Meredith Public Library to hold programs focused on genealogy

MEREDTIH — The Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., will hold two genealogy related events in January.

At the Genealogy Lock-In on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. the library will be closed except to event attendees who will be able to use the library’s databases, including Ancestry and AmericanAncestors. Meredith is also a FamilySearch Library affiliate and has access to many more records than can be accessed from home. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop and/or research notebook. There will also be research discussions and assistance from professional genealogists. Those interested can also buy into pizza. Light refreshments will be available.

On the third Tuesday of each month, Genealogy Club meets at Meredith Public Library. This month’s meeting — on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. — the meeting will include a Zoom presentation by Sandra L. Duffy of the American-Canadian Genealogical Society titled “French-Canadian Genealogy 101: Strategies and Hints for Researching Your French-Canadian Ancestors.”

Those interested can attend from home via Zoom or in the library’s function room.  Email erin@meredithlibrary.org for a link to the Zoom presentation or visit meredithlibrary.org.  

This webinar will explore the world of French-Canadian genealogy. Attendees will learn about the unique research strategies and resources used to identify French-Canadian ancestors including church records, census records, notarial records and other important sources. 

Topics covered will include navigating French-Canadian genealogical records, utilizing online resources with examples of those specific to French-Canadian research, addressing name changes and name variations in the U.S., and understanding dit names.

Duffy is the executive administrator of the Bedford, Massachusetts, Historical Society and serves as a research department co-chair of the American-Canadian Genealogical Society. She holds a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University and is a ProGen Study Group program graduate. Duffy serves on the ACGS and the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium board of directors and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.