Robson Ranch Genealogy Club

Jo Ann Evans

Are you a beginner genealogist? If so, the Robson Ranch Genealogy Club has designed programming with you in mind during the next four months. In April the club offered an afternoon dedicated to beginning level instruction to help get you started.

On April 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. in CATC Room 104, Emily Richardson presented “Discovering FamilySearch.” FamilySearch is one of the world’s most popular genealogical resources and is completely free. You can use search tools by surname, by record type, or by place to access millions of records.

Both evening meetings in May (7 to 8:30 p.m. in CATC Room 104) will deal with the subject of DNA. On May 3 genealogist Patti Huff Smith will speak about how to get the most from your test results using her simple approach to discover family connections. On May 17, RR Genealogy Club President Terry Babcock will speak about how to use maternal and paternal DNA to figure out how you’re related to another person in a talk titled “Practical Use of Y-DNA and mtDNA, Haplogroups, and Family Trees.” If that sounds hopelessly confusing, don’t worry. Terry will make it much simpler than it sounds! As a quick preview, Y-DNA is passed down from father to son, while mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) is handed down from mother to child.

Monthly Help Sessions: Are you stuck on where to begin, or have you hit a brick wall? On the second Monday of each month (2 to 4 p.m. in CATC Room 104) Genealogy Club members are available to help. If you’re confused about how to build a family tree, which software to use, or just want to network and ask questions of fellow researchers, join us at the Help Session on May 9. Bring your laptop or tablet and your questions for friendly, personalized help. Both current club members and visitors are eligible to come to the sessions.

All Robson residents are invited to come to the Genealogy Club. Dues are $20 per year per person or $30 per year for a couple. If you want further information on these programs or on the Robson Genealogy Club, contact us at [email protected].