Classes are on Saturdays at 10:30 AM to NOON (ET).
Some classes will be virtual & others in-person at the Library.
A recording will be available after the class.
Those marked * will be via Zoom only.
The class fee is $10.00.
[Can’t attend? Register, then email us requesting a link to the recording – good for 4 weeks.]
Class schedule subject to change – check back here or call 802-871-5647 for confirmation.
September 13, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
You’ve watched the TV shows and you have an interest in your family’s roots, so what’s next? Starting can be overwhelming. But whether you want to do a deep dive, or just get a feel for it by starting slowly, Lynn Johnson can show you how to start by looking for resources within the family, and “official” documents. She will cover how to assess each piece of information to make sure it fits, and what to do when a piece doesn’t. Using examples from her research, Lynn will outline common mistakes that can derail your progress, and how to avoid them. Lynn will also tell you more about the Vermont Genealogy Library and the resources they have to help you in your searches.
Lynn Johnson became fascinated by her ancestors’ stories and how their lives fit into history. Lynn has taught elementary school and worked in a bookstore. She has volunteered for the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society (VT-FCGS) for many years, including serving as President. She also leads volunteers who staff the library.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
October 4, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Building on previous work, this talk explores the often-overlooked contributions of French-Canadian families to the American cause, including their motivations, allegiances, and the impact of shifting borders on their lives during the conflict – the whirling complexity of the Revolution in the Champlain Valley – and how it led to early French Canadian settlement that shaped the region.
Suzanne Blanchard is a former attorney and editor, former Vice President, current board member, and longtime volunteer at the Vermont Genealogy Library, where her research has focused on early settlers in the Lake Champlain basin. Her current focus is on early French Canadian settlers.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
October 11, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
The Patriot journey of Philip, an Abenaki who navigated the turbulent world of the disputed borderlands between Quebec, New York, New Hampshire, and what would become Vermont, illuminating the difficult paths taken by different factions—from the staunch Loyalists of Odanak to those who sided with the revolutionaries and others who sought neutrality. Drawing on primary sources, including testimonies given by key figures like Louis Cook and Swanson who met with George Washington, this lecture paints a vivid picture of a people striving to protect their families and sovereignty in a world at war.
Sherry Gould is an artist and former New Hampshire representative, and an enrolled citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. She has been researching Indigenous history for decades.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom only on Saturday
October 18, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Get hands on advice on resources, tips, and tricks on our computer room with a dozen computers and free access to 7 major genealogy databases including Ancestry, Fold3, American Ancestors, PRdH, and MyHeritage. Library volunteers are available to help guide your research into many ethnic groups.
Dwight Fowler has worked on genealogy and family history since 1982 when he discovered the handwritten notes of his father who logged all the Fowlers in CT by walking the cemeteries. Dwight is Vice President, part of the VGL Research team, a course instructor, and manages the Vermont Genealogy Library computing infrastructure.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
October 25, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Interested in uncovering your family’s connection to American history? Join us for a fun and informative class on applying for the Vermont Genealogy Library’s Revolutionary War and Civil War pins! In this class, we’ll walk you through the process of tracing your ancestry and gathering the necessary documents to prove your lineage. You’ll learn how to navigate genealogical resources and fill out the application forms to successfully receive a beautiful pin commemorating your ancestor’s service. No prior genealogy experience is necessary—we’ll guide you every step of the way!
Jan Hughes is a retired educator and school librarian who volunteers at the Vermont Genealogy Library. She serves on the board and works to develop and promote the pin programs.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
November 1, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Ever wondered about your family’s history? In just 90 minutes, this class will give you the tools you need to start building and preserving your family’s unique story. Designed for everyone, from those just beginning their genealogy journey to experienced researchers, this course offers a comprehensive look at the powerful Family Tree Maker (FTM) software, including the new features of the 2024 update. By the end of this class, you’ll be ready to confidently explore your roots and build a rich, detailed family history for generations to come.
