Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger issued a proclamation establishing Saturday, Aug. 18, as a day within Hamilton County for honoring our ancestors. In keeping with this proclamation local genealogists plan to devote this day to sharing their knowledge as to searching for ancestors and building family histories.
The Signal Mountain Genealogical Society and the Delta Genealogical Society are sponsoring a Chattanooga Area Genealogy Workshop on Aug. 18 at the Oak Street Center of the First Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga. This workshop is designed to equip both those just beginning their family searches and the seasoned genealogist with fresh tools to use in uncovering their roots.
The morning session, starting at 9 a.m., will feature four classes; two classes in beginning genealogy and two of a more advanced nature. The classes entitled “Building Your Family Tree from Scratch” and “Searching Census Records Effectively” provide the basic tools for the novice as well as a great review for all. The classes entitled “Using History to Flavor your Family Stories” and “The Use of DNA in Enhancing Genealogical Research” are aimed at those seeking new opportunities to improve their genealogical experience.
The combined afternoon session of the workshop will be extra special for all. The guest speaker is nationally acclaimed genealogist and historian, Dr. George Schweitzer. Dr. Schweitzer is Alumni Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee and holds BA, MS, and PhD degrees in Chemistry, an MA in the History of Religion, a PhD in History of Science, and a ScD in Philosophy of Science. He is Phi Beta Kappa and is listed in Who’s Who in America. He has authored 220 publications including 19 genealogical guidebooks. He has lectured to over 200 genealogical and historical societies in the US, Canada, England, and Germany. Professor Schweitzer blends humor and historical reenactment to teach genealogy. Those in attendance can be assured of enjoying lots of laughs and a great deal of knowledge.
Registration tables will be set up prior to 9 a.m. The cost of registration is $20 per person which includes a box lunch. For those who wish to take advantage of pre-registration, the cost is $16 per person (a savings of $4). Preregister by submitting, before Friday, name and address and a check for $16 per person to: The Signal Mountain Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 400, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
Mayor Coppinger presenting the proclamation to Steve Robinson, president of the Signal Mountain Genealogical Society