HCGS HISTORY

On March 10, 1982 a group met to form the Highlands County Genealogical Society (HCGS). With 27 Charter Members the first official meeting was held on September 29, 1982. HCGS now has over 61 members and is affiliated with The Florida State Genealogical Society.

A newsletter was started in 1983 and in November of 1997 was given the name "Bits and Bytes". All paid members receive the newsletter and it is sent to over 30 other societies.

HCGS collection is housed at the Lake Placid Memorial Library at 47 Park Drive, Lake Placid, FL. The collection includes a necrology file for Highlands County, the 1992 IGI on fiche, five generation notebook for past and present members and many genealogy books.

A Computer Group was organized in 1993 by the Groves. They maintained a Bulletin Board via fidonet giving local residents free access at that time. Nelson Bowers helped new members become acquainted with the Bulletin Board and held meetings to help those with problems. In fall of 1996 Sue Rood became coordinator of the Computer Group.

• To provide and exchange genealogical research information
• To collect and organize genealogical research materials
• To conduct community service genealogical projects

The Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from 2:15 - 4:15 p.m., October through May at the Sebring Public Library, 319 W. Center Avenue, Sebring, FL