Genealogy Course: Ancestral Detectives

Join us at North Wales Area Library for our Genealogy Course: Ancestral Detectives, Cracking the Code of Your Family Tree.

4- Weeks:

9/14 - 2:00 to 4:00 PM

10/12 - 2:00 to 4:00 PM

11/9 - 2:00 to 4:00 PM

12/14 - 2:00 to 4:00 PM

Week 1: Seedling Sleuths and Twig Trackers - Planting Your Family Tree

1. Introduction to Genealogy

- What is genealogy and why is it important?

- Overview of the course structure

2. Family Tree Mapping Basics (45 minutes)

- Understanding family tree structures

- Introduction to genealogical symbols and notations

- Hands-on activity: Start your own family tree with known

information

3. Becoming a Photo Detective

- Tips for analyzing old photographs

- Identifying time periods through clothing and backgrounds

- Activity: Examine sample historical photos and discuss

observations

4. Letter Sleuthing 101

- The importance of personal correspondence in genealogy

- How to extract valuable information from letters

- Deciphering old handwriting styles

- Activity: Analyze a sample historical letter for genealogical clues

5. Practical Exercise: Your First Clues

- Participants bring a family photo or letter

- Group discussion and analysis of brought items

- Sharing insights and discoveries

6. Q&A and Homework Assignment

- Address any questions from the session

- Homework: Expand your family tree with information from

home sources

- Prepare questions for older family members

7. Wrap-up and Preview of Week 2

- Recap key points from Week 1

- Introduce the focus for next week: "Branch Builders - Expanding

Your Family Tree

The Library will supply, for your use at the library, a tablet and you will have access to Ancestry for this class's purpose.

You will need to register for this class so we have enough materials.