Long summer days are perfect for starting a new hobby. If you’ve been thinking about filling in the gaps in your family tree, the Rock Island Public Library can help you get started this summer with a series of hands-on genealogy workshops.
Whether you’re ready to start your family tree journey now, or just wondering what’s possible, these free workshops may help. Each session lasts for most of an hour, with the goal of helping participants get into the resource, and explore the basics of using it. Each of the four workshops focus on a different library or free public resource that can help you start your search. The workshops are as follows:
- Getting Started with Ancestry.com, Thursday, June 8, from 11 am to 12:15 pm, Rock Island Downtown Library. Hands-on workshop that teaches you how to login the database while at the Rock Island Library, and how to start searching for records you might need. Due to contractual limitations placed by this company, the Library edition of Ancestry.com may be used on site at the Rock Island Library only.
- Getting Started with HeritageQuest: Thursday, June 22, from 11 am to 12:15 pm, Rock Island Downtown Library. Hands-on workshop on using the library’s subscription to HeritageQuest genealogy database. Find out how to log into HeritageQuest and search for recordsThis genealogical search engine subscription may be used by anyone at the Rock Island Library, or by Rock Island Public Library cardholders at home with an internet connection.
- Getting Started with Family Search: Thursday, July 6, 11 am to 12:15 pm, Rock Island Downtown Library. Hands-on tips on using the genealogy website FamilySearch. Learn how to start searching this powerful genealogical search engine, available at no cost to researchers anywhere with an internet connection.
- Getting Started with Genealogical Sites Online, Thursday, August 3, 11 am to 12:15 pm, Rock Island Downtown Library. Would you like to know where to find some of the free genealogy websites that may provide information about your ancestors? This hands-on workshop will provide free databases that can aid the search for ancestors. All of the resources mentioned in this session are available at no cost to researchers.
Each workshop is free and open to any adult, but capacity is limited. Registration is required and limited to 10 registrants. To sign up, use the library event calendar or call 309-732-7341. For additional questions, call the Library Historical Room at 309-732-7352.
For more news about events and services at the Rock Island Public Library, visit the library website, follow library social media, or call 309-732-READ.
Find Your Voice this summer with reading and events for all ages, June 1 through July 31 at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown Library, Southwest Branch, Watts-Midtown Branch, and Library2Go locations.