Welcome to the Bay County Geneology Society Website

Our next meeting will be held on the
18th of April 2026 at 1:00 in the Bay County Public
Library meeting room in Panama City, Florida.

Rich Flippi  is our guest speaker. He will speak on Ancestry. Why use it to find your ancestors.

Our Mission

The Bay County Genealogical Society is dedicated to the advancement, education, and promotion of family history research and the preservation and distribution of genealogical records related to Bay County, Florida, and surrounding areas.
The Society presents 9 monthly programs (summer break for June, July and August) at which members or guest speakers make presentations on genealogy or history of timely topics of interest to our members, It hosts either an annual seminar featuring a nationally known speaker or a beginners’ workshop. The Bay County Genealogical Society is committed to promoting family history research, educating the public, and preserving and distributing genealogical records related to Bay County, Florida, and the surrounding areas.

The Society hosts nine monthly programs, with a summer break for June, July, and August. During these meetings, members or guest speakers present on genealogy or historical topics that are of interest to our members. Additionally, the Society organizes either an annual seminar featuring a nationally recognized speaker or a workshop for beginners.

Bay County Genealogical Society logo
Bay County Genealogical Society

Benefits of Membership

Join us for nine meetings each year, featuring speakers covering a wide variety of topics related to genealogy.
 
Connect with fellow area residents and visitors who share your passion for tracing family histories.
 
Benefit from our extensive resources, including over 4,000 books, 2,000 rolls of microfilm, magazines, and an online subscription to the Ancestry.com Library Edition.
 
If you choose, you can become more actively involved by joining our board or serving on one of our committees to help promote the genealogical society.
 
Stay informed with notifications about local, state, and national genealogical events, as well as access to free webinars.
 
You can take advantage of consultations with our experienced members to help you break through barriers in your research on hard-to-find ancestors.
 
 
 

Leadership

President: Joe Olgesby

1st Vice President (Programs): Beverly Neild

2nd Vice President (Membership): Suzanne Shay

Treasurer: Pattie Menchion

Recording Secretary: Sandra Scott

Corresponding Secretary: Bennie Ratfield

Archives & Library: Lorrie Canfijin

Publicity: 

Board for 2009
Vintage Bay County, Florida sign with a ship and map illustration.

History

On September 2, 1980, nineteen people interested in the pursuit of genealogy met in the Conference room of the Bay County Library and agreed to form the Genealogical Society of Bay County. A Constitution and Bylaws were adopted. Annual dues were set for individual members and for a member's spouse or other immediate family members. Officers elected at that first meeting were: Nancy Roberts as President, Barabara Winge as Secretary, and Bill Kelsey as Treasurer.

First Families of Florida

The Florida State Genealogical Society's Florida Pioneer Descendant Certificate Program honors descendants of Florida pioneers who settled in Florida prior to statehood on 3 March 1845, and Settlers & Builders of Florida who settled in Florida between 3 March 1845 and 31 Dec 1900.

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Bay County Genealogical Society

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