So you want to find out about your family history. Maybe you want to learn the identity of your ancestors, find out where they lived and what they did for a living? Or maybe your family lore includes stories of a Mayflower immigrant? Curiosity, lineage, and medical history are all common reasons to take up the growing hobby of genealogy. Whatever the reason, uncovering details about your ancestors can be a fulfilling and worthwhile undertaking. Join Genealogists from New England Historic Genealogical Society to learn more about online and in-person resources that exist for family history research and how to best access them. Our experts will also dive into research tips and techniques that will help you get started, stay organized, and make the most of your research.

Instructors

Ann Lawthers, Genealogist, assists NEHGS library visitors, both on-site and online, with their family history research. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and the Harvard School of Public Health, and has completed the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research program. She has conducted genealogical projects as an independent researcher. Ann’s areas of interest are Massachusetts, Vermont, the Mid-Atlantic, Indiana, Kansas, Arkansas, Canada, Ireland, and Germany.

Tom Dreyer, Genealogist, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University. He has been a genealogical researcher for the past thirty years. He began at NEHGS as a volunteer and part-time researcher in the Research Services department before moving to the reference desk in the library. His areas of interest are DNA, New England, Nebraska, Missouri and Germany.