The Cobb County Genealogical Society will offer its annual genealogy course from January 25-February 29.
This year’s class is “Methods, Strategies and Realistic Thinking.” Class presenters include Cobb society members and a few guest speakers. The lessons are offered over six consecutive Saturdays from 9:20 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Check-in is at 9 a.m. on the first day of class. The first five classes will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta at 189 Church St. Topics include: vital records, a visit to the courthouse and a case study. Among the guest speakers are Laura W. Carter, former director of the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research; Joanne Smalley, a retired archivist from the Georgia Archives; and this columnist.
Carter will give a two-hour presentation on “Getting Started” and “Using Census Schedules and Census Substitutes.” Smalley will cover “Georgia Land Distribution from Colony through Statehood,” and I will discuss “DNA Testing – an Integral Part of Your Genealogy Research. Why Test? Where to Test? What will it Accomplish?”
The final class will meet February 29 at the Smyrna Public Library to explore published genealogy materials from all over the country that can be found there. Registration is required, either online or by mail. See cobbgagensoc.org and go to “education.” The Educational Series costs $25 per person, and everyone will receive course materials electronically via email as a PDF. The early registration deadline by U.S. mail must be postmarked by January 11. Otherwise, the cost is $35. The online registration deadline is January 15 at $25 or $35 after the 15th. Walk-ins are allowed at the $35 rate. For more information, call 770-891-0044.
Family Search celebrating 125 years
The Genealogical Society of Utah, now known as FamilySearch.org, was founded in 1894 and recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. It is the largest genealogical organization in the world, founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The organization started microfilming records from all over the world in the early 20th century, creating a goldmine of information now being digitized.
National Archives at Atlanta adjust hours
The National Archives at Atlanta, at 5780 Jonesboro Road in Morrow, across the plaza from the Georgia Archives, is now open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p. m. To enter, you need to ring the bell; no appointment is necessary. See archives.gov/atlanta.
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