Local Authors and Historians to Present Fall Genealogy Series

Fall is just around the corner and as we begin planning family gatherings during the holidays, many of us also begin to wonder about our roots. Where did our family come from? Who were our great-great-grandparents?

Three local authors, two archivists, and a digital librarian will present six events designed to help both amateur and experienced family genealogists discover their own histories as part of the Forsyth County Public Library Fall Genealogy Series.

The series kicks off with local historian Don Shadburn presenting the seminar “Forsyth County History and Genealogy Research” on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. Shadburn is recognized as a leading research authority on Georgia families of Cherokee blood. He will share tips for using basic research resources available on Forsyth County history and genealogy.

Those who are curious about their ancestors but don’t have any experience in genealogy or research should join Atlanta History Center Senior archivist Sue VerHoef for “Life in the Past Lane – Beginning Genealogy” on Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hampton Park Library. VerHoef will introduce tips and resources to help participants embark on their own ancestral journey.

Digital Projects Librarian Mandy Mastrovita will present the “Digital Library of Georgia” workshop at the Sharon Forks Library on Monday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. Mastrovita will introduce workshop participants to collections in the Digital Library of Georgia that are helpful to genealogical researchers, such as historical newspapers, tax records, marriage records, death certificates and photo collections. All these resources are available online and may be used free of charge.

Archivist and librarian Angela Stanley will present “Navigating the Genealogy Heavyweights – Ancestry and FamilySearch” on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Post Road Library. In this informative classroom-style presentation, Stanley will answer questions on how to access Ancestry and FamilySearch and how to use either resource to discover your family history online.

If you’re interested in local history, you won’t want to miss Atlanta author Joe Dabney as he discusses his book Mountain Spirits on Wednesday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. The folklore of moonshine whiskey is full of fact and fiction, but the real characters tell stories even more humorous and exciting. Dabney will share interviews about actual moonshiners to help illuminate the origins and development of the art of making whiskey.

But such law-breaking wasn’t just limited to the mountains. Join author Laurel-Ann Dooley as she discusses the underworld of Atlanta’s past from her latest book, Wicked Atlanta. Dooley will take you on a journey through the past as you learn about kidnapping, bribery, wives hiring hit men, and all sorts of criminal debauchery in the city. “Wicked Atlanta – Author Talk with Laurel-Ann Dooley” will be held at the Sharon Forks Library on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Each event in the Fall Genealogy Series is free, but advance registration is requested. For more information, or to register, please visit www.forsythpl.org.