Genealogy Class is a Success

I want to take time to thank all of you that have signed up for the class “Basic Genealogy: Getting Started.” Sometime ago I was approached by the Head Librarian to see if I would be willing to host a class on just the basics of starting genealogy. I of course was glad to do this. Although I am not a certified genealogist, I have done genealogy for about 20 years. I truly love doing family history and I am always happy to help others with their research.

 

A few months ago, when we decided to create several of the classes for “Adult Entertainment” at the Library, and one date for the genealogy class was decided upon. Well to my surprise, there are now three different dates set-up. The first was last week Oct. 15th, next is November 13, and last is December 4th. All are at 6 to 8 pm.

Pre-registration is required.

The patrons that attended seemed pleased with what they learned during the class. As a presenter, this is just what I wanted to hear. During my years doing research, I have found family history to be a very pleasing hobby. After talking to several of the people that attended the class, I think this is their finding too. They have not been doing their family history for very long, but they are enjoying it. But like most of us, when you are just getting started, you just need someone to give you some ideas as to what to do next.

You do not have to attend classes to get this information. Most libraries keep a nice group of self-help books on how to get started and places to check for more information. There are a few really good magazines available as well. Everton’s Genealogical Helper and Family Tree Magazine are two of them. I have subscribed to these personally for many years and have been very pleased with the articles and the information they provide.

And there is always the internet. These days you can find almost anything on the web. “Cyndi’s List” is one of the best places to start. For me, this is the best overall site out there. She has a lot to sort through, so take you time. You will find everything from forms to world wide search info. For anyone out there that does the on-line reader services, you can add this site to your lists. Cyndi’s List: http://www.cyndislist.com/

Now here is what I would like to see next, I would like to hear from all of you that visit this site. Send in your questions, your stories, and helpful hints.

Let’s get talking.

Find a Grave

Why would anyone want “Find a Grave stickers”?

I know, it sounds weird. There is a site I read about called “Find a Grave”. Slap one on your car’s bumper to identify yourself as a “graver” when you drive through cemeteries. Put one on your laptop. Hang one on your wall at work and let your co-workers wonder about you. Get creative! Email a photo of your sticker in action to info@findagrave.com and they will add it to our online sticker scrapbook.

Jim Tipton created the Find A Grave website in 1995 because he could not find an existing site that catered to his hobby of visiting the graves of famous people. He found that there are many thousands of folks around the world who share his interests. What began as an odd hobby became a livelihood and a passion. Building and seeing Find a Grave grow beyond his wildest expectations has been immensely satisfying for Jim. Every day, contributors from around the world enter new records, thousands use the site as an educational reference tool, long-lost loved ones are located and millions of lives are fondly remembered.
To see the current online photo album of Find a Grave stickers, go to:

http://www.findagrave.com/

Find A Grave Stickers
P. O. Box 522107
Salt Lake City, Utah 84152-2107

Check out the site. I think it is a great idea. Genealogists are great for sharing anyway. This is just one more way to help some else down the road.

As I was viewing the “Find a Grave” site, I ran across the picture of Jim Bridger’s grave marker.

Jim Bridger Gravestone 2006

Basic Genealogy: Getting Started

I am happy to annouce that I will be hosting a genealogy workshop:

Basic Genealogy: Getting Started

October 15th  starting at 6pm

at the Sweetwater County Library. 

This workshop will be basic instruction to for starting your own family history. 

You must be 18 or older and pre-registration is required.

If you are interested in attending, please stop by or call the library today.  Seats are limited.

Sweetwater County Library, 300 North 1st East, Green River, Wyoming

307-875-3615 or email to: mgilmore@sweetwaterlibraries.com