Exploring the Past: Beginner’s Genealogy Class at Woodstock Community Library Continues
By Savannah Logan
The Woodstock Community Library has become a hub for history buffs and curious minds alike, thanks to its ongoing Beginner’s Genealogy Class. Participants have gathered every other week to learn how to uncover their roots, with recent sessions focusing on two important tools in any genealogist’s toolkit: interviews and photo analysis.
In the most recent classes, attendees discovered the power of simply talking with living relatives. Family members, especially older generations, often hold a wealth of stories, names, and dates that can’t be found in records alone. Instructors encouraged students to approach these conversations with open-ended questions and genuine curiosity, allowing memories to unfold naturally. Some of these questions might include questions about their parents, their siblings, where they went to school, where they grew up, where they met their spouse/partner, or where they worked. The sky is the limit when it comes to asking these types of questions – just always check in and make sure that they are comfortable answering them first and be sure to pivot to a different type of question should they not want to answer for whatever reason.
Alongside oral history, the class has explored how to examine old family photographs for clues. Identifying markers, such as clothing styles (each decade has defining style features, backgrounds, or even the type of photograph, can help place a photo in a certain era or location. Recognizing a familiar face or spotting a handwritten note on the back of a picture might be the key to unlocking a long-lost branch of a family tree.
By combining interviews with visual context clues, participants are beginning to piece together personal histories in a meaningful and hands-on way. The class continues to foster a sense of community and discovery, one story at a time. Come on by one day if you can, because having a guide, as well as support from other class members, can be an integral and impactful part of your journey of discovering more about your own family history.
