Searching Your Genealogy
Description
Have you watched Ancestry.com commercials and thought, “I want to do that”? Have you asked questions and made notes about your family, and now feel ready to take the next step? Would you like to know what genealogical research involves and how to start? Would you like a computer program to help you keep your information organized? Genealogy is neither as easy as the commercials and TV programs make it sound nor as complicated as it used to be. Take the first step—come to this class and find out if this is the hobby for you.
Wednesday, May 8, 6-8pm
Nordia House
So You Found Them in the Census: That's Only the Start!
Finding family members in the census is the best first step when you begin research. When most people find someone in the census, however, they probably write down some (or maybe all?) of the data from the page but give little thought to how that information can lead them further in their research. In this class we'll follow some of the many directions the census can take you.
Wednesday, June 12, 6-8pm
Nordia House
Vital Records and the Calendar Change of 1752
Learn about the wealth of information found in birth, marriage, and death records. Learn how to obtain vital records created at the various levels of the U.S. government: federal, state, county, and town. There will be also a discussion of the calendar change of 1752 (and similar changes in other countries) and how it affects genealogical research.
Wednesday, July 10, 6-8pm
Nordia House
Using Online Newspapers for Genealogical Research
Newspapers are valuable in genealogical research because you can find information about births, marriages, deaths, moves, business, naturalizations, court cases, and more. Millions of pages of the world's newspapers are now accessible online, but there is no one place to find them all. This class provides an overview of what is available online and techniques to help improve your chances of finding information about your relatives.
Wednesday, August 14, 6-8pm
Nordia House
Immigration and Naturalization
When researching an immigrant ancestor, finding information here in the U.S. is the necessary first step. This class identifies resources and provides tools and strategies to help you make the leap to the “old country.”
Wednesday, September 11, 6-8pm
Nordia House
Citing Your Sources in Genealogical Research
Do you struggle with source citations? There is a bewildering assortment of citation rules, correct forms, and varying approaches. Do you have issues with consistency? Why should you even bother with citations? This class will shed light on these and other genealogy source citation topics and provide online resources to assist you.
Meet your instructor, Janice Sellers
Janice M. Sellers is related to actor Peter Sellers and to John of Gaunt, son of a king and father of a king. At least that’s what her grandparents told her. Unfortunately, they were wrong, but that’s why she has researched her family for 47 years and now helps others find the right pieces to fit their genealogy puzzles. She specializes in Jewish, Black, dual citizenship, and forensic research. She previously worked in publishing as an editor and indexer and currently edits two genealogy journals. Her site is ancestraldiscoveries.com.