History
The Vermont Genealogy Library has hosted various types of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) over the past twenty years. Originally, they were in-person events where members shared knowledge and asked questions about that SIG’s theme. We decided early on to limit attendance to members and invited guests (usually speakers) and make this a benefit of joining our society.
Among past SIGs were those focused on German, Italian, Irish, New York and Scottish genealogical research. The success and duration of these groups depended heavily on attendance, participants willing to prepare questions or material for each meeting, and a coordinator/host who was willing to coordinate, plan, and run the local or online audio and video equipment.
Currently, we have two long-standing SIGs – Genetic Genealogy and French-Canadian research. These two are popular and they strongly contribute to membership longevity. Therefore, we’re happy to entertain others if the necessary requirements are met.
If you are interested in getting the invitations, agendas and links for the meetings, send us an email at education@vtgenlib.org stating which group you are interested in attending. (And yes, you can do both!) You will then be added to the distribution list(s).
French-Canadian Special Interest Group
The French-Canadian (the FC SIG) – meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Meetings start at 6:30 PM and usually run 90 minutes.
We discuss resources for our research tracing our family history; members share their projects; and we talk about recent developments in the world of French-Canadian genealogy.
Over the years we have talked about many topics and historical milestones our ancestors lived through in order for us to be here today. They range from the earliest settlers of Quebec to the most recent Canadian law offering us a chance to prove our Canadian Citizenship by Descent.
Genetic Genealogy Special Interest Group (aka “DNA SIG”)
This interest group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings start at 6:30 PM and usually run 90 minutes.
The normal format includes four segments of about 20 minutes each:
(a) members’ questions or discoveries
(b) brief summaries (~5 mins) about requested topics
(c) a longer segment on a key utility or DNA concept
(d) recent products/tools and any news related to genetic genealogy.
Once a quarter, the entire meeting is devoted to a Q&A session and voluntary member “show and tell” sessions.
Although our discussions can occasionally get technical, the only prior experience members need are an understanding of basic family history principles and a dim memory of high school biology class.
Questions are always welcomed throughout each session.