Our Story
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 Ashcrafts 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 2011, we are celebrating our 35th anniversary. Many improvements 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, and offers speakers for programs.
• The Geneagram, the society’s newsletter, continues to be a popular communication. Members receive the newsletter by email, with printed copies sent to libraries and other research facilities.
• The Society continues to offer Beginning Genealogy classes in January for those interested in learning the best methods to pursue their genealogy and family history. A class in Intermediate Genealogy is offered on an as-needed basis for those with more experience in the subject.
• A range of very popular genealogy classes are presented at local libraries from September through April to benefit patrons throughout Charlotte County.
• Classes on basic computer topics are offered to assist those just developing their computer skills, a necessity for genealogical research today.
• Our web site, www.ccgsi.org, has been updated and expanded. The program and domain are provided through EasyNetSites, a professional website company. The website is maintained by the our members.
