Upcoming Presentations

We just wanted to remind everyone that the Godfrey's director, accomplished genealogist Beth Mariotti will be hosting two presentations in the next week.

"A Step by Step Guide to Researching Your Ancestors"
          October 28, 6:00pm at the Blackstone Library- 758 Main Street, Branford, CT

• The name of this presentation is pretty self explanatory!  Join Beth as she goes over her easy step by step research process for digging in to your family history.
• A perfect introduction to genealogical research: great for people who are just starting out or want to learn what it's all about.
• No fee!
• Handouts will be provided.
• Questions are welcome!

"Tips for Advanced Online Research" for the November meeting of the Godfrey Genealogy Club
           November 1, 9:30am at the Godfrey Memorial Library

• Delve into the intricacies of the ofttimes confusing realm of online research with Beth as your guide.
• Discover which documents are available online and where to find them.
• Investigate which databases offer the information you need and how to use them effectively.
• Learn how to conduct successful Google searches.
• Get guidance on managing online documents.
• Questions are welcome!
• Club members are welcome to stay and research after the program, so bring your laptops and research materials!
• Presentation open to Godfrey Genealogy Club members only: annual membership fee is $25.  Not a member yet?  You can join at the library before the presentation!

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

The Irish Luncheon was a Rousing Success!

Last week's Irish Genealogy luncheon was a rousing success! Over thirty people gathered at the Playwright restaurant in Hamden, Connecticut last Wednesday to discuss the often frustrating research into one's Irish ancestors.  There was engaging conversation and interesting questions all around and we can only hope that the attendees had as good a time as we did!

Godfrey Library Director Beth Mariotti presented a comprehensive overview of where and how to find records relating to your Irish ancestors.  She went into detail on finding and using such resources as the census, vital records, church records, civil registrations, and Griffith's Valuation.  Afterwards Godfrey board member Jenifer Zinck also gave a short presentation about how to use DNA to further one's genealogical research. 

We hope that this will be the first of many genealogy luncheons.  If you have a topic you would like to see at one of the luncheons or would like to present, please let us know!

Attendees waiting for the presentation to begin.

Thank you again to the owner and staff of the Playwright- everything was delicious!

Beth Mariotti's presentation on researching your Irish ancestors.

Jennifer Zinck speaking on how to use DNA to further your genealogical research.

Check Out the Genealogy Club!

For those of you who do not know, the first Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 10:30 AM the Godfrey Library Genealogy Club meets at the library to talk about their findings, methods, and listen to presentations put on by members and visiting speakers.  The past few months have been particularly exciting, with Executive Director of the Godfrey Library Beth Mariotti speaking on the resources in the Godfrey Collection and how to find them, Godfrey Board Member Jen Zinck presenting on the exciting new field of using DNA to help your genealogical research, and guest speaker Bryna O’Sullivan discussing the DAR and Revolutionary War Records. 

Let us proceed chronologically with Bryna O’Sullivan’s talk on February 1.  Bryna is a member of the Wadsworth Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and has a degree in History with a focus on the American Civil War.  She spoke about the membership requirements for the DAR and how to use DAR membership records to help your own genealogical research. 

January 4 brought us Jen Zinck’s presentation on using DNA testing to further your family tree if the paper trail runs cold.  Jen is affiliated with Family Tree DNA and was able to tell us all about genetic genealogy: a new experience for many of us!  It is amazing how far science has come!

The most recent presenter for Genealogy Club was the Godfrey’s own executive director and professional genealogist, Beth Mariotti on March 1.  Her talk went into detail about some of unique records and collections housed in the Godfrey on in our online collection.  She included information on our growing online collection and a brief tutorial on using our Scholar+ database.  This presentation can be found online here.

The Genealogy club’s next presenter is another familiar face at the Godfrey: Ned Browning, Godfrey board member and long time volunteer will be speaking on Early New England Research: 1850-1620.  We are all looking forward to his presentation!

If you would like to sit in on presentations like these and get together with others who share your interest in genealogy, why not join the Genealogy Club?  We meet on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30-10:30 at the Godfrey Library.  You are encouraged to bring your laptop and stay after the meeting to research. There is a $25.00 annual membership fee.  We would love to see you there!