Most classes will be held online via Zoom
on Saturdays at 10:30 AM to NOON (ET).
Others marked * will be in-person only or hybrid.
The class fee is $10.00.
Click on the title of the class for more details and to register.
[Can’t attend? Register, then email us requesting a link to the recording – good for 4 weeks.]
Class schedule subject to change – check back here or call 802-871-5647 for confirmation.
September 7, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
57 River Road RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
You don’t have to travel abroad to find valuable documents and records for your Scottish ancestors. Sheila Morris will show how to trace those elusive ancestors, what their occupations were, names that are important, and how to find original Scottish census records. She will also share maps of Scotland showing the counties before 1855, and after, as well as how to use ScotlandsPeople.com and tips for organizing your research.
Sheila Morris has served the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society (VT-FCGS) in many roles, including President, conference and event organizer, and editor of our LINKS journal. She has been sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge of genealogy as an instructor, and as the creator of several of our Pin Programs.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library and via Zoom on Saturday
September 14, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
You’ve watched the TV shows and you have an interest in your family’s roots, so what’s next? Starting can seem overwhelming. But whether you want to do a deep dive, or just get a feel for it by starting slowly, Lynn Johnson can show you how to start by looking for resources within the family, as well as “official” documents. She will cover how to assess each piece of information to make sure it fits, and what to do when a piece doesn’t. Using examples from her research, Lynn will outline common mistakes that can derail your progress, and how avoid them.
Lynn Johnson became fascinated by the stories of her ancestors and how their lives fit into history. Lynn has taught elementary school and worked in a bookstore. She has volunteered for the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society (VT-FCGS) for many years, including serving as President for two years. She currently heads the volunteers who staff the library.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom on Saturday
September 21, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
Are you ready to put a little more meat on the bare bones of your family tree? A little bit stuck? Do your family members roll their eyes when you start talking about genealogy? Go beyond the basics in your search for your family history. Marcie Crocker will introduce the use of research logs, timelines, maps, and more. She’ll also touch on why you might want to put some time into the history, and the languages, that might be found in the area, as well as why you might want to research other family members, associates and neighbors.
Marcie Crocker is an experienced genealogist. She has been a long-time volunteer at the Vermont Genealogy Library and has served as President of the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society (VT-FCGS). Marcie advises our library’s visitors on FindMyPast, FamilySearch and other databases.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom on Saturday
September 28, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
This class is designed for individuals seeking to obtain Italian dual citizenship. Chris and Mark will guide you through the intricacies of Italian citizenship law, including the eligibility requirements and legal pathways available. Whether you are pursuing citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis) or other available methods, the course will provide step-by-step instructions on how to gather the necessary documentation, complete the application process, and work with Italian consulates and/or Italian lawyers.
In addition to understanding the legal framework, the course places a strong emphasis on genealogical research, an essential component in proving eligibility for Italian citizenship. You will be equipped with the tools and techniques needed to trace your Italian ancestry, locate and authenticate vital records, and build a compelling case for your citizenship application. Through practical exercises and case studies, this course will empower you to successfully unlock your Italian heritage, ensuring a smooth and informed journey towards dual citizenship.
Mark D’Ambrosi, a native of Waterbury, Connecticut, has been researching his Italian family since the mid-1970s. His grandmother’s sister, Julia, first inspired his curiosity about his family. His dad’s family comes from the provinces of Salerno and Avellino, while his mom’s family comes from the province of Caserta, all in the region of Campania. After several visits with his Italian family in Salerno, he was recognized as an Italian citizen in 2018. In 2023, he and Chris Centracchio started Italian Homecoming.
Chris Centracchio, a native of Rhode Island, lives in Essex, Vermont, with his wife Tracy and is currently the Vice President of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association (VICA). He is half Italian and half Swedish and has been researching both family lines for about 40 years. His Italian side is from the regions of Campania and Molise, and he has been to and has found distant cousins in those beautiful places. Chris and Mark’s business, Italian Homecoming, helps people travel to their ancestral hometowns as well as assists people in their pursuit of Italian dual citizenship. His Italian dual citizenship application is in process!
