GSBC Meetings + Presentations
GSBC Meetings are held every 4th Monday of the month (except holidays and December). General Meetings include a brief business meeting. Meetings start promptly at 7pm in the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium, 125 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ. Phone (201) 670-5600 (see map, above), unless otherwise noted. Your membership dues directly supports this programming and allows us to host speakers on a wide variety of topics — thank you!
GSBC Special Events + Seminars
The GSBC holds several special events, including our day-long Annual Seminar and late-night RPL Lock-In—where genealogists can attend talks on a variety of subjects, collaborate on problems, and receive one-on-one research assistance. Additional event fee may apply. Discount for GSBC members.
GSBC Classes + Ridgewood Public Library Programs
The Bolger Heritage Center at the Ridgewood Public Library holds events on local history and genealogy-focused computer classes. Ridgewood residents and GSBC members receive a discount on these events. Included in the calendar below are RPL classes of interest to genealogists and local researchers. Please check the full RPL calendar for class information, fees, registration, cancellations, and for classes on other topics. All registration is through the Ridgewood Public Library calendar or by calling (201) 670-5600.
Additionally, the GSBC holds in-depth courses, for those 55 and older, at Bergen Community College, Institute for Learning and Retirement (BCC-ILR). Please check our calendar for registration dates, visit the BCC-ILR website, or contact BCC-ILR at 201-447-7156.
Below is our complete calendar showing all Meetings, Events, Seminars. Library Programs and Classes. Use the Category filter below to hide the events in a specific category.
Specialties:
All computer applications
Advanced Research
Local History
Bergen County
Available by Appointment
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
GSBC General Meeting
Monday, 23 September 2019, 7pm
Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium
Alvin Q. Corbett
New Jersey was a Gateway to Freedom: Its role in the Underground Railroad
Curious about the New Jersey’s role in the abolitionist movement and how the trail of safe houses and routes ferrying slaves from the southern states to freedom in the north worked? Alvin Corbett will provide an overview of this extensive network that eventually became known as the "Underground Railroad."
Alvin Q. Corbett, who was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina, is a historian, educator and lecturer. Corbett holds a bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a master's from Stevens Institute of Technology. He served as Vice President of Board of Directors for the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County, NJ (2014-2017); has been invited to be a visiting scholar at New Jersey's Rutgers University; is an active member of the Salem and Camden County, NJ Historical Societies; and is a friend of the Peter Mott Underground Railroad Museum of Lawnside, NJ. Corbett also served as Assistant Curator for the Mattye Reed African-American Heritage Museum on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical (A&T) State University in Greensboro, NC. In 1984, Corbett became one of the first museum digital archivist in the country.
Corbett created, "Jack Sherrod LIVES!" which is an educational art experience showcasing Jack Sherrod's evolution from a slave, to a Civil War Union soldier, and ultimately, a free landowner in Wayne County, North Carolina. Sherrod descendant, Alvin Corbett, created Jack Sherrod LIVES! to engage the community in African-American history; to honor and preserve Sherrod family heritage; and to share the extraordinary life and legacy of his great-great-grandfather, Jack Sherrod.
Corbett also served as a speaker at Rutgers University's Global Timbuctoo Symposium on the topic of the Logistics of the Underground Railroad.
Free and open to the public—all are welcome!
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
Putting Genes in Your Genealogy (IR-727)
Wednesdays: October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Time: 11:30 am–1:30pm
Location: Bergen Community College,
Room: TBA
Instructor: Fred Voss
More people are using DNA testing as part of their genealogical research. This course focuses on the basics; why you might want to use DNA treating, which DNA test and companies to use, how to interpret your results, and what to do next.
Prerequisite: Students are assumed to familiar and experienced with basic genealogy resources, family research methodology and comfortable navigating websites on the Internet.
Course Registration
Fall 2019 Online Registration begins Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 am.
Please visit the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC) for all information about courses, fees, and registration, https://ilr.bergen.edu/courses/.
BCC ILR Fall 2019 course catalog: https://ilr.bergen.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ILR-Fall-2019-Catalog.pdf
About the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC)
Lois E. Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College serves the intellectual and social needs of a vibrant community of Lifelong Learners. Our members have a thirst for learning and intellectual stimulation. One fee entitles members to attend courses which are taught by members and experts from the larger community. Each semester’s offerings cover a broad range of academic and cultural topics. There are no tests or grades. This course is sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Bergen County.
Specialties:
AncestryLE
Canadian Records (French and English)
State and Federal Census
Advanced Research
New York City Research
City Directories
For July 2018: by appointment
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
Specialties:
AncestryLE
Internet Research
Advanced Research
Netherlands
Available by Appointment
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
Putting Genes in Your Genealogy (IR-727)
Wednesdays: October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Time: 11:30 am–1:30pm
Location: Bergen Community College,
Room: TBA
Instructor: Fred Voss
More people are using DNA testing as part of their genealogical research. This course focuses on the basics; why you might want to use DNA treating, which DNA test and companies to use, how to interpret your results, and what to do next.
