HOLDING CLASSES AND SEMINARS:

Offering classes and seminars on genealogical research is a good way to market the library and it's growing genealogy collection. New people will visit the library to hear the speakers and may become regular patrons. As these people get into the habit ot using the collection, they may even be willing to help raise funds for collection development.

Use Society Members as Instructors

Talk to the members of the genealogy society and encourage them to offer classes on Basic Research and also on topic areas of their special expertise. Each genealogist tends to specialize in one or two areas that are the most helpful in his or her own research, These researchers may be accessing primary sources with unique qualites and methodologies,and should be encouraged to share their methods and results with the group for mutual benefit.

Topics for Genealogy Classes and Seminars

Some of the topics that guest speakers, instructors and seminar presenters can address include:

• Beginning Genealogy
• Using Genealogy Software
• Using Genealogy Databases
• Research in a Particular State and it's Records
• Research in a Particular Country and it's Records
• Using Vital Records
• Using Church, Cemetery or Courthouse Records
• Using Census Records
• Using Periodicals and Society Newsletters
• Using Land Records, Probate Records and Wills

Use Other Society Members as Hosts and Hostesses

Plan the seminar well in advance and get a dozen volunteers to help, including a food committee to feed the presenters. Print up flyers and programs and schedules, and the library should have a successful genealogy seminar.

---

Return to:

• Table of Contents
  • Organizing Societies
  • Encouraging Volunteers
  • Holding Classes and Seminars

---

This website written and designed by:
Sharon Marie Centanne,
Genealogy Research Instructor and Internet Trainer
Please direct any questions to:
Sharon.

This page updated May 2, 2008

---