It's not Halloween... but it's almost time for witches!

Do you know if your ancestor was accused of witchcraft? It didn't just happen in Salem - but throughout all of New England. Godfrey resources can help you find if your ancestors were ever called "witches."

Want to know why they were called witches? Join us on April 2 for board member Cathi Maxim's Genealogy Club talk on witchcraft in colonial history! More information here.

Upcoming Event: Using the Connecticut State Library Website

Most Connecticut genealogists know the State Library is a must-visit site. They have duplicate copies of Connecticut church records, probate records, and much, much more... But did you know they also have a terrific website?

On March 21st from 6 to 8 pm, Godfrey staffer Bryna O'Sullivan will teach you  how to use the website for genealogy. Registration is required and full information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/108892012834948/.

Here's a sneak preview...

Probate records are one of the hardest types of records to use for Connecticut genealogy. Why? Because unlike vital or land records, they were never kept on the town level. Instead, probates have always been kept on the district level. Unfortunately for genealogists, those districts have changed regularly over time... so how you figure out where your ancestor's records might be located?

 Some are actually online and easily searchable. ResearchITCT gives Connecticut residents access to probate microfilms available on Ancestry.

Your ancestor's records not there? Try the guide available here to determine the correct probate district and contact the court in question...

Hope to see you Monday.

Tuesday's Tip: How to Order Films to View at the Godfrey Family History Center

Did you know you can use Godfrey’s Family History Center to look at films from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City? It’s a great way to examine records from around the world and even dating back to colonial times in the U.S.

Here's how to order.

Don’t have an account?

1.      Go to www.familysearch.org/films.

2.      Click “Create an account” and follow the steps to designate Godfrey as the Family History Center you will use to view films. 

Do you have the film number?

1)      Go back to www.familysearch.org/films

2)      Enter the number in the box to the left and click “Search.”Information will appear to the right which allows you to place your order

Don’t have the film number?

1)      Go to www.familysearch.org.

2)      Click “Search” and then “Catalog.”

3)      Choose a search category and enter the pertinent information.

4)      Click “Search.”

5)      A new page called "Search Results for FamilySearch Catalog" will open. Click on a category and then a title for more information.

6)     Scroll down to see details of the listing of films and the film numbers.

7)      Click on the film image next to the film you wish to order.

8)      A new page will open with instructions. Follow them to complete your order.

Need a Newspaper?: Godfrey Guide can Help You Find the Right One!

Newspapers can be a fantastic resource for researching your family tree. They often list births and marriages in announcements, deaths through obituaries, and even family vacations!

The hardest part in newspaper research is often locating copies of your ancestor's hometown paper - and a Godfrey resource makes it a little easier.

To get there, go to www.godfrey.org. 

Click on "Godfrey Scholar+" and log-in when the next screen loads. Once logged in, click on "Newspapers" under "Browse by Category."

On the next screen, click on "Newspaper Websites by State."

On the next screen, click on the number in the newspapers column next to your chosen state.

Happy hunting!

Rhode Island Genealogical Society - 1/28/2017

Topic:  Resources of the Godfrey Memorial Library
When:  Saturday, January 28, 2017 - 9:30 a.m.
Where:  SS. John & Paul Parish Center
341 South Main Street, Coventry, RI

Beth Mariotti, Executive Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library (Middletown, CT) will give a presentation at the RIGS Members Meeting.  She will be the first speaker of the day, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Beth will give an update on the extensive resources that the Godfrey has to offer both at the library and online. The Godfrey’s collection includes biographies, genealogies, state and local histories, city directories, cemetery and funeral records, church records, military histories, newspapers, and family bibles.  The Library also operates a Family History Center.

Immigrant Ancestors - 1/20/2017

Topic:  Immigrant Ancestors - Study Group
When and Where:
Friday, January 20, 2017
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. 

Join us for an informal session focused on research skills for genealogists seeking ancestors in their countries of origin. Coordinators for this session have experience with finding ship manifests, naturalization documents, and vital records from other countries.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get suggestions from Godfrey staff and group participants.  Discover resources at the library, other archives, and online databases. Bring your laptop!

Future sessions will be held on the 3rd Friday of the month in February, March, and April from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The sessions are free and open only to Godfrey Premium members.  No pre-registration necessary. For membership information, call 860-346-2534.

Newer Genealogists - 1/17/2017

Topic:  Newer Genealogists - Study Group
When and Where:
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. 

The library will hold an informal session focused on building the research skills of newer genealogists. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get suggestions from Godfrey staff and group participants.

Discover resources at the library, other archives, and online databases.  Get help doing research as you learn.  Bring your laptop!

Future sessions will be held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of February, March, and April from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The sessions are free and open only to Godfrey Premium members.  No pre-registration necessary. For membership information, call 860-346-2534.