Prerequisite: Students are assumed to familiar and experienced with basic genealogy resources, family research methodology and comfortable navigating websites on the Internet.
Course Registration
Fall 2019 Online Registration begins Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 am.
Please visit the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC) for all information about courses, fees, and registration, https://ilr.bergen.edu/courses/.
BCC ILR Fall 2019 course catalog: https://ilr.bergen.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ILR-Fall-2019-Catalog.pdf
About the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC)
Lois E. Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College serves the intellectual and social needs of a vibrant community of Lifelong Learners. Our members have a thirst for learning and intellectual stimulation. One fee entitles members to attend courses which are taught by members and experts from the larger community. Each semester’s offerings cover a broad range of academic and cultural topics. There are no tests or grades. This course is sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Bergen County.
Specialties:
Ancestry
Census
Ireland
Immigration
New York City and New Jersey
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
Tuesday, 15 October, 2019, 7–8:30pm
Little Falls Public Library
Steven Gabai
Introduction to Genealogy
By using his own family, Steven Gabai of the Genealogical Society of Bergen County will show and explain genealogy records, its research and what you can learn by researching your family history. This 90-minute slide show presentation tells the stories behind those records and research as well as the breakthroughs, frustrations, and brick walls that go along with it.
Steven Gabai started researching his family history over 20 years ago. He is a member of the Genealogical Society of Bergen County and has been a trustee on the board since 2015. With his two genealogy programs — Introduction to Genealogy and Internet Genealogy — his objective is to motivate others to research their family history and to offer assistance.
Free and open to all, no RSVP.
Image: "Immigrants waiting to be transferred, Ellis Island, October 30, 1912," Library of Congress, http://loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3a13599/
Putting Genes in Your Genealogy (IR-727)
Wednesdays: October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Time: 11:30 am–1:30pm
Location: Bergen Community College,
Room: TBA
Instructor: Fred Voss
More people are using DNA testing as part of their genealogical research. This course focuses on the basics; why you might want to use DNA treating, which DNA test and companies to use, how to interpret your results, and what to do next.
Prerequisite: Students are assumed to familiar and experienced with basic genealogy resources, family research methodology and comfortable navigating websites on the Internet.
Course Registration
Fall 2019 Online Registration begins Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 am.
Please visit the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC) for all information about courses, fees, and registration, https://ilr.bergen.edu/courses/.
BCC ILR Fall 2019 course catalog: https://ilr.bergen.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ILR-Fall-2019-Catalog.pdf
About the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC)
Lois E. Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College serves the intellectual and social needs of a vibrant community of Lifelong Learners. Our members have a thirst for learning and intellectual stimulation. One fee entitles members to attend courses which are taught by members and experts from the larger community. Each semester’s offerings cover a broad range of academic and cultural topics. There are no tests or grades. This course is sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Bergen County.
Michelle D. Novak
“Picturing” Your Research—Finding, Procuring, and Preserving Images
Wednesday 16 October, Noon
New Jersey State Library, Trenton, New Jersey
“Picturing” Your Research—Finding, Procuring, and Preserving Images
Did you realize that you have a UNIQUE, never shared before collection of archival materials in your house right now? Your family photos!
Your research can come alive with images, but finding, scanning, and preserving them can be a daunting prospect. In this talk, we’ll look at all three—from the perspective of a designer, photographer, researcher, and archivist (in training). Michelle D. Novak will give us an introduction on how to best scan the images you have, ways to find images in collections to supplement your research, new online resources to help identify those mystery people, and share some tips for protecting the photos and artifacts for future generations. (P.S., It’s her favorite talk and a hot-topic!)
Michelle D. Novak is a brand designer at [MND] (mnd.nyc) which serves finserv, education, and technology clients; genealogist; and teacher. She is a Master of Information student (formerly, MLIS) at Rutgers University in archives and digitization, holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and certificates from Boston University, Gen-Fed, and the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh, among others. Novak is Trustee and Webmaster for the Genealogical Society of Bergen County (GSBC), New Jersey, and a former Trustee of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey (GSNJ). She also serves as Project Administrator for the GSNJ-NJSA New Jersey Early Land Records Project (a joint project between the Genealogical Society of New Jersey and the New Jersey State Archives); Editor of the GSBC’s national award-winning newsletter, The Archivist; and is involved with numerous transcription, indexing, publicity, and digitization projects.
Free—all are welcome. Free parking in the Statehouse Garage. Please RSVP (for seating planning) at https://www.njstatelib.org/event/picturing-your-research/.
