Programs and Events
Branching Out: Creating a Lasting Family Tree
presented by Nona K. Thornton, Society President
& Long-Time Genealogy Researcher
Saturday, 15 August 2026, 2p.m.
Athens-Clarke County Library, Multipurpose Room A
Every family history is a treasure — but what good is a treasure if it’s tucked away in a folder, never seen? Join us for a special program that will help you turn your painstaking research into something beautiful, shareable, and built to last.
What You’ll Learn
Nona will walk us through two methods for designing a Family Tree Chart that can be duplicated and shared with generations to come:
🖥️ The Digital Tree Perfect for those who love working on the computer. Learn how to design a tree you can save, edit, and pass along in a digital file — no smudges, no do-overs.
✍️ The Hand-Written Tree Add a personal, heirloom touch. Discover how a tree crafted in your own handwriting can turn a research project into a genuine family keepsake.
Follow along as we explore both approaches to transforming your documented family lines into something truly special. Your family will be thrilled to receive a copy!
All genealogy experience levels welcome — whether you’re just starting your first pedigree chart or you’ve been researching for decades.
🎁 Bonus Content
As an added bonus, we’ll explore how to use a pedigree chart as a research tool — a simple but powerful way to organize your search and spot the gaps in your records.
Every attendee will receive a free 15-generation pedigree chart to use in their own research!
We’ll wrap up with open discussion and Q&A, so bring your questions (and your favorite family tree tangles).
The recording of Diane Richard’s program, Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Valuable to All Southern Research, is now available until 6 September 2026 under Member Resources! Join COGS to access this excellent program recording.
Upcoming Programs
| Date | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 15 | Family tree charts – Nona Thornton | A-CCL MPR-A |
| September 19 | Heritage Room tour + research | A-CCL HR |
| October 24 | Oconee Hill Cemetery tour | Athens |
| November 21 | Holiday social, show and tell, elections | A-CCL MPR-A |
Shared Interest Groups
African American Genealogy SIG
Learn more | Meeting Registration
Saturday, 5 September 2026 | 10 a.m. – Noon
Importance of understanding maps, geographic context for genealogy, Laura Carter, genealogist extraordinaire
Saturday, 3 October 2026 | 10 a.m. – Noon
How to “See” differently, Billy Wilhite, Athens artist/painter; how artists interpret their subjects and how those approaches can help us uncover and tell our own ancestral stories.
Usual schedule: Meetings are generally held the first Saturday of the month in the Athens-Clarke Co. Library Heritage Room, Conference Room and via Zoom.
DNA for Genealogy
Learn more
Thursday, 20 August 2026 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Location change: Alps Road Presbyterian Church
380 Alps Road, Athens, GA / Room 200 / No Zoom
This will be a work session with opportunity to discuss your work with others. There is a guest Wi-Fi. Bring your laptops or devices you use for genealogy so you can research sites.
*Park in the upper parking lot to the right of the church as you are facing it. The door from that parking lot enters the 2nd floor and Room 200 is to the immediate left.
Thursday, 17 September 2026 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Usual schedule: Meetings are usually held the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. in the Athens-Clarke Co. Library Multipurpose Room C.
Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society
cogsgenealogy@gmail.com
PO Box 6403
Athens, GA 30604
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Clarke Oconee Genealogical Society
All Rights Reserved.
Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society 