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Explore Your Roots With SCLSNJ

About Blog Post Jan 8, 2020 by Pressroom
From connecting with distant relatives through social media interfaces like Facebook; celebrities sharing the journey of tracing their origins on the television series “Who Do You Think You Are?;” and the popularity of DNA kits from companies such as 23andMe; it seems like everyone is digging at their roots. Did you know that your Library can help you discover who you are?  Explore your family tree with the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) and resources available through ProQuest, the distributor of the Ancestry family of databases. “The origin story fascinates most people, and genealogy uncovers one’s personal story,” said Ken Kaufman, adult services librarian. “Whether it’s instant access to a revealing document or finding a cousin through a DNA link, technology has leveraged the potential for learning new truths about one’s family. Adding excitement to the mix is the greater ease with which discoveries can unfold through technology.” ProQuest includes three resources that each offer a variety of features to pique your curiosity: Ancestry Library, Fold3 Library Edition, and HeritageQuest Online.  Ancestry Library obtains billions of names in thousands of genealogical databases including census and vital records; birth, marriage and death notices; cemeteries, wills, and probates; immigration information; and more. This resource can be accessed on-site at any of SCLSNJ’s 10 Library branches.  Fold3 Library Edition has a specific focus on U.S. military records, many of which are exclusively available on the resource. What makes Fold3 unique is not only does it provide convenient access to the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served, but it also allows users to interact with what they find and add their own information.  HeritageQuest Online supplements this by providing in-home access to the U.S. census and city directories, digitized versions of local history books, and a wealth of other historical collections and research guides. “At SCLSNJ we are always willing to help anyone with questions about their family lineage,” said Mary Nelson, adult services librarian. “I find these patrons are always very appreciative of anything we can tell them. Library customers are always welcome to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our librarians.” Schedule a one-on-one appointment and discover your genealogy with a SCLSNJ librarian:  Explore genealogy programs at SCLSNJ: Find Your Family Tree (adults) Manville resident and genealogy enthusiast Bob Vornlocker will share his techniques to maximize your search results and help uncover your family tree.  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at the Manville branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville. Registration is required.  Explore Your Roots (adults and teens) Learn how to use the library’s genealogy databases, including HeritageQuest and Ancestry Library.  6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Peapack and Gladstone branch, located at the Municipal Complex on School Street in Peapack. Registration is required.
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