Starting Your Genealogy

There are some “rules” and many options in what you will do with your family information. A panel of Society members will introduce you to some of your choices and best practices to make saving your information and finding even more about your ancestors possible and enjoyable. Let us help you get started.

Instructor: Panel Discussion Registration #184234.01
Date:  January 20,
Time:  1:30 pm - 3:00 pm,
Cost: $2 resident, $3 non-resident

 Organizing Your Genealogy

What information are you trying to organize? What space do you have to store your collection? Every person has different needs and a panel of Society members will tell you how they have organized their genealogical information and answer your questions about how different methods may fill your needs.

Instructor: Panel Discussion Registration #184234.02
Date:  February 17,
Time:  1:30 pm - 3:00 pm,
Cost: $2 resident, $3 non-resident

 Cite Your Sources: All the Good Reasons!

You have taken the time to research your family tree and have found interesting things that you never knew. You want others, including your family, to understand what you have learned and benefit from the lessons of history. Citing your sources is one of the most important ways for you to have confidence in what you are sharing with your family. Here are my top 5 reasons to cite your sources:

1. So your children, grandchildren, etc. learn how to do it right!
2. So you stay focused
3. So others will have confidence in your research
4. So you know you have a variety of sources
5. So you can find it again

Instructor: Sylvia Tracy-Doolos
Registration # 284217.03
Class size:  Min. 5/ Max. 20 
Date: Friday, March 17, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 A Tour of Genealogy Sites

Join Barb Gardner for this class to get a tour of 3 major genealogy sites — Family Search, Ancestry & My Heritage.

Plus tips on exploring other areas, including maps, Google, local repositories, wikis, census information and more.

This is great class for those new to genealogy or those looking for more ancestoral leads. Join us to uncover the mysteries of your ancestors.

Instructor: Barb Gardner
Registration #: 284217.04
Class size:  Min. 6/ Max. 20
Date: Friday, April 21, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 Forensic Genealogy

Have you ever wondered how forensics relates to genealogy? How are they alike? How are they different? Aren’t the two entirely separate fields of study?

This class is an overview of both genealogy and forensic science. A place to start for those beginning or continuing their research into a family history.

Forensic experts evaluate on a case -by-case basis what is known about a particular situation. Genealogy experts, known as genealogists, explore a line of descent that is traced continuously from an ancestor. It is often used for determining paternal relationships.

Instructor: Dr. Kathy Gutrierrez
Registration #: 284217.05
Class size:  Min. 5/ Max. 15
Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 Forensic Genealogy - Part II

This class is second in a series of forensics and genealogy that will continue to explore the historical, ethical and, social issues as they relate to genealogy and genetic research. Discussion will include the primary features of genetic information in the context of case studies that gave rise to the issues. Four general categories of ethical and social issues in genetic research to be considered include: Right to privacy; Access and ownership of genetic information and materials; Psycho-social risks of participating in genetic research studies, and; Potential for individual and group-related harms.

Instructor: Dr. Kathy Gutrierrez
Registration #: 384250.06
Date: Friday, June 16, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 Bring Your Questions, Get Your Answers!

This class discussion is designed for all those lingering questions you may still have.  We will start with your most basic questions that never made sense: Terminology? What is the difference between this and that? How do I find something?  Or, simply, want to know more about paying for software or using Ancestry?  Designed for beginners but anyone with an inquiring mind is encouraged to come.

Instructor: Panel Discussion - Gail Lewis and Sylvia Tracy-Doolos
Registration #: 384250.07
Date: Friday, July 21, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 Organizing Your Genealogy

Once you start collecting research documents; including photos, actual paper, and online saves - how do you manage them? You need an organizational system that works for every situation so you can easily find them again. Bring your questions and suggestions to this panel of experts and we’ll discuss tips and tricks on organizing your genealogy.

Instructor: Panel Discussion
Registration #: 384250.08
Class size:  Min. 5/ Max. 20
Date: Friday, August 18, 2023
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 Beginning Genealogy: Starting or Starting Over?

Beginner or Beginner+; Whether you are a total beginner and want to start researching your family OR you have started (lately or years ago) and need to learn the “right way” to research, this is the class. We will start with the most basic steps, show the different possibilities to save your trees, we will talk about the importance of censuses and then demonstrate a few free websites to start your research.

Instructor: Gail Lewis
Registration #: 484268-09
Date: Friday, September 15, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 Intro to Using DNA to Find Your Ancestors

Description: For people just dipping your toe into the DNA pond, we’ll look at why you should test, accuracy, privacy, cautions, best companies to test with and what the tests can – and can’t tell you.

Instructor: Mark Fearer
Registration #: 484268-10
Date: Friday, October 20, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents

 You’ve Done Your DNA – Now What!?

Description: If you’ve taken a DNA test you’ve opened the door to a world of new information! From estimating where your ancestors came from to revealing tens of thousands of cousins—it can be overwhelming! Let’s dig through it all and find some nuggets that further our genealogical research.

Instructor: Bob 'Bobski' Masson
Registration #: 484268-11
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Cost: $2.00 for residents; $3.00 for non-residents