Exploring Library Resources: Introduction to Genealogy Research

Members learn from members. In this class, members who are new to family history research will learn from our long-time genealogy researchers, followed by a live demonstration of Ancestry.com. After this class, the neophytes will have a realistic and clear plan for getting started in genealogy research. Class goals include:

How to ...

• Plan your research process;
• Identify and evaluate sources (online, personal, and physical);
• Obtain documents from various governmental and non-governmental agencies;
• Document your findings;
• Create a pedigree chart;
• Evaluate and select forms (paper) and/or information storage (online) options;
• Search Ancestry.com.

Open to all members interested in genealogy, from beginners to long-time family historians. During this skill share the more experienced researchers among us will teach and advise each other and help the neophytes get started.

About the Instructor

Steven Dunlap has worked at the Mechanics' Institute since July 2018. He has done his own genealogy research starting in 1999 having made use of Bay Area libraries and undertaken numerous family research trips to New York State, Luxembourg, Canada, and the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About This Series

Join us for the Exploring Library Resources series at Mechanics' Institute, where curiosity knows no bounds, and learning is a shared adventure! Discover the power of library resources such as Ancestry, JSTOR, and Libby—all at your fingertips and free to access for Mechanics' Institute members! Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just dipping your toes into the world of library resources, there's something for everyone in this skillshare series.

This is also an opportunity to meet our passionate library and programming staff, your guides on this exploratory journey. These sessions are led by fellow enthusiasts who are eager to facilitate an open and inclusive learning environment. Share your own understanding, learn from others, and become part of a vibrant learning community where knowledge flows freely.

Fall 2024 Schedule for Exploring Library Resources:

• Read Your Next Book! [Libby] with Myles Cooper (September 11, 2024)
• Introduction to Genealogy Research [Ancestry] with Steven Dunlap (October 9, 2024)
• Ready, Set, Research! [JSTOR] with Bobbie Monzon (November 6, 2024)

Host or Publisher Mechanics' Institute