Genealogy Club

Genealogist Barbara LaClair will give a presentation titled “Researching the Shady Side of your Family Tree (Skeletons in Your Closet)” on Wednesday, April 24, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2 at 10 a.m. Social hour starts at 9:30.

LaClair has always been interested in the family stories told by her older relatives. She was first bitten by the genealogy bug when a distant cousin circulated copies of a genealogy report that he compiled.

LaClair began casually looking for more information by browsing library shelves and asking questions of relatives, without really knowing what records might hold the answers and where to look. With time, her research skills grew and discoveries followed. She has been researching her family and others for nearly 50 years and is the president of her local genealogy society, where she has taught classes and given programs on a variety of topics.

Every family has at least one skeleton in their closet. Those who think they’re immune probably haven’t been researching long enough or hard enough. In this light-hearted presentation, the club will take a look at some examples of black sheep ancestors and the records that they left behind, and talk a bit about what to do with that scandalous information.

The Genealogy Club’s annual summer picnic will be held in June. There will be no club meetings in July and August. The Genealogy Library will be open as usual during the summer.

Theme Thursdays are held each Thursday from 1:30-2 p.m. in the Genealogy Library. On April 18, the club will explore FamilySearch’s new full-text AI search. On April 25, the meeting will focus on researching the club’s “most wanted” list.

The library will be closed on Sundays until the club has a new volunteer. Those willing to help with library hours or be a substitute should contact volunteer coordinator Lisa Brass at 714-390-4213 or lisnhow@gmail.com. The Genealogy Library hours are Monday- Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and closed on Sundays.