Class and Lecture Descriptions

Adoptions---A long awaited class on systems in researching a ‘quiet’ adoption. Adoptions are a major puzzle. Each state has their own guidelines to an open or sealed record. The first official adoption was in Massachusetts in 1873. Prior to that ‘quiet’ adoptions were done within the family or close friends. Different geographic areas will be discussed plus how to get a sealed record opened for your research.

Civil War 1850-1865 --We discuss the causes of the War, its leading players, some of the battles and also discuss the casualties and the outcome of the War and its affects on the United States. We furnish web sites for you to explore, along with some pictures of key players and a time line to help all of us understand how the War happened.

Obituary Class--Not all deaths are announced in a local obituary. So the hunt must start to unravel the tidbits of your ancestor's life. Not all obituaries are recorded in area of death, not all obituaries are recorded at the time of death. This discussion will cover ‘delayed death announcements’ and out-of-state or out-of-country published obituaries. Getting copies FREE and from long distances also will be covered.

Probate Office--This class will excite you to enter those doors at the Probate Office. Wills are public record and available to read and uncover the mysteries of your ancestors. Why did son John not receive an inheritance? Surprised to find out his sister Mary had been adopted? Guardianship records, title changes on land deeds, court records, and name changes are just a few of the files available. Bring your checkbook as the cost to copy is $1.00 a page.

Florida’s Hurricane of 1935--So many lives were lost in this hurricane. The majority were World War 1 vets working on the Civil Conservation Corps. There were many human factors that created a plan of destruction and death. The courage of the men to survive was critical, the lessons learned from this heartbreak would benefit future soldiers. A ball game in Miami, a 2 day old National Weather Bureau Report, and the hundreds of crabs, and the lack of communication for a rescue train to get to the Keys were all ingredients to destruction and death.

Eleanor, the Wife--Eleanor Roosevelt, so honored and cherished by the American people. So little has been spoken of her personal life, outside the shadow of FDR. Her mother’s passing at age 8, left alone with a troubled father would also passed away when Ellie was only 10. Her young past is a strong insight into who she became …the Mother of America. Her fears, her upbringing by her aunt, boarding school and early education achievements all focused her into the woman she became. Her personal pain of the scars of infidelity created her into a compassionate and loving woman. Join our fireside chat to discuss Eleanor and her personal achievements and challenges.

Orphan Trains and the Riders--The year was 1856, immigrants were pouring into the Port of New York, yet the city of New York had 100,000 street children and many were orphans. This is a fascinating story of homeless children and their journey to survive. This was the beginning of our American Social System, the start of saving children’s lives and giving them new families. The heartache of New York became the Harvest and joy of the West. Could your ancestor be one of the riders??

Grandmother Julia did WHAT??--Julia Ellen MacDonald was born in 1900, the youngest child of 11, a young Catholic farm girl from western Massachusetts……Sets her own rules to life in 1920! Join us for an hour of entertainment, education and a lot of laughs. Learn how this Grandmother’s life was uncovered through public records and family secrets…..the unveiling of the family secrets done by her granddaughter in 1993. This true story will excite you and explain why folks enter the hobby of genealogy. Join us for the laughs and the secrets!

Googling for Research--Google has been on the internet since 1999, and it has redirected all of us to new ways of researching. The best features of Google is it's accurate and relevant results, extraordinarily flexible on their end in searching any answers. The purpose of this class is to relate and guide you to successfully using the tools offered by Google to reach results in your family history. Many surprises are in store for you. Learn more than 15 techniques to help you fill in those blank spaces.