Special guest author Rebecca Shamblin will guide you through the process of transforming your research into a book in her presentation, Leaving a Legacy - Turn Your Family Tree into a Family Book. Rebecca will simplify the process, helping you organize, print, and share your family research, making it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Leading off the event, join Rhonda Roederer for an inspiring presentation, Preserving Your Family Stories. Discover the unique value of your family’s history and learn how to uncover and share the fascinating stories that define your heritage. Rhonda will motivate and guide you through the process, ensuring that your family's legacy is preserved for future generations.

This event is FREE and open to the public and sponsored by Hickory Landmarks Society.

Noted New Orleans author, Judge Jay Wilkinson, will discuss his new book, A Lie Will Suffice, the DiGiovanni Family History. Learn how he uncovers long-buried, family mysteries, baring a tapestry of deceit, murder, kidnapping and connections to the underworld.

Family historian, Rhonda Roederer, will present Dare to Air Your Ancestors Dirty Laundry, offering insights into the art of navigating family mysteries.

Registration Required via Mitchell CC

Contact Diane Pritchard at 704-978-5486 or dpritchard@mitchellcc.edu

Beginners Genealogy - Con. Ed. Session #4

A trip of self-discovery starts with looking for just one grave – in my case, a great-grandfather who had passed away over 14 years before I was born. I never dreamed that first walk in my ancestor’s footsteps would lead me across the country and across the globe. This life-changing adventure will inspire you to see the incredible power of connection with “strangers”. A trip of self-discovery starts with looking for just one grave – in my case, a great-grandfather who had passed away over 14 years before I was born. I never dreamed that first walk in my ancestor’s footsteps would lead me across the country and across the globe. This life-changing adventure will inspire you to see the incredible power of connection with “strangers”.

Registration Required via Mitchell CC

Contact Diane Pritchard at 704-978-5486 or dpritchard@mitchellcc.edu

Beginners Genealogy - Con. Ed. Session #3

What may seem like an obstacle, might just be an incredible opportunity. Could YOU be the obstacle? Fearful of reaching out to a stranger? Is that fear physical or emotional? This seminar looks at carefully assessing Risk vs. Reward, exploring how you can enhance your research experience and lead you on a path to those genealogy TREASURES!

You have a fascinating tale to tell! Recognize the value of your story and those of your ancestors. The key to bringing your ancestors to life is in your treasured family pictures. Gather ideas for sharing your family’s stories with future generations. Discover the hidden clues in your old photographs. Everyone’s family has fascinating stories… if you know where to look!

Every day, DNA is unlocking secrets that some have tried to ensure would never be uncovered. An adoptee, armed with a DNA test and the burning desire for the truth, takes a wild ride on an emotional rollercoaster. He feels compelled to not only search for his birth parents, but also the immigrant ancestors who are responsible for his German ancestry. This journey ends with a powerful impact on the adoptee and a life-changing revelation for his new-found cousin.

Cemeteries are some of the most beautiful places to visit. Not only do you have the opportunity to “meet” your ancestors, but so many clues abound just waiting to be discovered to further your research. Learn the keys to decipher those clues and how to plan your personal tombstone tour. Your ancestors eagerly await your visit!

What’s the difference between genealogy and family history? It’s the key to bringing your ancestors to life! If you’re a beginner, this seminar shows you how easy it is to start your family tree. Been working on it for years? Learn ways to kick your research into high gear while discovering creative ways to share with friends and family. Everyone’s family has fascinating stories… if you know where to look!

Sponsored by Catawba Genealogical Society

You have a fascinating tale to tell! Recognize the value of your story and those of your ancestors. The key to bringing your ancestors to life is in your treasured family pictures. Gather ideas for sharing your family’s stories with future generations. Discover the hidden clues in your old photographs. Everyone’s family has fascinating stories… if you know where to look!

Registration Required via Mitchell CC

Contact Diane Pritchard at 704-978-5486 or dpritchard@mitchellcc.edu

Beginners Genealogy - Con. Ed. Session #1 (Room #10)

What’s the difference between genealogy and family history? It’s the key to bringing your ancestors to life! If you’re a beginner, this seminar shows you how easy it is to start your family tree. Been working on it for years? Learn ways to kick your research into high gear while discovering creative ways to share with friends and family. Everyone’s family has fascinating stories… if you know where to look!

We all hear about the struggles of Americans and Allies in WWII. But what about the tragedies experienced by German villagers at the hands of Nazis? Learn about survival in war-torn Germany told through a child’s eyes. From the Hitler Youth to United States immigrant, to living out the American Dream, Kurt Roderer’s story fills in the WWII history that you didn’t learn in school. His personal account also provides insight into what your German ancestors may have experienced in their day-to-day lives.

Sponsored by Maiden Senior’s Morning Out

We all hear about the struggles of Americans and Allies in WWII. But what about the tragedies experienced by German villagers at the hands of Nazis? Learn about survival in war-torn Germany told through a child’s eyes. From the Hitler Youth to United States immigrant, to living out the American Dream, Kurt Roderer’s story fills in the WWII history that you didn’t learn in school. His personal account also provides insight into what your German ancestors may have experienced in their day-to-day lives.

What’s the difference between genealogy and family history? It’s the key to bringing your ancestors to life! If you’re a beginner, this seminar shows you how easy it is to start your family tree. Been working on it for years? Learn ways to kick your research into high gear while discovering creative ways to share with friends and family. Everyone’s family has fascinating stories… if you know where to look!

