Genealogy program on April 28 focuses on ‘Ten Best Reasons to Learn Your Ancestry’

Photo courtesy of Tom Curtis

Tom Curtis, Southington Genealogy Society member, right, shares his own personal genealogy story involving his wife, Bonnie, during the April 28 program “Ten Best Reasons to Learn Your Ancestry & Ten Ways to Help You Do That.”

The Southington Genealogical Society meeting on Tuesday, April 28 will be both in person at the Southington Historical Society building and online via Zoom. New member Tom Curtis will present “Ten Best Reasons to Learn Your Ancestry & Ten Ways to Help You Do That.” Curtis will share his own genealogical love story. The building is located at 239 Main St. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. Email southingtongenealogicalsociety@gmail.com for the Zoom link. This is open to the public. Learn more at www.southingtongenealogicalsociety.org.

Curtis, a Connecticut native who recently returned home after more than 63 years of residence in the American South, will discuss amazing discoveries he has made in the last few years of researching his mostly Connecticut ancestry including a heart-warming genealogical love story, “the greatest accomplishment in the history of the human race,” and the truth that Southington’s first minister Jeremiah Curtis is great-great-great-great-uncle of US Vice President Charles Curtis from Kansas. Tom Curtis will share the genealogical techniques he used to make these discoveries in hopes attendees can use them to make their own amazing discoveries. Those who attend in person will also be able to see several genealogical items that complement the presentation.

The Southington Genealogical Society Inc., founded in 1984, is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that promotes the accurate recording, research and preservation of family history. The organization meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Southington Historical Society. The website is www.southingtongenealogicalsociety.org.

Names in Thread: Signature Quilts and Genealogy

Southington Genealogical Society will present the webinar “Names in Thread: Signature Quilts and Genealogy,” on Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m., at the Southington Historical Society, 239 Main St. The meeting is also offered by Zoom. Discussion about family quilts will follow.

The Family Tree website includes this explanation: “Quilts with inked or embroidered names are referred to as signature quilts or friendship quilts. These quilts were used as gifts and fundraisers. Today these quilts are being used to tell stories of families and communities. In this presentation we will explore the history of signature quilts, how to research them, and repositories that collect them. Quilts are more than a bed covering, they also can be a genealogical source.”

The Southington Genealogical Society Inc., founded in 1984, is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that promotes the accurate recording, research and preservation of family history. The organization meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday at at 7 p.m. at the Southington Historical Society. To receive the Zoom link for the virtual programs, email southingtongenealogicalsociety@gmail.com or DM through the Facebook page “Southington Genealogical Society, Inc.” Visit the website www.southingtongenealogicalsociety.org for more information.

Ancestor Road Show Comes to Town on Sept. 21 – Register now!

You are invited to take part in an Ancestor Road Show, hosted by the Southington Genealogical Society on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southington Historical Society, 239 Main St., Southington. 

Members of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council will share their knowledge and expertise during the program. The Road Show offers participants the chance to get help from a professional genealogist in breaking down brick walls and solving family history mysteries. 

Each personal session will last 25 minutes. Attendees must complete the attached questionnaire and return it to the Southington Genealogical Society by Sept. 14. Questionnaires and a $10 registration fee can be mailed to the society at 239 Main St., Southington, CT 06489. SGS meets at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the historical society.

Participants should also list their preferred time slots. Sessions will begin at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, noon, 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm. The Road Show will be limited to 40 openings. You can download the form here.

Proceeds from the event will support genealogy education throughout the state. 

For additional information, please email SGS at southingtongenealogicalsociety@gmail.com.