Peter Crosby is a long-time volunteer at the Vermont Genealogy Library, former board member, and an experienced Family Tree Maker user. He is the author of the book, “Thomas Crosby from County Wexford, Ireland,” the result of more than four decades of his research.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
November 8, 2025 – TO BE RESCHEDULED
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
In this class, Holli Bushnell, sexton for the city of Burlington, will lead participants on a journey to uncover the stories of women buried in the city’s three cemeteries whose names and lives have been obscured by time. Using her extensive research, Holli will discuss the challenges of tracing female genealogies and the historical context that often led to women being buried without their own names on their headstones. The class will highlight the “Lost Ladies of Lakeview” project, an ongoing effort to restore these women’s identities and ensure their legacies are remembered within Burlington’s history.
Holli Bushnell has spent her career working with cemeteries and has a deep passion for the history they hold. As sexton for Burlington’s cemeteries, she combines her love of local history with a commitment to honoring the dead. Her work focuses on making sure everyone buried there is remembered with respect.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
THIS CLASS WILL BE RESCHEDULED TO ANOTHER DATE. WE’RE SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.
November 15, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Join Library leaders Cindy Walcott and Marcie Crocker for a class designed to help you expertly navigate the library’s resources. This session will focus on effective strategies for finding what you need in our over 5,000 books, exploring our special collections, and understanding how to make the most of what the library has to offer. Our Revolutionary War and other vital collections will be featured.
Cindy Walcott is chair of our library committee who led the recent overhaul of our collection. She is excited to connect patrons with the resources they seek and to showcase the library’s unique offerings.
Marcie Crocker is a longtime volunteer, board member, and past president who enjoys bringing family history to life and is enthusiastic about helping patrons discover the library’s rich resources.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday
December 6, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
David Ouimette will present a case study on proving the parentage of a woman born in New England in the 1760s who married in Vermont about 1786 and lived in Vermont for the remainder of her life. It’s a complex proof that fully exercises the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) to establish the identity and prove relationships, demonstrating methodologies that work.
David Ouimette, CG®, CGL℠, senior program manager at FamilySearch, leads Content Strategy for Asia-Pacific. He has researched in the archives and record repositories of over seventy countries spanning all continents. He was on the team that produced “Genealogy Standards Second Edition Revised.”
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom only on Saturday
December 13, 2025
Vermont Genealogy Library
Step into the past and explore a pivotal moment in North American history through a unique and personal lens! Join Donlon Hurtubise for an exciting journey into the lives of the Loyalists—those who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War.
In this class, we’ll uncover the fascinating story of the Westover family, Donlon’s own ancestors, who made the dramatic decision to leave Massachusetts for British Quebec around 1783. This wasn’t an easy choice, especially considering their involvement in the Battle of Bennington in 1776, a crucial conflict that took place right on the New York-Vermont border. The battle serves as our center point, examining the forces at play and the difficult decisions families like the Westovers faced during this time of shifting alliances and high stakes. These historical insights can propel our research forward when we understand the context of our ancestors’ lives.
Donlon Hurtubise graduated from Rutgers University and holds a doctorate from the Colorado School of Mines, bringing a disciplined focus to his research and writing on family history. He has published multiple journal articles on Canadian genealogy, and is a frequent presenter in the French-Canadian Special Interest Group.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) via Zoom only on Saturday
Rescheduled to Spring Semester (Date TBD)
Vermont Genealogy Library
Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, RT117
Building on the right when entering
Essex Junction, Vermont
Hidden gems on FamilySearch including unindexed digitized image collections that contain records not found elsewhere, the FamilySearch Research Wiki for links to online record collections and helpful content, the Genealogies section for community and submitted family trees, and Full-text Search for its advanced AI capabilities to make handwritten records searchable. FamilySearch continues to add millions of new historical records monthly from countries worldwide, expanding its free online archives, and has launched a new FamilySearch Catalog interface.
Ed McGuire, past president of the Society (VT-FCGS), holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and is a frequent speaker on genealogy research methods, DNA testing and Irish family history.
Class starts at 10:30 a.m. (ET) in-person at the Library on Saturday