Holiday Season is Great Time for Family-History Research

December 2023

The holiday season is the perfect time to explore one’s family history! When family members gather from far and wide, make a point to ask questions, identify faces in old photos, and save family stories before they are lost to time.

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy & Local History Department at George Memorial Library in Richmond offers monthly classes for the beginning family-history researcher.

The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. Participants may register online or by calling the library’s Genealogy & Local History Department at 281-341-2608, or by visiting the department at the library.

Library staff will present two programs in December to help family-history buffs begin their genealogy search.


“Family-History Research: Using Google for Genealogy Research”

The class “Family-History Research: Using Google for Genealogy Research” will take place on Saturday, December 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, in the Computer Lab. Learn how to harness the power of Google for family-history research. Click here to register.

Daniel Sample, manager of the Genealogy & Local History department at George Memorial Library, will demonstrate how to use Google’s basic and advanced search features with tips and strategies for a more efficient Internet search. Find out how to set up ancestor notifications, explore family histories with Google Books, historic newspapers, and more.


“Family-History Research: Beginning Genealogy”

The class “Family-History Research: Beginning Genealogy” will take place on Saturday, December 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, in the Computer Lab. In this introductory program, beginning family-history researchers will learn how to start their research. Click here to register.

Library staff will provide a basic introduction to many of the resources that are available to the beginning genealogical researcher in FBCL’s Genealogy and Local History department. Items that will be introduced include print resources, materials that are available on microfilm, and basic online tools such as the Ancestry.com and FamilySearch database. Learn how to fill out basic genealogical forms and organize one’s research.