Staunton Library offering genealogical workshops | News Virginian

Have you been watching “Who Do You Think You Are” or “Finding Your Roots” on TV this spring? Did you hear about the release of the 1940 census and wonder what the fuss was about? If you’re now curious and want to explore your family tree, the Staunton Public Library can help. For more than 35 years, the library has been hosting genealogical workshops every summer. This year’s program will take place for four consecutive Wednesdays beginning July 11. Janie Sherman, professional genealogist, will teach the first two sessions introducing the basics of genealogy research, organization, and vital records. On July 25, professional genealogist and author Sharon Hodges will present the program Understanding Census Records.  On Aug. 1, historian Lauranette Lee and archivist Paige Newman will discuss Unknown No Longer: A Database of Virginia Slave Names and other genealogical resources available at the Virginia Historical Society.

Whether or not you attend the workshop, the Staunton Public Library has access to many online collections to aid you in your research. These online resources provide access to millions of records from around the world. The Library subscribes to Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, ProQuest® African American Heritage, and ProQuest Obituaries™.

The availability of online resources has made genealogical research much easier, but not everything can be found online. For those doing research set in Staunton, the library has newspapers on microfilm dating back to the 1790s. Our city directories are a great resource. We also have Local History Files filled with newspaper clippings and other sources of information on prominent local people, institutions, and buildings.

With so many resources, both online and in the library, it can be overwhelming in the beginning.  But don’t let that deter you from what can be an exciting journey. The first thing to start with is yourself. Write down full names, dates, and locations for key events such as birth, marriage, and death, and work from yourself back to your parents and grandparents. Ask other family members about what they remember or what records they have. Keep notes about your sources or leads to pursue further.

Genealogy is one of the most popular activities in the United States. The Staunton Public Library can help.