Meetings

Past Programs

Programs are recorded and available upon request.
To receive a link, email Diane Holden at gpcmgs@gmail.com
and include the date and topic discussed.

Mar 7, 2026 - Using AI in Photos and Sharing Stories

GPCMGS member, Lois Knight, explained how she uses AI to help identify people, places, and things in old photographs. GPCMGS members Stephen and Star Pelsue led a discussion on our ongoing efforts to write our ancestors' stories. Many members shared what they have accomplished. 

Feb 7, 2026 - First Draft Family Sketches

GPCMGS member, Margaret Perkins, gave an informative and moving presentation on the strategy she uses to write about her ancestors. She read two short biographical sketches on her father and another family member. 

Jan 3, 2026 - Beyond The Branches: Structuring Your Family Story With AI

This presentation was created by GPCMGS members, Star and Stephen Pelsue, and presented by Stephen. He discussed AI prompts to go from research to writing. Along the way, members of the group added to the discussion, giving their experiences with using AI for family history. 

November 8, 2025 - Tales from the Annals of a Maine Family
Dana Murch presented his research on the Murch family across generations. He showcased unique stories he found and records groups he used in his research.

October 4, 2025 - FamilySearch

Allison DePrey Singleton, Genealogy Services Manager of the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, IN, was seen in a video discussing how to maximize our genealogy research on the free website, FamilySearch.org

September 13, 2025 - Field Trip to the North Yarmouth Historical Society

June 7, 2025 - The Importance of Visiting Ancestral Places

Members discussed how to plan an ancestral/heritage trip and what they learned from the ones already taken.

May 3, 2025 - Genealogy In A Town Historical Society

GPCMGS member, David Farnham, gave an informative presentation on the types of materials that can be found at the Falmouth Historical Society, where he serves as president.  He also explained the role of a historical society in the community and the different groups of residents, businesses, and government offices that rely on the information it houses. 

April 5, 2025 - Scrapbooking (and more) Your Genealogy

Diane Holden explained how she uses scrapbooking to organize and keep her genealogy research.  Margaret Perkins presented her binder research and how she writes her ancestors' life stories. And Lois Knight explained how she researches and organizes her work at the Stockholm Historical Society.  All three women brought examples of their work, which is very impressive. 

March 1, 2025 - Introduction to Military Research

Michael Strauss presented a talk on researching your ancestors in military records. He covered how to search many record groups and how to obtain military records.