Cemeteries are some of the most beautiful places to visit. Not only do you have the opportunity to “meet” your ancestors, but so many clues abound just waiting to be discovered to further your research. Learn the keys to decipher those clues and how to plan your personal tombstone tour. Your ancestors eagerly await your visit!

Grief over losing my father quickly turned to SHOCK! The discovery of a WW II family secret taken to the grave leads to a 27-year search to uncover the TRUTH. Learn which research tools were key to unlocking this family narrative which could not be found in any public record or written in any form. What family secrets are you wanting to uncover?

What may seem like an obstacle might just be an incredible opportunity. Could YOU be the obstacle? Fearful of reaching out to a stranger? Is that fear physical or emotional? This seminar looks at carefully assessing Risk vs. Reward, exploring how you can enhance your research experience and lead you on a path to those genealogy TREASURES!

Only $40 for 3-week Workshop

(Register by calling 504-452-4370 or email Rhonda@HeritageWithHeart.com)

Become a Tombstone Tourist - Bring Your Ancestors to Life

Cemeteries are some of the most beautiful places to visit. Not only do you have the opportunity to “meet” your ancestors, but so many clues abound just waiting to be discovered to further your research. Learn the keys to decipher those clues and how to plan your personal tombstone tour. Your ancestors eagerly await your visit!

A trip of self-discovery starts with looking for just one grave – in my case, a great-grandfather who had passed away over 14 years before I was born. I never dreamed that first walk in my ancestor’s footsteps would lead me across the country and across the globe. This life-changing adventure will inspire you to see the incredible power of connection with “strangers”.

Only $40 for 3-week Workshop

(Register by calling 504-452-4370 or email Rhonda@HeritageWithHeart.com)

The Magic of DNA Testing - An Adoption Story

Every day, DNA is unlocking secrets that some have tried to ensure would never be uncovered. An adoptee, armed with a DNA test and the burning desire for the truth, takes a wild ride on an emotional rollercoaster. He feels compelled to not only search for his birth parents, but also the immigrant ancestors who are responsible for his German ancestry. This journey ends with a powerful impact on the adoptee and a life-changing revelation for his new-found cousin.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hickory

What may seem like an obstacle might just be an incredible opportunity. Could YOU be the obstacle? Fearful of reaching out to a stranger? Is that fear physical or emotional? This seminar looks at carefully assessing Risk vs. Reward, exploring how you can enhance your research experience and lead you on a path to those genealogy TREASURES!

What’s the difference between genealogy and family history? It’s the key to bringing your ancestors to life! If you’re a beginner, this seminar shows you how easy it is to start your family tree. Been working on it for years? Learn ways to kick your research into high gear while discovering creative ways to share with friends and family. Everyone’s family has fascinating stories… if you know where to look!

Only $40 for 3-week Workshop

(Register by calling 504-452-4370 or email Rhonda@HeritageWithHeart.com)

How to Organize & Share Your Genealogy Inheritance - Getting the Family Engaged

Are you overwhelmed with all the family pictures passed down through the decades which you’ve inherited? Are they stuffed in a box in the back of the closet? Perhaps your file drawers are overflowing with chaotic bits and pieces of paper containing family history. Conquer the clutter while learning ways to get your family engaged and recognize the value of your family’s unique story.

Sponsored by Burke County Genealogical Society

What may seem like an obstacle might just be an incredible opportunity. Could YOU be the obstacle? Fearful of reaching out to a stranger? Is that fear physical or emotional? This seminar looks at carefully assessing Risk vs. Reward, exploring how you can enhance your research experience and lead you on a path to those genealogy TREASURES!

Grief over losing her father quickly turns to SHOCK! The discovery of a family secret taken to the grave leads his daughter on a 27-year search to uncover the TRUTH. This secret involves the love story between a WW II soldier and a beautiful woman. Follow the path of these two lovers before, during and after the war. Romance during wartime could be quite complicated.

3 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL RESEARCH AND HOW TO KEEP THE MOMEMTUM

Are you frustrated by those brick walls in your family tree? Are you overwhelmed by not knowing where to start? Trouble keeping focused on your research goal? Perhaps you’re focused but have lost the momentum. I’ll reveal my 3 keys to successful research AND tips to keep the momentum and inevitably discovering those genealogical gems.

Why is the 1950 Census so special? Maybe because YOU are in it! Get a glimpse into your family’s life as they adjusted living in a post-WWII world. Learn the hidden details you can add to your family narrative. We’ll also take a peek at the 230-year history of the US Census.

What may seem like an obstacle might just be an incredible opportunity. Could YOU be the obstacle? Fearful of reaching out to a stranger? Is that fear physical or emotional? This seminar looks at carefully assessing Risk vs. Reward, exploring how you can enhance your research experience and lead you on a path to those genealogy TREASURES!

Cemeteries are some of the most beautiful places to visit. Not only do you have the opportunity to “meet” your ancestors, but so many clues abound just waiting to be discovered to further your research. Learn the keys to decipher those clues and how to plan your personal tombstone tour. Your ancestors eagerly await your visit!

Stop cursing the German cursive! German research can be intimidating and may seem pointless when you hardly know a word of German. It’s actually easier than you think! Learn useful tips on deciphering the handwriting and I’ll reveal some of my favorite go-to websites for German research.

Grief over losing my father quickly turned to SHOCK! The discovery of a WW II family secret taken to the grave leads to a 27-year search to uncover the TRUTH. Learn which research tools were key to unlocking this family narrative which could not be found in any public record or written in any form. What family secrets are you wanting to uncover?