Discovering Your Roots: A Beginner's Genealogy Workshop

Discovering Your Roots: A Beginner's Genealogy Workshop

Unlock the mysteries of your family history at Discovering Your Roots: A Beginner's Genealogy Workshop presented by the Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society (NWIGS). Whether you’re a student, adult, or senior, this exciting opportunity will teach you the essential tools and techniques to explore your ancestry. Led by experienced genealogists and historians, attendees will gain valuable insights into genealogical research methods, from navigating vital and census records to making the most of online databases.
What to Expect: The workshop will feature informative classes covering:

• 10am Genealogy Basics
• 11am The Research Process
• 12pm Lunch (Bring Your Own) & Tours
• 1pm Keeping Track of Your Sources
• 2pm Finding Vital Records
• 3pm Census Records
• 4pm Online Databases

Participants will also get the chance to explore the resources available at the Larry G. Clark Genealogy Center during exclusive tours offered during the lunch hour. Be sure to bring your own lunch!
Why Attend? This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to research their family tree, from students curious about their heritage to adults and seniors eager to discover the past. Participants will connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn how to uncover the stories that shaped their families. Whether you're just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers the guidance needed to start your genealogical journey.
Speakers:
The event will be led by an esteemed group of genealogy experts, including:

• KayLynn Matthews, M.L.S., NWIGS President and Porter County Genealogist for Indiana Genealogical Society
• Chris Hough, Head Genealogy Clerk at the Larry G. Clark Genealogy Center, Valparaiso Public Library
• Michael Longan, Professor of Geography at Valparaiso University
• Cheryl Wooten-Wilcox, Genealogist and NWIGS Secretary
• Jean Gassoway, Genealogist and NWIGS Treasurer
• Carrie Newton, Genealogist and NWIGS 2nd Vice-President

The workshop will be held both in person at the Valparaiso library and via Zoom. Please register below and if you plan to attend via zoom also register for the meeting on Zoom. If you are attending in person there is no need to register on Zoom.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso, United States