Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Beginning French Canadian Genealogy Class


By: Dennis Boudreau

When: Saturday, Oct 20, 2012 - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Cost: Free and open to the public.


Class description:

Whether you're just starting out, need a refresher course in the basics of doing your family tree, or still have unanswered questions, the American-French Genealogical Society, 78 Earle Street, Woonsocket, RI is offering a course on Beginning French Canadian Genealogy in two parts on Saturday morning, October 20, 2012. The class, starting at 9 AM and running until about noon will be given by AFGS past President Dennis Boudreau, who has over 30 years as a professional genealogist, writer and researcher.

The course will cover all the basics from starting at home, organizing one's data, using the AFGS library's collections (with a quick tour), Internet resources, reading the religious/civil registers and census records, and migration patterns from Canada to the United States. It will also give an overview of sobriquets (Canadian surnames and nicknames), and using DNA findings. It will offer a quick how-to guide to unraveling blood and in-law dispensations found in marriage records, and how to recognize Native people in your ancestry, should they be present. And finally, the course will touch on the Acadians, since many Québec families claim several of these French Neutrals from the Canadian Maritimes in their ancestries. Additionally, Dennis will cover how to start compiling one's family history, collecting photographs, and properly documenting research findings.

Following the lecture, Mr. Boudreau, as well as other AFGS staff volunteers, will be available to help participants get started on their family tree using the library's vast resources.

Please register at the library, or E-mail your registration to sign up for this valuable 3-hour course. You may also E-mail any questions you may have concerning this workshop. AFGS members and guests may attend at no charge; a fee of $5 will be charged to guests (non AFGS Members) who stay to use the library following the lecture.