Karen Fortin received a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. She worked at the Barbara S. Ponce Public Library in Pinellas Park, FL for 30 years before deciding to focus on genealogical research. 

Karen's passion for history and research led her to an interest in genealogy. She began volunteering with the Pinellas Genealogy Society in Largo, FL in 2012, and was the society's president from 2014-2017. Karen began providing genealogy and history presentations in 2016 and has lectured at various genealogical societies and public libraries, and for other interested organizations. One of her goals is to help people explore historical periods, places, and events so that they can better understand their ancestors and the world in which they lived. 

Published articles:
"Florida Snowbirds: From Vagabonds to Visitors." The Florida Genealogist, June 2021, pp. 6-12.

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​Member of:
Pinellas Genealogy Society
Florida State Genealogical Society
New England Historic Genealogical Society
​New York Biographical and Genealogical Society
National Genealogical Society
Association of Professional Genealogists
​Genealogical Speakers Guild

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