Genealogy at the BPL

All BPL events are free and open to the public. Registration is required to attend the events listed below.

Check out some of our previously recorded lectures and classes on the BPL's YouTube channel- http://tinyurl.com/mv8c8y3x.

Thursday, February 27, 2025
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

My China Roots is a Chinese genealogy database available for free at the BPL. Join Clotilde Yap as she provides an introduction to Chinese family history research and how to get started using the tools on My China Roots. Participants will learn about key challenges in Chinese genealogy research, how to find their village in China, and how to find records of Chinese ancestors.

Clotilde Yap is the Head of Global Collections at My China Roots, where she researches untapped archives of Chinese communities across the globe.

This program will be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact: Jessy Wheeler at jwheeler@bpl.org, by February 13, 2025. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange for accommodations.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

Researching your female ancestors can be a difficult task. The largely standard practice of changing their surnames after marriage can make women hard to track, and many historical records focus on men with women being listed only under their husbands’ names.

This class will offer some guidance for researching female ancestors including information about sources that you may not have thought to check.

Skill level: intermediate

This class will be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact: Jessy Wheeler at jwheeler@bpl.org. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange for accommodations.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

Your local cemetery is a time capsule. Each headstone is plastered with clues about the deceased, those who once walked where you’re walking now.  A simple step through the hallowed gates can bring you on an adventure to explore symbolism, workmanship, and local history. Join Erin E. Moulton as we learn the meaning behind cemetery iconography, abbreviations, epitaphs and more.

Erin E. Moulton writes books and tracks dead people. As a genealogical researcher, she has explored the lives of the departed for over 14 years. Erin is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. She holds a B.A. from Emerson College, an M.F.A. from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She is an award-winning author of middle grade and young adult books. When she isn’t tracking down just the right word or just the right clue, she can be spotted sleuthing New England’s burying places. You can find her online at www.erinemoulton.com.

This program will be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact: Jessy Wheeler at jwheeler@bpl.org, by March 12, 2025. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange for accommodations.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

About 25 million people living in the United States today can claim Scottish ancestry. If you happen to be one of them and you’re researching your family history, there are a lot of resources to help you in your search. This class will provide an overview of just some of the available resources at the BPL and beyond.

Skill level: intermediate

This class will be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

Vital records are some of the most basic records that can be used in genealogy; they can provide numerous leads for further research. This class will provide information about what vital records are, how they are useful, and how to access them. We will be focusing primarily on accessing vital records in Massachusetts.

Skill level: beginner

This class will be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact: Jessy Wheeler at jwheeler@bpl.org. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange for accommodations.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

How useful can DNA be in researching our Revolutionary ancestors? Are there reliable DNA applications in lineage research as suggested by lineage society guidelines? Explore the DNA footprint of a boy who was allegedly kidnapped and escaped to enlist and fight in the Revolutionary War under General Washington.

Jennifer Zinck, CG® is a genealogical researcher, speaker, and educator with a passion for learning and applying genealogy standards to help reclaim lost and forgotten stories of our ancestors. Jennifer earned her credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists in 2021. She serves as the President of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council and as a member of the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists. Jennifer is a member of the faculty of the Boston University Center for Professional Education Genealogy Studies Program. She enjoys sharing her contagious enthusiasm for family history with people of all ages.

This program will not be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact: Jessy Wheeler at jwheeler@bpl.org, by May 15, 2025. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange for accommodations.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Register here- https://boston-public-library.zoom.us

Over 100 million people living in the United States today can claim descent from someone who lived here during the Revolutionary War, including those that fought in it. This class will provide a brief overview of the kinds of records that are available to research your ancestors that fought in the Revolutionary War.

Skill level: intermediate

This class will be recorded.

Please note that registration is required for this event as it is taking place over Zoom.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.