Save the date to join us for a full day of Kentucky genealogy adventures:

• Watch guest host Renee Shaw reveal the research findings surrounding Kentucky family history mysteries — and be a part of the live studio audience during reveal videotaping.
• Connect with Kentucky genealogy and local history groups/organizations in our Commonwealth Hall Heritage Expo
• Visit the Genealogy Makerspace: A vendor/exhibit area filled with hands-on learning stations that allow you to engage with representatives and staff and experiment with genealogy related tools
• Learn about genealogy tips and tricks at the Demo Stage

Advance Ticket Prices: $10 members (each member can purchase one guest ticket at the same member price); $20 others. Call 502-564-1792, ext. 4408.

At the Door: $15 members (each member can purchase one guest ticket at the same member price); $25 others.

DNA Lunch Chat

Join our library staff for lunch and a discussion about DNA. Bring along your questions and experiences to share with the group. Cost is $20, and we’ll provide a box lunch. There is a 40-person limit due to space. Reservations are required. Call 502-564-1792, ext. 4408 to make yours.

Join our Library staff for the next 6 months (February 24-July 28) as we explore the wonders of DNA! Each 4th Saturday of the month, from 10:30-12:30, we will join for discussion about DNA. Various topics will be assigned each month – so look at the upcoming dates to see which ones you would like to join. Bring along your questions and experiences to share with the group.

This month, our topic will be: Review and experiences roundup – goals for going forward (Watch for 2019 schedule)

All research levels welcome – whether you have tested or not – let’s learn from each other’s experiences!

Seating is limited – so please register prior to the event!

Each DNA Interest Group session is Free for KHS members OR part of the KHS’ general admission. Please pre-register by calling the KHS Refdesk at 502-564-1792 x.4460 or by e-mailing us at: khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Always running out of research time? The Martin F. Schmidt Research Library will be open for extended hours on Friday August 3rd, from 5-9pm! Spend an evening researching your ancestors in Kentucky’s largest genealogy library! Our holdings span all of Kentucky’s 120 counties and include published works; archival records such as manuscripts, photographs, maps, atlases; oral history interviews; and microfilm.

Cost: $8 for KHS members OR $10 for non-members (general admission not required for the evening hours, but may be required if you arrive for research during regular open hours of 10-5.) Payment taken on-site that evening; No pre-registration necessary. For more information: 502-564-1792 x.4460 or khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Join our Library staff on the 5th Saturday of every month from 2-4PM for tea time and good old fashioned conversation. Have an ancestor that is eluding you? Confused about which source to use next? Have questions about the proof standard or how to get the kids involved? Bring along your genealogy issues, hot topics or questions and the group will try to help you out. Even if we can’t solve your problem, we promise to provide lots of tea and sympathy!

All research levels welcome – let’s learn from each other’s experiences!

Each Genealogy Tea and Sympathy session is Free for KHS members OR part of the KHS’ general admission. Please pre-register by calling the KHS Refdesk at 502-564-1792 x.4460 or by e-mailing us at: khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Celebrate Family History Month by starting your genealogy journey! Connecting to our ancestors is an amazing experience – and while the research can feel daunting, this workshop will get you started on a firm foundation.

We will cover the basics such as: 

• Research strategies
• Online resources
• Offline resources (libraries/archives)
• Family interviews/artifacts
• Family tree software
• Using fundamental records (census, vital statistics, marriage, probate)
• Organization/storage and sharing with family
• Further educational resources to guide you on your way!

This workshop is $8 for KHS members OR $10 + $8 general admission for non-members. Seating is limited – pre-registration is required. To regsiter, please call 502-564-1792 x.4408 For more information: khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Join our Library staff for a DNA chat! Earlier in the year, we hosted a 6 month long D.I.G. (DNA Interest Group) – In 2019, we will be taking this D.I.G. further for more advanced talks and book discussions. Now is the time to connect and review what we covered in the first half of 2018! This informal discussion will include a review of previous material and experiences – PLUS, an outline of the 2019 schedule (with book selection) will be announced.

All research levels welcome – whether you have tested or not – let’s learn from each other’s experiences!

Seating is limited – so please register prior to the event!

Each DNA Interest Group session is Free for KHS members OR part of the KHS’ general admission. Please pre-register by calling the KHS Refdesk at 502-564-1792 x.4460 or by e-mailing us at: khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Join us in the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library for a Piecing Together History open house (10am-5pm) – focusing on Family Bible Records! Did you know that the Kentucky Historical Society has one of the largest family Bible collections in the state? These Family Bibles can be located throughout the library and archival storage, including:

• Over 200 original Family Bible Records in archival storage with some images online at kyhistory.com
• An eleven volume set of photocopied records contributed by past library patrons
• Additional copies of Family Bible Records in our surname vertical files and within local published histories
• Transcribed Bible Records in print editions of Kentucky Ancestors and The Register

Throughout the day you will be able to view the original Bible Records, explore the other holdings, and help research the families listed. Plus – if you have a Family Bible in your collection which contains family/genealogy information, please consider bringing it along to have digitized! The images scanned that day will be shared with other researchers through our Digital Collections Catalog.

This event is Free for KHS members OR part of the KHS’ general admission. No registration necessary. For more information: 502-564-1792 x.4460 or khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Join KHS staff as they take you through a Family History Writing and Publishing Boot Camp! This event is part two of a 2 part series designed to guide you through the steps of sharing your family history for future generations. Part I (all day) took place in September. Part II (afternoon only) on November 3rd, will meet to discuss your writings as produced over the past month, or writings you have ready to publish. We will cover various publishing formats and work with you to produce a product ready for sharing with family in time for the Holidays!

Part II  event (2-4:30pm) is a separate event with a cost of: $16 for KHS members, and $20 + $8 general admission for non-members. A package discount would apply if purchasing both events. (Package Cost for both Parts I (September event) & II: $35 for KHS Members OR $55 for Non-Members) Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, please call 502-564-1792 x.4408. For more information: khsrefdesk@ky.gov 

Join our Library staff on the 5th Saturday of every month from 2-4PM for tea time and good old fashioned conversation. Have an ancestor that is eluding you? Confused about which source to use next? Have questions about the proof standard or how to get the kids involved? Bring along your genealogy issues, hot topics or questions and the group will try to help you out. Even if we can’t solve your problem, we promise to provide lots of tea and sympathy!

All research levels welcome – let’s learn from each other’s experiences!

Each Genealogy Tea and Sympathy session is Free for KHS members OR part of the KHS’ general admission. Please pre-register by calling the KHS Refdesk at 502-564-1792 x.4460 or by e-mailing us at: khsrefdesk@ky.gov