January’s a great time to get started on family history research. Here’s some good news, especially considering Ohio’s recent weather: now you can learn how to get started in compiling a family history without leaving home.
Webinars Start Saturday, Jan. 19
For the first time, the Ohio Historical Society is offering genealogy webinars -- workshops that you can attend online from the comfort of home.
A webinar is a workshop conducted over the Internet. You can participate online just as you would in a classroom, asking questions of the instructor, and you don’t need to travel to Columbus to take part.
Register for one or all of these upcoming webinars sponsored by the Ohio Historical Society, Franklin County Genealogical and Historical Society and Columbus Metropolitan Library and get your family history research underway, or learn more about what’s available at the Ohio History Center and Columbus Metropolitan Library to help further your research.
Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 • 10 a.m.-Noon
Cornerstones of Genealogy
Learn about sources of information including birth, death and marriage records; census data; estate files; military and church records; newspapers; and more. Discover special types of records that can enhance the basic information you’ve learned about your family. $20. $15/Ohio Historical Society member. Advance registration required by Jan. 17. Click here to register or call 614.297.2510.
Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 • 10 a.m.-Noon
Family History Resources at the Ohio History Center
(Remember, although the resources are at the Ohio History Center, the webinar is online, so you can participate from anywhere!) Get an in-depth look at Ohio History Center holdings and their use in genealogy, including Ohio public records, historical manuscripts and audiovisual sources and newspapers. This session is ideal for those who want to find out more about family history resources in the center’s archives and library. $20. $15/Ohio Historical Society member. Advance registration required by Jan. 24. Click here to register or call 614.297.2510.
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 • 10 a.m.-Noon
Family History Sources at the Columbus Metropolitan Library
(Remember, although the resources are at Columbus Metropolitan Library, the webinar is online, so you can participate from anywhere!) Get a look at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s collection and its services for genealogists, including resources on Ohio, other states and foreign countries plus Palatines To America (German), Huguenot (French) and other special collections. You’ll also learn about resources available though the library’s genealogy web page. Columbus Metropolitan Library now holds a large collection of genealogy materials formerly at the State Library of Ohio, so even if your family never visited Columbus much less lived there, you may be very surprised at what you’ll find among its holdings. $20, $15/Ohio Historical Society member. Advance registration required by Feb. 7. Click here to register or call 614.297.2510.
In-Person Workshops Get Underway Saturday, Feb. 23
If in-person learning is more your style, don’t worry: we have a full schedule of in-person workshops for 2013, too. Click here to see our full 2013 Genealogy & Family History Workshops schedule and register for the topics of your choice. For more information about our genealogy webinars and workshops, call 614.297.2510.
More Genealogy Workshops at Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont
In northwest Ohio? Check out the following workshops at Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont:
Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 • 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginner Genealogy Class
Learn the basics of beginning a family history in this class led by experienced genealogists from the Hayes Presidential Center staff. You’ll learn how to create a family tree, find sources of information and use the vast resources available in the Hayes Research Library, including computers. $10, $5/student. Advance registration required. Sponsored by Roots Magic Inc. To register, call 800.998.7737.
Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 • 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Internet Genealogy I
Learn how to use free genealogy websites in your family-history research, including sources such as the Ohio Obituary Index, FamilySearch.org, USGenweb.org, Worldcat.org and EllisIsland.org. $10, $5/student. Advance registration required. Sponsored by RootsMagic Inc. To register, call 800.998.7737.
Family History Workshops at Youngstown Historical Center in Youngstown In northeast Ohio? Check out the following workshops at the Ohio Historical Society’s Youngstown Historical Center in Youngstown.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 • 10-11:30 a.m.
The Recipes of Family History
Explore family roots through everyday and special recipes that have brought families together around the table, and gain insight into foods that nourish families and their stories, with Dr. Martha Pallante of Youngstown State University’s History Department. $10. To register, call 800.262.6137.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 • 1-2:30 p.m.
Preservation Basics for Your Family Photos and Heirlooms
Learn about environmental factors, storage and display options and best practices for safe, long-term preservation of photos and heirlooms, with examples and sources of additional information, from Youngstown Historical Center archives assistant librarian Martha Bishop. $10. To register, call 800.262.6137.
Finding Workshops Near You
Many other historical societies, genealogical societies and libraries throughout Ohio offer introductory classes in family history. Check a library or organization near you to see what they may offer this winter!