Home → General Public → Reference → Free Research Classes

Free Research Classes

The State Library offers regularly scheduled and on-demand classes in the use of Library research sources and methods. All classes are held at the Maine State Library. Directions

Classes currently in rotation, full description below
Title	Date	Time
In the Beginning, Part 2, Finding Your Roots	Feb 15	9:15 am
In the Beginning, Part 3, Branching out on the Web	Feb 22	9:15 am
Working with Ancestry.com Library Edition	Feb 29	9:15 am

To register for any of these classes, complete the online form in the right sidebar or call 287-5600 and ask to sign up for a research class. Pre-registration is required for these classes due to limited space in the computer lab.

Check this page often for up-to-date class listings. We look forward to seeing you!

Further Assistance:

The Maine State Library provides equal access in its programs and services. If you need accommodations, please contact Reference at 287-5600.

Scheduling classes for groups:

If you would like to schedule one of these classes for a group (your friends, co-workers, classmates, club members, etc.) and none of the times or topics shown here meets your needs, we may be able to arrange a time just for you. A minimum of 5 participants is required.

Potential Class Topics

Suggested class topics include Evaluting Web Sources, Using the MARVEL Databaes, or Establishing News Alerts.

Please contact Reference at 287-5600 or at Reference.Desk @maine.gov to arrange for a group class.

Class Descriptions

Combined Introduction to Genealogy (3 Hours)

This class will touch upon the highlights of the "In the Beginning" There is limited space available. Please call the reference desk at 287-5608 to reserve a space.

Books in any Format (45 minutes)

Today we read books on phones, laptops and eReaders. We listen to them on CDs in the car or MP3 players on the treadmill. Whichever format you prefer you can still get books from the library. During this informational session we will explore downloading eBooks and audio books from the Maine Download Library using a variety of devices . Please note that the Amazon Kindle is not compatible with the download software.

Registration is encouraged but not required for this class only.

Books Sandwiched In (45 minutes)

Join fellow readers and bring your own brown bag lunch on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12:10 12:40. Each month a reviewer will talk about his or her favorite book, genre, or author. There will also be time for everyone to talk about what theyre reading. No registration is required. Meetings are held in the Studio.

In the Beginning, Part 1, Starting Genealogy, (1 - 2 hours)

Explore the basics of genealogical research. Discover the resources that the Maine State Library has to offer, including free access to Ancestry and HeritageQuest, plus family histories, vital records, Maine Old Cemetery Association records and much, much more. Research using the computerized catalog will be included. Start your family research with confidence!

In the Beginning, Part 2, Finding Your Roots, (1 ½ - 2 hours)

In this class we’ll continue the basics we started with and spend more time using the card catalog, URSUS, through exercises and practice. Then we’ll have a tour of the main floor of the library, emphasizing the areas and sources that would be most useful to a genealogist. The last part will be a “scavenger hunt”, with participants drawing assignments from a hat; hopefully, all will return triumphantly with treasures!

In the Beginning Part 3: Branching Out on the Web, (1 1/2 - 2 hours)

Some of the best genealogical resources on the Internet will be covered in this last part of our introductory genealogy classes. Some of the sites and databases covered will include Ancestry.com, Social Security Death Index, CyndisList.com, HeritageQuest and the Maine State Archives’ marriage and death listings. Let’s find those elusive relatives!

Working with Ancestry.com Library Edition

This edition contains over 4,000 databases of vital records from the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, plus a few other countries. Major categories include census and voter lists, military records, immigration and naturalization records, court and probate, historical newspapers, church registers, maps and atlases, and the Social Security Death Index. Ancestry.com is generally regarded as the largest online collection, with information added continually.

This class will highlight search tools and point out other useful features of Ancestry.com: advanced search, special collections, geographical location, and Ancestry’s Card Catalog. There are even charts and forms available for download! We’ll also show participants how to print their findings to best advantage.

Computer software

The library is no longer offering classes in specific software applications. Alternative sources for this material include local Adult Education Departments, Community Colleges, and other educational institutions.

Online tutorials are also available for a variety of common software applications. Examples include:

Microsoft Office Products: Official Site offering tutorials in both 2003 and 2007 versions of the software.
Baycon Group: Baycon Group provides tutorials on a growing list of computer-related topics. All tutorials are in depth, comprehensive, online, and -- best of all -- absolutely free.
Education Online for Computers: Free and member online software training.

If you are interested in classes on using the Internet, but are unable to attend our workshops in person, there are web sites that may help you. A listing of some of these can be found on our Internet Tutorials page.