MAY 14, 2009 ISSUE
Genealogists to Unite at Watauga Library
“We’re just going to meet and see where it goes from there,” said Evelyn Johnson of Watauga County Library, referring to the upcoming initial meeting of a Genealogy Club.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library. The idea is to help people interested in Watauga County-area genealogy meet with others who share their interest.
Featured at the initial meeting will be a roundtable discussion of Genealogy and Family History that will be led by local genealogists such as Sanna Gaffney.
Gaffney helped found the Genealogical Society of Watauga County in 1987, which originally set out to provide a meeting place and time for local enthusiasts. As membership declined over the years, however, the Society limited itself to sending a publication that provides information and history to subscribers. Area genealogists Ed Greene and John Heaton produce the publication.
Johnson says that the club at the library is not associated with the Genealogical Society.
“The idea was suggested to me by Jim Caldwell, who thought that there was enough interest to get something like this going,” Johnson said.
And interest there is. So far, 13 residents have signed up with only a minimum of 10 required to get the club off the ground.
Other than helping people connect to share resources and ideas, the club will also take time to familiarize people with the tools that the Watauga Library offers to burgeoning genealogists. Among these tools is a free connection to Ancestry.com and the Family Tree Maker program.
“We’re just feeling it out,” said Johnson. “We’re going to let people talk about their own personal experiences and hope that something comes out of that.”
Those interested in participating should leave their name and contact information on the pre-registration sheet at the Reference Desk in the library.
For more information, call the Watauga County Public Library, 828-264-8784.
Want To Go?
Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Watauga County Library meeting room
Cost: Free
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
