Genealogy

Learn about resources and strategies you can use to find your ancestors and trace your family free.

Prior to the sessions, you will be asked to complete a basic family tree, which will be emailed to you upon registration.

In three sessions, we will cover:

Session 1: Getting Started: The Story of Your Family

Learn how to start researching your family and collecting information. We will look at how to organize your research and where to get family tree charts and other materials. We will also discuss accessing online materials for little or no cost. Explore how to use census, birth, death, and marriage records to answer the question: how do you know if it really is your ancestor?

Session 2: Telling Your Ancestor's Story

Bring your family's history to life. We will search newspapers, find military and immigration records, and refer to maps as well as review physical records. Learn to link your ancestors to the history of their time.

Session 3: Tools to Enhance Your Family Story

Go beyond the standard records. We will discuss DNA testing and taking the next steps in your research. Discover resources such as USGenWeb, Google Maps, and Cyndi's List to help you on your journey. We will attempt to bring multiple sources together to create a full picture of your family history which then can be preserved and shared.
 

REGISTER NOW!

Meet Your Instructor

Dolores Fidishun
Head Librarian, Penn State Abington