Texarkana Museums System to Offer Genealogy Workshop April 18

Interested in finding out about your family history but don't know where to start? Join Texarkana Museums System on April 18, for "From the Census to the Cemetery: Beginning your Genealogy Journey" to be presented at the historic P.J. Ahern Home in Texarkana, Ark. The workshop will be presented by genealogist Nancy Tribbey and will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. Registration is required.

Exploring your family history is a great adventure and one made even more fascinating by the quantity of information now available. But the abundance of resources can also make finding your roots frustrating.

The most daunting part of family history is knowing where to start and how to use the tools available," said TMS Curator, Jamie Simmons. "Our presenter, Nancy Tribbey, will discuss all the strategies and beginning steps in starting your family history journey."

Tribbey will begin the workshop with an overview of resources available and a list of "dos and don'ts" for the inexperienced researcher. Those who have started their research but need guidance or help overcoming a road block will also benefit from the workshop. Participants are encouraged to ask questions.

After a short refreshment break, the workshop will resume with a session on how to use cemeteries in your research. A tombstone can reveal much more about your ancestor than just date of death. Often tombstones, particularly those dating to the 18th and 19th Centuries, incorporate intricate symbolism that can shed light on your ancestor's profession and affiliations. This session will include an illustrated exploration of cemetery symbolism.

The workshop is limited to 40 participants. Payment can be made at the Texarkana Museums System, 219 N. State Line Avenue or via credit card at the door.

Light refreshments will be made available during the break and participants can enjoy the Ahern Home, a 1905 Classical Revival style mansion in the heart of the Quality Hill Historic District.

For more information or to register, call 903-793-4831. This workshop is part of the annual genealogy workshop series held at the P.J. Ahern Home, 403 Laurel Street. For a list of upcoming events, go to their Facebook and Twitter pages.