T A: A I G A introductory genealogy workshop, hosted by Assistant Library Customer Service, employee Charvis Ford (right standing), was held from 2-3 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the South Branch Library, 1929 S. Third Street . Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson An “Intro to Genealogy” class, taught by Assistant Library Customer Service employee Charvis Ford, began at 3 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the South Branch, 1929 S. Third at Belz Street. About a dozen people gathered in the meeting room to learn how to research their family history. Ford informed those in attendance about the many genealogy services available for free in the history department on the fourth loor at the Benjamin L. Hooks Branch Library, 3030 Poplar Ave, and gave a visual tour of the genealogy section available at memphislibrary.org. “Genealogy involves collecting the names of relatives, both living and deceased, and documenting the relationships between them,” said Ford reading from the “Getting Started in Genealogy: A Pathinder for the Beginning Researcher” irst page in the worksheet packages prepared for attendees. He went on to note individuals serious about undertaking a genealogy project should (1) ind a way to organize their research by using the same notebook, dating notes, and writing down sources; (2) begin at home with information that is already known, written, and/or recorded like the family Bible; (3) get copies or vital records from within the last 50 years and census records to verify where people lived as well as the names of parents and other relatives, (4) send off for Social Security applications through the SSA to obtain full names, dates and places of birth and more; and (5) look for other research that may have been done on your family like scrapbooks and the family Bible. Ford then spoke briely about a well-known website and their free trial period which elicited a comment that the same website tends to hold back full access to information during the trial period. “They know you are trying to get it done in two weeks,” surmised Ford. “That’s why I would encourage you to stick with the public sources. Everything with the Memphis Public Library is public and free unless you decide to go off your path or you need some more information. The South Brach Library is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Call (901) 415-2780 for information. 10
11 Publizr Home