Heritage Room News
November 2013 Events and Classes
COGS Meeting: All Genealogists Love a Library!
Saturday, November 16, 2013 2:00 p.m., but we will gather at 1:45 p.m., At the University of Georgia Special Collections Library - 300 S Hull St, Athens, GA (downtown)
Dear COGS Members, What researcher doesn't love a library? Have you been to our local special collections building? Sometimes it is daunting to go to new repositories: archives have special procedures, etc.. We are going to get familiar with this beautiful local archive so we may feel comfortable and return often to collections right here in our own town.
Please join us for a free private tour. Along with the regular tour of the collections, we will visit the 3rd floor. This floor houses records for genealogical research: six million original documents and images on Georgia and other topics!! No Kidding.
We will meet at the entrance to the Richard Russell Bldg beginning at 1:45. Loads of parking available. Parking is in Hull Street deck with handicapped access on 3rd floor & use ramp to sidewalk. At 2PM we will begin our tour. If you know you will come please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a head count.
Preview a bit of the tour by getting familiar with the facility and collections. The website also has directions and a map: http://www.libs.uga.edu/hargrett/index.shtml
How many genealogists are so lucky as to have a special collections library in their town? Plan to be there. You will be glad you did. As always you are welcome to bring a friend.
Sincerely, Nona Thornton COGS President
Getting Started with Genealogy
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 10:00 a.m. Multipurpose Room A
This class will help you get started with your family research. This is the pre-beginning genealogy class. Call (706) 613-3650, ext. 350, to register. Limited to 10 participants. In Multipurpose Room A.
October 2013 Events and Classes
October is Archives Month! To celebrate this year's theme, "Current Events, Future History," the Heritage Room is offering a number of unique classes and workshops. We hope you will join us!
Documenting Cherokee Heritage with Linda Woodward Geiger (live webinar)
October 8, 2:00 p.m.
Multipurpose Room A
This live webinar, presented by the Friends of the National Archives Southeast Region, will help you learn what you need to know about your suspected Cherokee ancestor before you can begin documenting your Cherokee heritage. You will learn about available records and why it is that you might be 100% Cherokee and never be able to become a member of one of the three federally recognized Cherokee Nations.
Speaker Linda Woodward Geiger specializes in Georgia's state and county records, federal records of the southeastern United States, and determining Cherokee heritage. She is an associate of the Board for the Certification of Genealogists and holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist and as a Certified Genealogical Researcher. She also serves as president and webmaster for the Friends of the National Archives at Atlanta. Call (706) 613-3650 x 350 to register.
Know Before You Go
October 9, 6:00 p.m.
Multipurpose Room A
Ever wonder what happens to personal papers, letters and documents after someone's passing? Want to know best practices for making sure your personal or business effects wind up where you want them? This class will discuss the definition and life cycle of a record, where records wind up, how they can be stored, why they are kept, and how individuals can take proactive steps toward retaining or dispensing with their records. It will also address what records can be found in archival repositories, how to prepare for an archives visit, and the difference between library and archival collections. Call (706) 613-3650 x 350 to register.
Teen Genealogy #3
October 14, 4:30 p.m.
Computer Training Lab
This is the third session of our four-part series on genealogy for teens. This class will focus on researching online records. Participants must have pre-enrolled and attended the previous two classes.
Through the Arch: Writing an Illustrated Guide to the University of Georgia Campus
October 20, 3:00 p.m.
Appleton Auditorium
Author Larry B. Dendy will be talking about his new book, Through the Arch, published by the University of Georgia Press. The book will be available for purchase from the Library Store, and Mr. Dendy will be available to sign copies before and after the talk. This program is co-sponsored by the Athens Historical Society and the Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room.
Night Owl Prowl
October 25, 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Remember all those times you found something just as the repository was about to close? Ever dream of spending the night in a genealogical collection? Now's your chance!
When the Library closes at 6:00pm on Friday, October 25, you and your fellow genealogy researchers will have the Heritage Room all to yourselves. There will be food and beverages and a security guard to walk you to your care if you leave before midnight. The charge is $15 per person to cover the cost of security and food. Not recommended for beginners. Payment and registration form are due by October 23, 2013.
Registration for the Night Owl Prowl is now closed. If you missed the deadline and are still interested in attending, please call the Heritage Room at (706) 613-3650 x350 to inquire about availability.
Teen Genealogy #4
October 28, 4:30 p.m.
Heritage Room
This is the final session of our four-part series on genealogy for teens. With the help of Heritage Room staff, participants will do independent research to explore their own family lines. Participants must have pre-enrolled and attended the previous three classes.
Archives on the Internet
October 29, 10:00 a.m.
Computer Training Lab
In honor of this year's Archives Month theme, "Current Events, Future History," this class will explore a small selection of the many renown online archives exhibits, repositories, and digitized collections available to the public. Many of the world's treasures are available for viewing from the comfort of your own home, and we shall survey some of the many ways in which images and details have been made accessible. Call (706) 613-3650 x 350 to register.
Library Genealogists in the News
Author and Library employee Eddie Whitlock and his wife Beth, who works both Reference and in the Library's Heritage Room, have spent years researching their families' history. Their efforts recently served as genealogical inspiration to marriage and family therapist David McMillan, whose radio show Strategies for Living featured Mr. Whitlock as a guest.
