Back for another season, the Prairie History Room is offering several new genealogical workshops to help researchers discover their family roots. Whether it is learning how to start your genealogy research or how to track down your elusive Loyalist or female ancestors, this free series of lectures is guaranteed to kick start your family and local history research this spring.

For more information about these workshops, phone the Prairie History Room at 777-6011.

Genealogy For Beginners
Saturday, February 18, 2012
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Prairie History Room, Central Library, 2311-12th Avenue

Are you interested in tracing the origins of your family but are terrified on where to begin or look? Join May P. Chan, Prairie History Librarian at Regina Public Library, as she helps you start your family history research by going over the basics such as how to fill out time-saving pedigree charts and family group sheets, where to look for genealogical information, and how to develop a research strategy.

Please note that this session is primarily geared for those who have not started their genealogical research and is not suited for those who are have taken previous genealogy classes from the Prairie History Room.

NOTE: This is the only program that requires pre-registration. Please click on this link to register.

Discovering Your Loyalist Roots
Saturday, February 25, 2012
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RPL Film Theatre (lower level), Central Library, 2311-12th Avenue

After the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown, fled the American colonies and settled in Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas and England. Today more than two million Canadians can trace their ancestry to these “Loyalists”. Join Pat and Gerry Adair from the Saskatchewan branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) who will explain what resources are available for anyone researching their Loyalists roots, the application process for membership, and upcoming activities planned by the group.

Pre-registration is not required.

Best Genealogy Websites of 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RPL Film Theatre (lower level), Central Library, 2311-12th Avenue

Confused, overwhelmed and frustrated by the millions of genealogy websites on the internet today? Unsure about whether or not you should buy an annual subscription to Ancestry.com not? Join May P. Chan, the Prairie History Librarian at Regina Public Library, as she rounds up and examines the best genealogy websites of 2012 available to researchers.

Pre-registration is not required.

Tracing Your Female Ancestors
Saturday, April 14, 2012
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RPL Film Theatre (lower level), Central Library, 2311-12th Avenue

Every woman led a life worth researching, but since not every woman created records, genealogists often have a challenging and difficult time tracing their female ancestors. Join Pat Ryan, professional genealogy researcher and instructor, as she offers successful tips and strategies for uncovering hard-to-find information about your female relatives. The session will focus on the types of resources created by women and about women and the methods used for determining maiden and married surnames.

Pre-registration is not required.

Using Newspapers for Research
Saturday, April 21, 2012
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
RPL Film Theatre (lower level), Central Library, 2311-12th Avenue

Newspapers do more than provide genealogical researchers with birth, marriage and death announcements. They are often a “window into the past” by helping to explain what life was like at a specific point in time. Today, more historical newspapers are being digitized and made available for users to search for articles more easily. Join Pat Ryan, professional genealogy researcher and instructor, as she offers tips how to use these resources and where to find these digital collections.

Pre-registration is not required.