We meet first Wednesdays, Sept. thru Dec. and Feb. thru June
Members will receive meeting information via email before the event.
Non-members may email president@pgcgs.org to receive an invitation
The Story of the Amazing, Shrinking Colony & State of Maryland
by Arthur Malestein, historian and history re-enactor
Augustijn Herman; picture, Wikimedia Commons
Wednesday, October 7, 7 to 9 pm at PGCGS Library, 12219 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie, MD 20715
Why is Augustijn Herman pictured when the talk is about boundaries?? Come join us in person to meet Augustijn "in person" and learn the answer.
Genealogists need to understand changing and disputed borders, since the records they are looking for may be in a different jurisdiction than they expect. Arthur Malestein's presentation covers the original land grant by Charles I to George Calvert in 1632 and the disputes between Maryland (the Calvert Barons of Baltimore) with other colonies: the Dutch, New York (yes, New York!), Virginia and especially Pennsylvania (the Penns). He talks about the impact of the loss of parts of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties for the new federal city and capitol. His talk concludes in 1833 when the Eastern Shore almost became part of Delaware. Arthur has a BA in History from the University of Delaware and is a 17th and 18th century historic re-enactor. He will appear as Augustijn Herman, the 17th Century New Netherlands merchant and diplomat, and later Lord of Bohemia Manor in Cecil County. His presentation includes his 167map of the Chesapeake region, which was commissioned in 1660 by Philip Calvert in exchange for his land grant. You'll want to attend in person if at all possible.
There will be a virtual option so our non-local members may attend. The meeting link will be sent a day or so before the meeting.
Image from Wikimedia by T. Le Berre, creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Ever Use a Timeline? If Not, Why Not
by Sharon Hodges
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 7 to 9 pm, virtual only
This talk by Sharon Hodges may help you understand more about your ancestors and even answer some questions.We are told to place our ancestors in their historical, social, and economic background. Creating a timeline of an ancestor’s life, makes it is easy to see facts, relationships, what information is missing and maybe even where you should look next.
For about 30 years, Sharon Hodges has been a professional genealogist, author, and teacher, having lectured in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. She is a past grader for the National Genealogical Society Home Study Course and a graduate of National Institute for Genealogical Research. Sharon is a member of numerous local and national genealogical societies, past Secretary and Awards Chair of the Virginia Genealogical Society, and Past President of the Mt. Vernon Genealogical Society in Alexandria, VA.
This meeting will be presented virtually only. The meeting link will be sent a day or so before the meeting.