Learn more about your family tree with KFPL
Are you interested in researching your family tree? The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) is offering sessions to help you learn how to delve into the past and research your own history.
“Family tree research has been a popular hobby for many decades, but it has become even more popular in recent years because online resources like FamilySearch and Ancestry allow more people than ever to pursue this kind of research,” said Joanne Stanbridge, Librarian of Local History and Genealogy for Kingston Frontenac Public Library. “Popular shows like Who Do You Think You Are and Ancestors in the Attic inspire people to start their own family trees, because they show how we can piece together the life-stories of our ancestors using documents and careful research.”
Stanbridge explained that KFPL has offered genealogy research resources in the past, and that those resources have grown as a result.
“At KFPL, we have presented a number of genealogy talks over the years. In 2019 we ran two series of Genealogy Drop-In sessions where people dropped in to work on their family trees, ask questions and get advice about their research,” she said.
“Our library has an excellent relationship with the Kingston Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (Ontario Ancestors). One of its long-time members and generous volunteers is Nancy Cutway, who is also involved with the Kingston and District Branch of the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada. She is an expert researcher and we’re honoured and excited about her upcoming talks.”
In the three-hour sessions of Getting Started in Genealogy, Nancy will talk about research fundamentals. She’ll show library patrons how to find and record information about their ancestors, and she’ll do a step-by-step demonstration (case study) showing how thorough and proper research is done. Participants will receive a set of handouts about recommended resources and other tools for keeping track of their family history research.
How to attend:
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 for the two identical sessions called Getting Started in Genealogy. The sessions will be presented by Nancy Cutway of the Kingston Branch Ontario Genealogical Society.
Please register in advance for these sessions as seating is limited. The first talk will be held at the Central Branch (130 Johnson Street) on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be repeated at the Isabel Turner Branch on Friday, Feb 21, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. These 3-hour sessions are designed for beginners who would like to start researching their family trees.
If you’re interested in the Getting Started in Genealogy sessions, KFPL suggests the following:
The Kingston Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society meets at the Seniors Centre on Francis Street the third Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. Details can be found on their website at https://kingston.ogs.on.ca/meetings/.
KFPL Tuesday Evening Genealogy Drop-ins will begin again on Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2020 at the Central Library (130 Johnson Street) and will run for eight weeks. The drop-in sessions run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, for all levels from beginner to expert. Participants can work on their family tree in the company of others who enjoy genealogy! During each session, mentors from the Kingston Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and librarian Jo Stanbridge will be on hand to answer questions.
Jessica is a busy working mom who enjoys writing, editing, and blogging. She loves raising her family here in Kingston, and tries hard to get out to all the amazing events around town. You can find more of her writing on her blog A Modern Mom’s Life, and see what she gets up to with her family on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!