Over the last two years, I’ve watched people grow and change and enlighten themselves by learning about their family’s genealogy in my class at the Edmonds Senior Center. Many have learned to have a great appreciation of what they have found within their own spirits, their family traditions and family traits.

In my beginners genealogy class, I start by having students write down the focus of their research. I explain how the genealogical worksheets are used and how to set up their research notebook. Then I have them choose one person or family unit to research. I try to make it very simple for them to understand, because genealogy can be complex in many ways. During this time the students share stories and explore memories of the family that they had forgotten. Often the stories as told by their family members do not match the true facts they find as they explore their family tree. Yes, they’ve also discovered how human we all are, whether in the world of yesterday and now today.

I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists as well as certified in American History and Genealogy from the University of Washington class of June 2011. I have a Certificate of Data Entry from Centralia Community College as well as updated classes in the last 10 years. I am a member of the Sno-Isle genealogical society and a Member of the Lineage Society of the DAR.

Classes at the senior center are $40 for members and $50 for non-members and run for an hour and a half on Fridays from Jan. 8 to 29 and again from Feb. 5 to 26. Contact the Admin Office at the senior center to sign up by calling 425-774-5555 ext 104. The Edmonds Senior Center is located at 220 Railroad Ave, just south of the Edmonds ferry terminal.

— Submitted by Rose M. H. Mitcham, Professional Genealogist at the Edmonds Senior Center

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