Genealogy Research from the Ground Up

Join the Durham County Library's North Carolina Collection staff to discover basic tools for starting your family history journey. This beginner-friendly workshop will use a case study to demonstrate how you can get your research off the ground. While the case study focuses on North Carolina, workshop skills can be applied to any U.S. research. What you will learn: First Steps: How to begin your search and stay organized. How to Find Records: An introduction to basic genealogy records and how to find them Ancestry Library Edition: Tips for searching and a brief introduction to FamilySearch.org Common Pitfalls: How to avoid the most frequent mistakes that trip up researchers Library Resources: An overview of the resources and assistance available in the North Carolina Collection The session will include a live walkthrough of a real family tree from one of our staff members. You will see firsthand how to apply these research steps to uncover your own history. If you have questions about accessibility, program stimulation levels, and/or need disability accommodations, please contact us at 919-560-8593.

Last updated September 25, 2026