Genealogy-related live webinars are being presented monthly by various organizations, especially genealogical societies. Check geneawebinars.com to find topics.

Many can be viewed afterward on the websites of the host organizations. The Georgia Genealogical Society has presented monthly webinars for five years and continues to do so, the next two being May 18: “The DAR Genealogical Research System” by Stacie Newton of the Daughters of the American Revolution staff; and June 15: “The Basics of WeRelate.org” by Cynthia Theusch of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The current GGS webinars are free to all; check gagensociety.org for instructions. On the website in the members-only section are webinars presented during the past five years, along with available handouts. Sometimes, only the handout is presented, but they contain valuable information, since all the speakers are experts. This is a great addition to the GGS site and a boon for members.

Other organizations that have regular webinars include: Legacy Family Tree at familytreewebinars.com (with monthly or yearly subscriptions), the Board for Certification of Genealogists at bcgcertification.org (some are free, some only $2.99), and the Illinois State Genealogical Society has a similar setup as GGS at ilgensoc.org, with free current presentations and archived ones for members only.

It’s well worth checking out and finding time to view these webinars. The vast number available makes it like being able to attend a genealogy conference from your home.

Chinese in the deep South

Jennifer Brooks, an Auburn University professor, will speak during Asian Pacific Heritage Month on "The Chinese in the Deep South: Immigration, Labor and Empire" at the Georgia Archives Lunch and Learn at noon May 13. It's free; bring your lunch. For further information, see georgiaarchives.org or call 678-364-3710.

Sit up with the dead in Gainesville

Sitting Up With the Dead will be held from 4 p.m. until midnight May 13 at the public library in Gainesville, with the lock-up in the Sybil McRay Genealogy Room. Cost is $11 for supper and snacks. Checks to reserve are due by May 9 to Genealogy Department, Hall County Library, 127 Main St. N.W., Gainesville, GA 30501. Call Ronda at 770-532-3311, Ext. 116, for information or go to hallcountylibrary.org.