DCHA to host genealogy research workshop

Vicky Klukkert, The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
·2 min read

Feb. 15—People interested in learning how to find out more information about their Delaware County ancestors are invited to a workshop on genealogical research at the Delaware County Historical Association March 9.

The workshop, "Finding Your Delaware County Roots," will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., led by DCHA Archivist Ray LaFever.

"The workshop is mainly geared to the beginning and intermediate genealogist with a focus on using sources specific to Delaware County," LaFever said. "While we'll talk about our collections, I'll also be discussing other places to go in Delaware County and beyond. And I'll be spending a good amount of time discussing options for researching online — there are a lot of them out there now, both free and by subscription."

The association has "1,300 cubic feet of material, which equals about 140 file cabinets," he said. "Our items range from single letters or photographs to multiple boxes of letters, photographs, diaries, etc. We have maps and several photograph collections, including the Bob Wyer collection. We have about 200 books related to local history and over 100 published genealogies, as well as genealogical files."

LaFever, who is an amateur genealogist, spent 20 years working for the New York State Archives, providing advisory services on archives and records management to local governments and local historical societies. He said he offers the workshop, so people will know what to ask for when they visit the association's library to conduct research. "When researchers come into our library/archives, I like them to have done their homework," he said. "This ensures that they will have a useful research experience and that they are in the right place. This workshop can help people using our materials to be better prepared when they come in and also help them anywhere else they do their genealogical research. I like to share my 40+ years of genealogical research experience with anyone interested in climbing their family tree."

The workshop is the first of three yearly genealogical workshops the association offers. LaFever said he also offers "Protecting Your Family Treasures," which covers how to take care of family records and artifacts, and "Scanning Your Family Treasures," which covers how to best scan photographs, negatives, letters, diaries and more.

The historical association is on state Route 10 north of Delhi. Registration is required by March 7. Cost is $10 per person. Call 607-746-3849 or e-mail dchadelhi@gmail.com to register.

Vicky Klukkert, staff writer, can be reached at vklukkert@thedailystar.com or 607-441-7221.