Wichita Public Library

Beginning Genealogy

Discovering Your Family History

Everyone has a family story--learn how to uncover yours! Join professional genealogist Collette Fenlason, President of the Wichita Genealogical Society, for an engaging session on genealogy research.

Everyone has a family story—come learn how to uncover yours! Join professional genealogist and educator Collette Fenlason, President of the Wichita Genealogical Society and founder of Rooted with Collette, for an engaging introduction to genealogy research.

Designed for beginners, this program will cover the essential first steps of family history research including gathering information from relatives, identifying clues in family documents and photographs, organizing what you find, and using online resources to begin building your family tree. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, find reliable records, and develop a research plan that will help you make meaningful discoveries.

Whether you're simply curious about your ancestors or ready to begin researching seriously, you'll leave with practical tools, recommended resources, and the confidence to start uncovering your family's story. Time will be provided for questions and answers.