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.

How Do I Write My Family History?

So you've spent countless hours researching your family history.  You have binders full of notes that contain everything you would ever want to know about your ancestors.  What's the next step?  Surely you'll want to share this research with others, may they be members of your family or fellow genealogists.  If so, why not consider writing a book on your family's history?  

How do I do that, you ask.  Well, we have good news for you!  This Saturday the Godfrey welcomes Liz Petry, acclaimed author, seasoned journalist, and former Godfrey board member to speak on exactly that!  Liz published two book on her own family history, Can Anything Beat White?  A Black Family's Letters and At Home Inside: A Daughter's Tribute to Ann Petry.  She has taught college English and currently leads a weekly writing workshop for veterans.  We can't think of anyone more qualified to lead the Godfrey Genealogy Club in learning about writing their own family history!

Genealogy Club meetings take place the first Saturday of every month at 9:30 am.  Club members are welcome to bring their laptops and stay after the program to research.  There is a $25 annual membership fee.  

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!