The Brainerd Public Library will host "Genealogy All Day" May 7 with three different classes scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants can register for as many of the free classes as they want to attend by calling the library at 218-829-5574. All of the classes will be taught by a certified genealogist.
• 9:30 a.m.: "Tho' They Were Poor, They May Have Been Rich in Records." The class description is: "So many researchers put up artificial brick walls because their ancestors weren't landowners, were perennial renters staying one step ahead of the bill collector, or didn't leave behind a 10-page will listing all the children. Many researchers figure that the trail runs cold, but that is far from the truth. Our poorer relatives are traceable, and, because they were poor and often needed some kind of assistance, may have left more helpful records than one might think. Some of the record keepers made side comments about our poorer ancestors in these records which may lead to other sources and relationships. The various records, sources for tracking them down, and dealing with the sometimes painful aspects of the information found will be discussed. Visuals will demonstrate the extensive information which may be found. The examples span many states and time periods and both private organizations and government agencies at many levels."
• 11 a.m.: "The Farmer in the Dell ... and in Many U.S. Records." The class description is: "Name 20 places to seek information about ancestral farms. ... This session and accompanying handout demonstrate the extensive records and places for learning more about ancestral farmers and farms. No matter the present status of the property, there are ways to learn more about the farmers, farm and related activities."
• 1 p.m.: "Railroad Records and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking." The class description is: "How many genealogists have heard that great-grandpa traversed this nation as he worked for the railroad? For which railroad did he work? Where did it run? Are there railroad records still extant which may tell us something about his ancestry or where he later went? This lecture addresses these questions. Visuals and references demonstrate the wealth of historical materials available all across the U.S. When this lecture is over you will know where to turn to find out more about the railroad, its records, and how to determine current-day access to the records.
Paula Stuart-Warren is a genealogical educator, researcher and consultant focusing on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology and analyzing records. She is a course coordinator and instructor for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh and an instructor for Ancestry Academy and Family Tree University and has lectured in many states and Canada. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society.
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A native Minnesotan, Stuart-Warren has her own website and blog at genealogybypaula.com, has researched onsite from coast to coast and written for many genealogy publications.
This free Legacy Program sponsored by your library is funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008, which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage.