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom on Saturday
October 5, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
57 River Road RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Anyone who has researched their American French-Canadian heritage back to Canada knows how original names have been changed. Sometimes the trail gets obscured by not recognizing “dit” name variants. At other times, both a first and last name has been corrupted, garbled, or loosely translated. In many other instances, ancestral knowledge was simply lost.
Suspecting that one of his U.S. History students had a French-Canadian name, Michael Dwyer once asked what the family’s ethnic background was. Answer: “Farmer.” Neither the student nor anyone in his family had the faintest idea of their roots back to the pioneers of New France. In this presentation, Dwyer draws on forty-years-worth of case studies of French names lost in Vermont and the research steps and resources he took to rediscover them. He will draw upon new research studies since his last presentation.
Michael Dwyer, a member of the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society (VT-FCGS) and past presenter, is a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (https://fasg.org/). He has served as editor of Vermont Genealogy and has published dozens of scholarly articles and enjoys sharing stories from his forty years of experience.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library and via Zoom on Saturday
October 19, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
In 1775, under the leadership of Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, Colonial troops invaded Canada. Today we can identify many of our French-Canadians ancestors who assisted these troops in their efforts to wrest control of Canada from the British. Eventually the 1st and 2nd Canadian Regiments were formed and some of our ancestors fought side by side against the British with the English colonists on American soil.
This class will briefly explore the history of these forays into Canada, the conditions the troops endured and touch on the Canadian regiments, also known as “Congress’ Own” regiment. Our focus will be on how to identify ancestors who were among these patriots and the best sources to document your lineage to them. A handout will be provided with resources to assist attendees in identifying their own ancestral ties to this time in history.
Jane Duchesneau Whitmore is an experienced family historian and educator who lives in Vermont. She holds a Master of Science in Teaching degree from Antioch University New England. Her family’s roots in Quebec are long and deep with all eight of her great-grandparents from French Canada. She volunteers at the Vermont Genealogy Library and her specialty is French-Canadian research. Jane is a long-time member of the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society (VT-FCGS) and former board member. Through our library, she hosts a monthly special interest group for members with French-Canadian family ties.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom on Saturday
October 26, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
Samuel de Champlain’s 1609 arrival on Lake Champlain is often portrayed as a brief encounter—he names the lake after himself, admires the green mountains, starts a war with the Iroquois, and then seemingly vanishes down river. This traditional narrative suggests that, aside from soldiers, Canadians did not return to the Champlain Valley until the mid-19th century, when they came to work in New England mills. But this overlooks the significant and continuous French presence on a lake that was part of New France for over a century and a half. From the 17th century, the region was never without French influence, as the earliest settlers and their descendants maintained a vibrant cultural and economic presence. Join us as we trace the stories of the families who have lived here since the 17th century, and learn about the resources that can help you find yours.
Suzanne Blanchard is a former editor and attorney, community planner, and longtime member and volunteer at the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society and Vermont Genealogy Library. She is currently the Society’s Vice President.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom on Saturday
November 9, 2024
Vermont Genealogy Library
Genealogists who overlook or underutilize the MyHeritage DNA test miss out on many great tools. Using examples from his account, Richard will demonstrate these features and show how they can be used productively by genealogists, adoptees, and anyone curious about their family history or ethnic background.
Richard Hill was the first known case of an adoptee using genetic genealogy DNA tests to identify his birth family. He is the author of two books. Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA is an award-winning personal memoir that follows his decades-long search for his birth parents. Hill’s Kindle Short Book, Guide to DNA Testing, gives readers just enough information to choose the right DNA tests for their purposes. Richard is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and has spoken at RootsTech, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Genealogical Society‘s conference, and been on “Who Do You Think You Are? Live” (England), as well as dozens of state and local societies.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom on Saturday