to the church leadership in Salt Lake City. In 1974, Elden and Frances Ashcraft were serving as missionaries for their church locally. It became their responsibility to solve this problem.

In January of 1975, Mr. and Mrs. Harley Deaton of Port Charlotte hosted a small group to listen to the message regarding the pursuit of genealogy in this Southwest Florida county as brought by the Ashcraft’s from Magalina California. After much discussion, a plan of action was determined. A seminar taught by Frances Ashcraft would be held. She was so ably prepared for the position of teacher and spokesperson for this project. Assisting her would be Sylvia Hood and Gerry Deaton. Because there was no sponsor for this venture, donations of supplies and materials and publicity and poster work were received with much gratitude and enthusiasm.

The response of Charlotte County was so great that the planned seminar evolved into weekly lessons. Over forty people appeared for the first class on April 9, 1975. Before the end of the class series, the group became so large that it had to gather at the Women’s Club on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda rather than in private homes. As the group continued to grow, the need to convene in the Punta Gorda Junior High School was apparent. The Reverend Keely Kepner was named Acting Temporary Chairman.

In the summer of 1975, the group gathered again for a presentation by Frances Ashcraft. A program in August of that year was led by Phoebe Burke. It was in October of 1975 that the group decided to name their operation the Charlotte County Genealogical Society.

Many preliminary organizational meetings were held. An organization was developed among this cohesive group. There were forty-six charter members. It was decided to make January 1976, the United States Bicentennial year, the official date to record the legal organization of the Charlotte County Genealogical Society. The first Society President was William Christian. The first Geneagram, a one-page publication, appeared in December 1975. Bylaws were approved in September of 1976. The fledgling organization was well on its way.

In 2001, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary. Many changes were made as the organization evolved into the Society we recognize today. Our organization is well established in our community, commands respect and interest and continues its healthy growth.

We are incorporated in the State of Florida and recognized as a federally tax-exempt, educational Society. We have been responsible for the preservation of many Charlotte County Records and actively participate in community events.
Our Library volunteers work to preserve genealogy books and family histories.
With education as a primary goal, the Society plans monthly meeting programs, offers various levels of classes to members and the community, hosts seminars, offers speakers for programs.
From 1997-2005, the society published an informative weekly genealogy column in the local newspaper until the paper declined to accept future articles.
The Geneagram, the society’s newsletter, continues to be a popular communication. Although it is still mailed out to a few members and several organizations, it is now primarily received online, a move well accepted by the membership.
The Society continues to offer Beginning Genealogy classes annually in January for those interested in learning the best methods how to pursue their genealogy and family history. A new class will be offered in 2010, Intermediate Genealogy for those who are more experienced in the subject.
In 2008, our Society initiated the “Road Show.” Our most popular class, Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online, is now taken to all the local libraries to benefit patrons throughout Charlotte County.
Our web site has been updated and expanded. It is now located at www.ccgsi.org. The program and domain are provided through EasyNetSites, a professional website company, but it is maintained by a member Web Liaison, the Library Chair and the Membership Chair.
In late 2009 a new series of classes was offered, "Classes on Demand COD."