Genealogy
Digging Deeper Into
Your Roots
Discover the fascinating world of genealogy on a captivating journey back in time. Learn the techniques and resources needed to uncover your ancestry, from deciphering documents to navigating online databases. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your methods, Digging Deeper is a roadmap to confidently trace your lineage, understand historical contexts, and preserve your family legacy for future generations. Connect with your past in a meaningful way!
Genealogy 101
Curious about your family’s history but unsure where to start? This session will introduce you to genealogy basics, including how to begin your family tree, locate key records, and organize your findings. Whether you want to trace your ancestry or preserve family stories, you’ll gain essential tools to start your journey. No prior experience is needed — just bring your curiosity!
Researching Online
Ancestry.com is a well-known genealogy resource, but it’s not the only option! Discover a variety of online tools for family history research, including free and low-cost alternatives to help you explore your roots without breaking the bank.
Tombstone Tourism
Cemeteries hold a wealth of information for family tree research, but visiting one requires some preparation. In this session, we’ll explore how to locate graves, interpret tombstone symbols, and document vital details for your genealogy projects. You’ll also learn practical tips for planning your visit, essential tools to bring along, and ways to preserve and share the stories you uncover.
Genealogy On the Go!
Researching your family history doesn’t always happen at a computer — sometimes, you need to gather information in cemeteries, archives, or courthouses. In this session, we’ll explore essential mobile apps that can help you research on the go. From genealogy databases to scanning, note-taking, and mapping tools, discover how to make the most of your smartphone or tablet to organize, document, and enhance your findings — no tech expertise required!
Boots on the Ground
When interest in family history research surged in the 1970s, most genealogists had two options — writing letters or traveling to where records were stored. Today, thanks to technological advances and ever-expanding digital collections, much of that research can be done from home. Yet, there are times when nothing replaces “being there” to access records, explore ancestral towns, and uncover details unavailable online. In this session, we’ll explore how to plan a genealogy research trip, what to pack, and some of the top destinations for family history road trips.
Understanding Census Records
Governments have used censuses to count and collect information about populations for over 4,000 years. In the United States, a nationwide census has been conducted every ten years since 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. Over time, these records have included valuable demographic and economic details, helping determine congressional representation, federal funding, and more.
For genealogists, census records can be a gold mine of information — but knowing how to interpret them is key. In this session, we’ll explore US Census records to uncover insights about our ancestors and learn strategies for making the most of this essential resource.
Coming To America
The United States has been shaped by generations of immigrants, each with a unique journey. To trace our ancestors beyond U.S. borders, we must first identify those who made the life-changing decision to immigrate.
In this session, we’ll explore immigration records — where to find them, how to interpret them, and what they reveal about our family histories. Whether your ancestors arrived through Ellis Island or another port of entry, these records hold valuable clues to their origins and experiences.
Conducting Family Interviews
One of the best sources of family history isn’t found in records or archives — it’s the stories and memories of our relatives. Conducting family interviews can uncover personal insights, traditions, and details that might not exist anywhere else.
In this session, we’ll discuss how to plan and conduct effective family history interviews. Learn what questions to ask, how to encourage meaningful storytelling, and the best ways to record and preserve these valuable conversations for future generations. Whether you’re just starting your genealogy journey or looking to fill in missing pieces, this session will help you capture and preserve your family’s legacy.
DNA Testing
This class is in development.
