October is Family History Month and Burlington County Library System is devoting an entire day to genealogy research and resources.
Family History Day will be celebrated on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton. The free event is sponsored by the Burlington County Library System Foundation and will feature several presentations, speakers, and workshops about genealogy and the methods for digging through records for family history.
This special event will also feature entertainers for children and families as well as document scanning projects.
“Studying our own ancestry gives us greater understanding of where we come from and insights on many of the connections we share,” said Burlington County Commissioner Tom Pullion, the liaison to the library system. “It’s a wonderful activity and attending Family History Day is a great place to get started or learn more.”
“Genealogy is a timeless pursuit and one of the most popular. In fact, it’s now considered the second-most popular hobby in America behind only gardening,” added Burlington County Library Commission Chair Jonathan Chebra. “The library has become a go-to destination for those looking to learn more about their own heritage and family history. We have outstanding resources and Family History Day is a great way to introduce more people to them.”
The event kicks off with the presentation “Finding Female Ancestors” by Laura Cubbage-Draper of LCD Genealogy Services, followed by “Getting Started with Genealogy” from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The third presentation will focus on “Navigating Family History for African-Americans.”
All of the presentations are being held in the library auditorium. No registration required.
Visit the library’s Children’s Department for family-friendly performances of “The Story of Rosie the Riveter” at 11 a.m. and “Stories Around the World” at 1:30 p.m.
Two workshops – “Digitizing Documents and Photographs” and “Recording Your Family History” will give visitors a hands-on experience with capturing their personal memories of the past. Registration is required for these workshops, please visit bcls.lib.nj.us to learn more.
In addition to the Family History Day activities, the Burlington County Library System offers plenty of resources for those trying to trace their family roots, including Ancestry.com access at all library branch locations. The Library Edition of Ancestry contains billions of historical records that can help with piecing together a family’s story.
For residents just getting started, the library system also has several books and guides for beginner and intermediate researchers. And don’t overlook the New Jersey Room at the main library, which has thousands of local history items.
There is also a large, microfilmed newspaper collection that is frequently a go-to resource for residents seeking more information about individuals and families who resided in Burlington County. The library even has a volunteer-generated index of newspapers, which can be a great tool for finding leads.
“Whether you’re new to genealogy or a seasoned heritage hunter, the Burlington County Library System has many resources and a knowledgeable staff that can assist you with your research,” said Burlington County Library System Foundation President Pat Lindsay-Harvey. “If we do not have the records you are after, we can connect you with one of the many historical societies and genealogy clubs throughout South Jersey. No matter what you’re looking for, the library is a great location to get started.”
