BPL Hosting 10 Family History Month Programs in October

 

The Birmingham Public Library's Southern History Department is hosting 10 programs throughout the month of October in celebration of Family History Month 2023.

Celebrated every October, Family History Month is a great time to learn more about genealogy, your family history, and take advantage of library resources such as BPL's Southern History Department. 

Check out a listing of BPL's Family History programs that kick off next week below (Note: All are either at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, or online via Zoom):

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Southern History Department, Tuesday, October 3, 12:00 p.m., Southern History Department, 1st Floor

Join the staff of the Southern History Department for a look behind the scenes! Learn about the history of the Research Library, its collection of genealogy materials, maps, and microfilm. See treasures such as Miss Iwate, the Blaeu Atlas, the 1926 Zone map, and much more. Our map conservationist and librarians are eager to show you what’s special about the library’s Special Collections. 

Locating and Using Historic Newspapers in Genealogy Research, Tuesday, October 10, 12:00 p.m., BPL Computer Center and online via Zoom

Historic newspapers are an invaluable source for genealogists. Learn about the tools available to find your ancestors’ obituaries, wedding announcements, and so much more.

Privacy Concerns in DNA Testing for Ancestry, Wednesday, October 11, 12:00 p.m., BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, and online via Zoom

DNA testing for ancestry can break down genealogical brick walls, so why are some family history enthusiasts reluctant to use this powerful tool? BPL Map Conservator Paul Boncella considers their concerns, examines the Big Four DNA test companies’ privacy policies, and reveals the actual risks that test takers face. He then answers questions on this or any other aspect of genetic genealogy. 

Alabama Fever,  Saturday, October 14, 10:00 a.m., Arrington Auditorium, 4th Floor

From important events to minor incidents, come explore Alabama’s early history. Alabama Fever covers the state’s history from pre-statehood into the 1830s. We’ll discuss how the state was founded and some things you may not know about its early years. Presented by the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

African Americans in City Directories, Saturday,  October 14, 2023 11:00 a.m., Arrington Auditorium

Have you ever come up short researching your ancestors who lived in urban settings? This presentation can help you overcome some hurdles by learning how to use city directories to improve your research. The focus of this workshop is using city directories to research African American families. Presented by the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Google Your Peeps, Tuesday, October 17, 2023 12:00 p.m., BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, and online via Zoom 

The Internet is a great tool for genealogy, but how do you find specific information about your ancestors’ lives? In this workshop we will create a detailed research template that will guide your searches through the vast resources on the web and beyond. 

Really Basic Genetic Genealogy, Wednesday, October 18, 12:00 p.m., BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, and online via Zoom 

 If you want to get started or restarted in genetic genealogy, there is a simple way to put your DNA test to use. Paul Boncella identifies what genetic genealogy can do, shows where to find the necessary mechanisms on a test company’s website, and then demonstrates how to make effective use of them. He then answers questions on this and any other aspect of genetic genealogy. 

Connecting Faces Through Time – How Related Faces Can Help Identify Unknown People in Old Photos, Saturday, October 21, 10:00 a.m., Online via Zoom 

Tina LaFreniere, CEO of Related Faces, will guide you through the features of Related Faces, show you some techniques for making positive identifications and matches, and address how to utilize your cell phone to digitize old photos. Related Faces is easy and intuitive to use, yet the technologically is powerful. Tina’s goal is for Related Faces to become a place where people can recapture their family history and reconnect with long lost family members, brought together by the faces of their ancestors.

Sorting Your DNA Matches Using the Revised Boncella Method, Wednesday, October 25, 12 p.m., BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, and online via Zoom 

Determining where unknown DNA matches fit into your family tree can be accomplished via a purely mechanical process, and this is possible even for distant relatives. Paul Boncella demonstrates two techniques for sorting matches into family branches—one of which he has greatly simplified—and he then answers questions on this and any other aspect of genetic genealogy. 

See Alabama First! Tuesday, October 31, 12:00 p.m., BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, and online via Zoom 

Interested in Alabama research? Come take a road trip through some of our favorite Alabama resources for genealogy and local history.

By Roy L. Williams, PR Director of BPL Public Relations Department