COLUMBUS – Tracing family histories can be rewarding yet challenging. This year’s genealogy workshop series, offered by the Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library and the Franklin County Genealogical and Historical Society, strive to make the most out of discovering your roots.
All classes, designed to introduce family history searchers to the many records and resources available to them, are held at the Archives/Library of the Ohio Historical Society. Class size is limited and reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $15 for nonmembers, and $10 for OHS and FCGHS members. For information or to register call 614-297-2510.
Classes on family history resources at OHS will be held April 26, May 19, June 21, July 21, Sept. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15. This class offers an in-depth look at the OHS holdings and their use to genealogists. Topics include public and governmental records, manuscript and audiovisual sources, and other unusual materials. This session is ideal for researchers who want to find out more about the sources in the archives/library. Saturday sessions are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday sessions run from 1-4 p.m.
Beginner’s class.
Understanding the cornerstones of genealogy will be presented April 12, July 7, Oct. 13 and Nov. 1. This class provides beginners with an understanding of the basic types of information used in genealogy. The class describes the uses and sources of vital statistics, census records, land records, and probate files. It also summarizes special types of records available that can be used to add body to basic information. Saturday sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday sessions run from 1-4 p.m.
Take a trip through time with the census on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class presents the background and the social and legal evolution of the census. It examines the relationships of data within a census and the relationship of that census data with data in other censuses. Participants will discuss census availability, uses of indices, the Soundex, Miracode and the Internet.
Land records.
A class on understanding land records and probate will be held June 7 from 1-4 p.m. Although everyone has vital statistics and virtually everyone has some kind of census record, many people never owned land or possessed enough property to create a probate record. This class discusses the different kinds of land surveys with emphasis on Ohio and the different aspects of probate. There will be detailed explanations on how to research connections between them.
Learn how to use military records Sept. 13 from 1-4 p.m. There is a vast repository of records which documents these services. The three categories of records – service records, pension files and bounty land warrants – will be discussed. This session covers the information contained in these records, where they are located, and how to access them.
A class will provide sources and techniques for research in immigration, passenger lists and naturalization Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
