BPL 2023 Summer Reading Spotlight: Southern History Department Hosting Genealogy Programs

 

BPL's popular Intro to Genealogy workshop is being offered as part of 2023 Summer Reading 

Did you make a New Year's Resolution to research your family history this year? The Birmingham Public Library's Southern History Department has several programs kicking off in June that may be able to boost your ancestry journey. 

These free classes are among around 250 different 2023 BPL Summer Reading Programs for patrons of all ages taking place at library locations across the city during June and July.  

Besides its popular Intro to Genealogy program, Southern History Department will also offer advanced tools for genetic research and an online guide to locating family histories on the Web. 

In addition, Southern History Map Conservator Paul Boncella will examine the dark days of segregation when City of Birmingham leaders schemed to segregate residents by race by exploring the 1926 Birmingham Zoning Map. 

 For more details on these programs by date and location, continue reading below.

 Intro to Genealogy Wednesday, June 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Computer Lab on the 4th Floor of the BPL Research Building downtown and online via Zoom

Want to learn how to do genealogical research? Come to this introductory class that will help get you started on your genealogical journey. The staff in the Southern History Department covers such topics as vital records, courthouse and church records, and the Federal Census. Register only if you plan to attend virtually via Zoom. 

This is the 1926 Birmingham Zoning Map designed to separate the population by race.

An Emblem of Segregation: The 1926 Birmingham Zoning Map Saturday, June 10, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Arrington Auditorium, BPL Research Building

 A scheme to segregate the population of Birmingham by race existed both in theory and in practice long before the legislation that made it legal was passed in 1926. Paul Boncella of the Southern History Department examines the zoning map and other documents to demonstrate how the ordinance came into existence and why it was initially accepted by the population at large. 

 Advanced Tools for Genetic Genealogy at 23andMe Wednesday, July 19, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.  Computer Lab on the 4th Floor of the BPL Research Building and online

23andMe’s current DNA ancestry product includes two unique genetic genealogy tools that are underutilized by most users, and its paid subscription service offers several other unique mechanisms for this purpose. Paul Boncella shows how to access and use the current product tools, demonstrates how the paid subscription service can further enhance research, and then answers questions on this and any aspect of genetic genealogy. Register only if you plan to attend virtually via Zoom. 

Find it Online: A Guide to Locating Family Histories On the Web Wednesday, July 26, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.  Computer Lab on the 4th Floor of the BPL Research Building and online

When you need that one book for your research and your local library doesn't have it … what do you do? In this course we'll look at numerous resources for locating books, magazine, and other genealogical materials online. Register only if you plan to attend virtually via Zoom. 

By Mary Beth Newbill|Department Head, Southern History