Welcome to SGES

The Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society (SGES) is a non-profit genealogy society in Jacksonville, FL, providing information and resources for genealogists since 1964.  Members and non-members alike are always welcome and encouraged to browse through the over 6,000 books, periodicals  and quarterlies published by other genealogical organizations.  We also have many volumes covering special subjects like Revolutionary War Soldiers, Civil War soldiers, and the Great Puritan Migration, all within the SGES library.  These resources cover the United States as well as some foreign countries.  Many family ancestry's records have also been documented and placed within our library. 

Library Hours:  Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 AM - 3 PM, except on Holidays. However, due to the COVID-19 virus, an appointment must be made at least seven days in advance by either calling 904-778-1000, or sending an email to sgesjax@att.net, so that we can control the number of people in the Library at various times. 

Monthly Meetings: Our monthly meetings are now held virtually so be sure to check our calendar for meeting links.

6215 Sauterne Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32210

Phone: 904-778-1000

or email us at sgesjax@att.net 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE  - April 2021

The newsletter for this month draws attention to the Royal Family of England and their mode of transportation.  When doing our own family research, it's sometimes worthwhile to consider how our ancestors moved about from place to place and how it affected their daily lives.

I heard stories from my father-in-law about how his father would carry the family of nine children in the cab of a logging truck.  I can't imagine how they were all packed in there.  This was the only vehicle they had due to his occupation as a logger.

As you read this bit of history about the Royal Family, it may encourage you to research the way your ancestors traveled.

Please continue to check our website frequently.  Barry does a wonderful job updating it with sites that are offering interesting webinars.

I also wanted to pass along some interesting information I learned recently regarding obituaries.  SGES receives emails regularly requesting help with genealogy research and obituaries. One inquiry was for an obituary for a man who died in Jacksonville.  Obituaries from The Jacksonville Times Union are not on line.  I reached out to their office and learned that obituaries from 1980 and earlier are housed at the Jacksonville public library.  Obituaries for deaths after 1980 can be found at "Legacy.com".

Carol Clay

President