Genealogy Mini-Conference

The East Tennessee History Center’s fall genealogy workshop series kicks off with a one-day mini-conference! These 1.5-hour workshops are free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required for each session (limit 20 participants per session). To register, please call 865-215-8809. Registered participants will receive an email confirmation with additional information.

• 9:30 am Beginning Genealogy with Ann Blomquist, editor, Tennessee Ancestors, East Tennessee Historical Society
  
  Are you interested in exploring your family history but not sure where to begin? This session provides participants an overview of how to conduct genealogical research, including helpful charts and forms, free internet research sites, genealogy software, and other beneficial tips. 
   
• 11:30 am Introduction to the McClung Historical Collection with Eric Dawson, manager, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library
  
  The Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection is the historical and genealogical branch of the Knox County Public Library. This walking tour introduces participants to the collection (its facilities, holdings, and equipment) and how it can be of use in advancing your genealogical research. 
   
• 1:30 pm Researching the History of Houses with Vicky Bills, reference librarian, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library
  
  If a house’s walls could talk, what would they tell you? This session introduces participants to techniques and resources for discovering the history of houses. Participants are encouraged to bring information that they have already collected about their own house to the session. 
   
• 3:30 pm Introduction to Internet Genealogy with Eric Head, Knox County archivist, Knox County Archives, Knox County Public Library
  
  Internet research sites are key repositories of information for genealogists. What do these sites offer? How do they differ? Participants in this session will have the chance to explore seven major genealogical websites: Ancestry, Cyndi’s List, FamilySearch, FindMyPast, Fold3, Google, and MyHeritage. 

Are you interested in your family history but not quite ready to take a workshop? Visit the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection on the third floor of the East Tennessee History Center. Friendly reference librarians will be available to orient you to resources that will assist you in your genealogical discoveries. A number of helpful resources are also available on the East Tennessee History Center's website.

The 2022 Genealogy Mini-Conference is an official event of the inaugural History Hootenanny; for more information about this event, please visit www.easttnhistory.org/historyhootenanny.