Ridgefield Public Schools Continuing Education Program

Genealogy

 

Genealogy

Beginning Genealogy
This two session workshop covers the basics of getting started: gathering initial family information, organizing the information, planning the search, types of information available, common mistakes, computer programs, Internet, public archives, etc. An overview of Canadian and European sources of information is also included. The class is also beneficial to those who have done some genealogical research and are stalled. Includes lecture, discussion, and some hands-on genealogical searches using the Internet. Taught by Bob Law. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
2 Sessions $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $18)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Irish Genealogy
Bob Law is back with another useful and informative genealogy workshop that will help you do your research here before you do it in Ireland. Participants will also learn about the last 400 years of Irish history and governmental structure as it influences what data was recorded, what records survived, and who is in the old home town today. You will also learn what is available in Ireland and in the U.S. and obtain book, web site, and other search recommendations. Includes lecture, discussion, and time for questions and answers. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

German Genealogy
Many people claim German ancestry, but their ancestors may have been from Luxembourg, today’s northern Poland (Prussia ) or even Russia, as the borders of Germany have changed many times over the last 300 years. Germans settled in many parts of Eastern Europe during that same time period. This workshop includes a discussion of German history and geography, immigration and emigration of ethnic Germans, given and family names, religion, language, gothic script, and church and civil records, the need to use maps and gazetteers to help locate the origin village, as well as a brief overview of the ethnic German countries surrounding Germany –Luxembourg, Alsace, Switzerland and Austria, time for questions and answers and swapping family stories with participants. Taught by Bob Law. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

European Genealogy
Many Americans have multiple European Roots or are the descendent of a unique European racial stock. This course will give you the essentials needed to begin tracing your ancestors to 40 different European countries. It will teach you what you need to discover in the US or Canada before you can begin the research in any country in Europe. It will explain the history of the country, the records that are available and the decisions necessary regarding your ability to undertake the research. A list of books and web sites will be provided that will aid you in your research. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Canadian Genealogy
Many Americans have ancestors that were born in Canada. They are descendents of American Loyalists, Quebecois, Pennsylvania Pacifists or European Immigrants who came to a Canadian port and decided to stay. Genealogy research in Canada is quite different than in the United States. Learn the history of the Canadian Provinces and how to search the Archives. Ottawa is the capital of Canada and has a great National Archive. No matter if your ancestors were recent immigrants or several generations ago, the class will help you find their family information and do research in any province in Canada. Taught by Bob Law. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.