On Saturday, Mary 28th, join us at the Benton branch for our annual Genealogy Symposium with genealogist, Mary Chittenden. Starting at 9:00 AM, Mary will teach us how to use online resources to research your family tree. We had the chance to sit down and talk with Mary about all things Genealogy:

How did you get into genealogy?

I discovered genealogy quite by accident. I was waiting for a sales clerk to return from her lunch hour at a Glendale, CA department store when a kindly gentleman offered to have me wait at his booth.

There I saw coats of arms and asked how I could get one for the Chittenden family. He patiently explained how heraldry worked and showed me pedigree charts. Packed with charts, I left with questions.

Shortly thereafter, I was to do post-surgery care for my father-in-law. I was new to the family but I did know he had spent time ancestor hunting. I brought out the newly purchased charts, and the rest is history.

Why is it important to correctly research your family tree?

The researcher does not want to waste time, and sometimes money, in barking up the wrong tree. It’s a sad time when a researcher finds proof that a supposed ancestor must be pruned from the family tree. There should be proof or a preponderance of evidence that an ancestor is, in fact, an ancestor. One incorrect addition can make the entire line wrong.

When it comes to research, what would you say is the most important factor for success?

It is necessary to have an open mind and pursue the facts as they are found. Family traditions are not always correct, but often there is a shred of truth in each one and a hint as to a new pursuit. Sensitive matters are sometimes uncovered and must be treated appropriately.

How can knowing about your family tree benefit you today?

Knowing the people who supplied your DNA can give a sense of belonging. Often a sense of pride and/or humility comes with that knowledge. Recent searches by adoptees have shown the importance of connecting with the family. We can all take pride in the lives our ancestors lived in overcoming the hardships that many of them faced. I know I would not have wished to have worn my paternal grandmother’s shoes. My father was less than a month old when she buried another son.

What interests you about genealogy research?

Curiosity and the detective in me keep the interest going. I also enjoy jigsaw puzzles and genealogy is certainly “a puzzlement.” A genealogist’s work is never done. When one ancestor is found, there are always two more questions. Who are his parents?

Once the genealogical bug has bitten, there may be a time of remission, but there is no cure.

You can sign-up to attend the Genealogy Symposium on May 28 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Benton on our calendar.