Join us for a presentation by 

Nora Galvin, C.G. 

DNA: You Took the Test, Now What?

Saturday, May 4

9:30-10:30

So you’ve swabbed or spit in the tube, and the results are in. You now “know” you’re 35% fill-in-the-nationality, and you have a thousand new cousins. Okay … but how do you make sense of it all? How does it jive with your existing tree? Wasn’t it supposed to instantly knock down all your genealogical “brick walls?” Would that it were that easy, but … Nora to the rescue!

With the help of clear illustrations and handouts, Nora will provide the steps to move forward and make the best use of this latest bit of evidence. This will be the first time we’ve hosted Nora at the Godfrey, and we’re very excited to have her--prepare to be Galvinized! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

Nora Galvin is a Board-certified professional genealogist with her own business, Aunt Lizzie’s Trunk. In an earlier life she was a research scientist and high school biology teacher, so this woman knows her genes! Name any genealogical professional group in Connecticut and you’ll likely find Nora is an active member if not also on their Board.

The talk is open to the public, and is free for Godfrey Genealogy Club members and Premium Godfrey Scholar members, $10 for all others. Limited parking available behind the library, so carpool if you can.

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.

Irish Genealogy Research Luncheon

Do you have Irish ancestors?  If so you probably know just how difficult and confusing researching those ancestors can be.  Researching your Irish family roots is a challenge all its own due to the limited records and difficulty in locating those records.  And that's why the Godfrey would like to invite you to our Irish Genealogy Research Luncheon.

The Godfrey is holding the luncheon at the Playwright Restaurant in Hamden on September 17 from 11-2.  Places are $25.  Speakers will describe basic steps of genealogy and specific records and databases essential for Irish research.

Genetic Genealogist Jennifer Zink will explain how DNA is one of the most powerful tools available to help determine your place or origin.  She will discuss available tests, testing companies, and how personal genomics can help advance your family history when your paper trail runs out, as it is wont to do when researching Irish family history.

We hope that this luncheon will be the start of a series of similar events, each one providing different information regarding research you ancestors from all over the world while enjoying delicious ethnic foods from wonderful restaurants around Connecticut!

Again, the luncheon is at the Playwright Restaurant in Hamden on September 17, 11-2.  Places are $25 per person.  Call the library to make your reservation today!  You can contact the library at 860-346-4375.  Seats are limited, so don't wait!

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!