These workshops are normally taught in a one-hour block of instruction, followed by two hours of individual guided research using the information learned ($100 per workshop). They can also be delivered as one-hour or 30-minute lectures ($50 per presentation).
Breaking through Barriers
After you have performed what genealogists call “a reasonably exhaustive research,” where else can you look? This session looks at some tips to help when your search runs dry.
Civil War Soldiers
Whether your ancestor was a Yankee or a Rebel, his unit’s battles were likely documented both in print and photos. Using Fold3, the Official Record of the War of the Rebellion, and other records to locate military records and units, we research battles and other information to create a story about those brave soldiers.
Courthouse and Library Research
Internet research can yield great finds, but most local records are not digitized yet. Learn where to search in Richland and Crawford counties to discover local land records, birth, death, and probate records.
Create a Genealogy Chapter or Personal Website in an Afternoon
Learn to create a chapter website in an afternoon workshop using WordPress.com. No experience needed! We cover the basics that can be used to create any website – site design, creating navigation, and planning content, then look specifically at WordPress.com, theme choice, and navigation within WordPress dashboard. Stay a third hour and begin to build your own site with assistance from the instructor.
Deciphering Handwriting
We will examine examples of old-style handwriting, and look at websites that can help translate those odd-looking A, B, C’s.
Getting Started in Genealogy Research
Who are your ancestors? Were they Irish, German, or Native American? In this introductory class, you will learn how to begin your research by interviewing family members and preserving documents and photos.
Hidden Women in your Family Tree
Throughout history, women were usually identified by Mrs. and their husband’s name. It’s even harder to determine maiden names. Learn how to find records that can help identify those hidden women.
Jumpstart your Genealogy Research
Are you interested in your family history but don’t know where to start? Whether you are new to research or have tried without much success, we will discuss how to get started, how to organize your work and where to look online for basic records. (Combines elements of Getting Started in Genealogy Research, Organizing Your Research and Online Research 101.)
Mastering RootsMagic
RootsMagic can become an integral part of your research toolbox. Learn to use features such as the To-Do List, Research Log, reports, and publishing. (This class and RootsMagic 7 Basics can be presented in morning and afternoon sessions the same day, or separate days.)
Ohio Lands
Ohio’s seven ranges are as varied as the reasons they were founded. Learn more about who settled in each region and the treaties, land acts, land companies and land offices that were instrumental in forming our great state.
Online Research 101
Genealogy research can be daunting unless you know how and where to search. Using library resources, we will learn how to navigate popular websites, as well as some niche sites.
Organizing Your Research
So, you are starting to collect photos and stories of your ancestors. How will you find Aunt Letty’s photo when you want to show it at the family reunion? Learn how to create effective paper- and computer-based filing systems, as well as web-based programs and family history websites to share with family members.
Restoring Old Photographs
Can an old photograph be saved? Through digitization and free software, many heirloom photographs that are discolored, torn, and bent can be restored to like-new. Bring your photos to be scanned and use library laptops or your own to make corrections to digitized photos.
RootsMagic 7 Basics
Create pedigree charts, family group charts, stories and more during this class for beginners. Topics covered include: free vs. paid versions, adding people to the database, adding dates, facts, sources, media and more. (This class and Mastering RootsMagic can be presented in morning and afternoon sessions the same day, or separate days.)
Share Family Stories Through FamilySearch Memories
Photos, stories, documents and audio can be stored on this free website for others to view. Learn how to upload images and stories to the site. This session also discusses the Memories phone app, which can be used to capture audio and photos.
Sharing Memories on FamilySearch.org
Learn how to share photos, documents, stories and audio recordings on FamilySearch Memories so other family members can learn more about their ancestors.
Soldiers and Sailors
Do you have an ancestor who fought in one of America’s wars? We examine the conflicts from the Revolutionary War to World War II. Using Fold3 to locate military records and units, we research battles and other information to create a story about our brave soldiers and sailors.
Tips and tricks for Ancestry Library Edition
Learn how to access Ancestry Library Edition for free with a library card and take advantage of this robust genealogical resource. Look beyond historical records to find stories, publications, maps and more.
Turning Research into Family Stories
Birth and death records, news paper clippings, maps, land deeds, wills – they are all pieces of a puzzle that can tell an ancestor\’s story. Learn how to weave a tale, write an article, or publish a book that will interest even non-genealogists in the family.
Weaving Historical Context into Family Storytelling
No family story is complete until you add historical context. Learn how to take your ancestor’s story to the next level by incorporating local history, as well as national and world history. Google Books, Project Gutenberg and other resources are explored.
Where Did My Ancestors Live?
Whether your ancestors were businessmen, factory workers or farmers, likely there is a record of where they lived. We will look at censuses, maps, Sanborn Insurance maps, city directories, newspaper archives, and more, to determine where their homes and businesses were located.
Upcoming Classes and Lectures:
All upcoming genealogy classes hosted by Marvin Memorial Library will be conducted online on the date indicated from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Register here: : https://forms.gle/6rNMceocWPwwoxZn7
- Feb. 13 – Sharing Memories on FamilySearch.org
- Mar. 13 – Tips and Tricks for Ancestry Library Edition
- April 10 – Where did my ancestors live?
- May 8 – Ohio Lands