And, while in Trenton, explore the wonderful genealogical collection at the New Jersey State Library (did you know that the NJSL has a dedicated and Genealogical Librarian?) or visit the New Jersey State Archives, just across the plaza.
Braen family July 4th (no year, c1925) family picnic, location unknown. Photographer possibly Arthur Tuschmann, Jr. (d 1948). This photo is used in this talk, and others, to demonstrate photo dating and copyright, as this image would have come out of copyright protection only in 2018! (Novak is still working to identify people in the image.) Collection of Michelle D. Novak.
Tech Class: Genealogy on the Move—There's an App for That
Wednesday October 16th @ 7pm
Ridgewood Public Library, 125 No. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Instructor: Barbara Ellman
The changes in computing and in genealogical research provide us with opportunities to explore. We can rethink what we carry with us and how we store our information. This session will help you discover the obvious app companions such as those that allow you to carry your family tree and its information with you. We will also look at a number of tools that are available for your mobile excursions and can be adapted for your genealogical research and family connections.
Registration and a small fee required ($5 for Ridgewood residents and GSBC members; $10 for visitors): http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=5615&EventID=381601
Thursday, 17 October, 2019, 7–9:00pm
Ho-Ho-Kus Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library
91 Warren Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423
201.445.8078
Steven Gabai
Introduction to Genealogy
By using his own family, Steven Gabai of the Genealogical Society of Bergen County will show and explain genealogy records, its research and what you can learn by researching your family history. This 90-minute slide show presentation tells the stories behind those records and research as well as the breakthroughs, frustrations, and brick walls that go along with it. Registration is required.
Steven Gabai started researching his family history over 20 years ago. He is a member of the Genealogical Society of Bergen County and has been a trustee on the board since 2015. With his two genealogy programs — Introduction to Genealogy and Internet Genealogy — his objective is to motivate others to research their family history and to offer assistance.
Please RSVP for this event (to plan seating) at https://bccls.libcal.com/event/5486039
Image: "Immigrants waiting to be transferred, Ellis Island, October 30, 1912," Library of Congress, http://loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3a13599/
Saturday, October 19th @ 2pm
Author Visit with Julie Orringer
Julie Orringer, author of The Flight Portfolio will discuss her 2019 book which is based on the true story of Ridgewood resident Varien Fry. In 1940-41 Fry volunteered to take on the Emergency Rescue Committee project to bring political and intellectual refugees out of Nazi-controlled France. Orringer’s story revolves around Fry, the struggles he faced, and the lives he effected.
Book sale and signing to follow talk. Registration required:
http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=5615&EventID=383412&PK=
Putting Genes in Your Genealogy (IR-727)
Wednesdays: October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Time: 11:30 am–1:30pm
Location: Bergen Community College,
Room: TBA
Instructor: Fred Voss
More people are using DNA testing as part of their genealogical research. This course focuses on the basics; why you might want to use DNA treating, which DNA test and companies to use, how to interpret your results, and what to do next.
Prerequisite: Students are assumed to familiar and experienced with basic genealogy resources, family research methodology and comfortable navigating websites on the Internet.
Course Registration
Fall 2019 Online Registration begins Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 am.
Please visit the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC) for all information about courses, fees, and registration, https://ilr.bergen.edu/courses/.
BCC ILR Fall 2019 course catalog: https://ilr.bergen.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ILR-Fall-2019-Catalog.pdf
About the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College (BCC)
Lois E. Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Bergen Community College serves the intellectual and social needs of a vibrant community of Lifelong Learners. Our members have a thirst for learning and intellectual stimulation. One fee entitles members to attend courses which are taught by members and experts from the larger community. Each semester’s offerings cover a broad range of academic and cultural topics. There are no tests or grades. This course is sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Bergen County.
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
Saturday October 26th from 5–11pm
16th Annual Genealogy Lock-in—Save the date!
Get advice from an expert panel; attend various workshops such as Beginners Genealogy, DNA, Irish Genealogy, and more; or receive individual genealogy assistance.
Registration required: $10 per person, light supper included. registration details to come.
Registration for the 16th Annual Genealogy Lock-in is now open! We welcome you to join the Ridgewood Public Library and Genealogical Society of Bergen County on October 26th, from 5-11pm.
The Lock-in offers genealogists of all levels the chance to spend the evening researching, learning and sharing. You can ask the experts your brick wall questions, attend various workshops, and receive individual assistance.
Registration with the GSBC is required, download and mail-in the form here: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/eb7023_0ed6cc59def748ceb62234c9bf6bca85.pdf
Any questions, contact Sarah Kiefer at 201-670-5600 x135 or skiefer@ridgewoodlibrary.org
Specialties:
All computer applications
Advanced Research
Local History
Bergen County
Available by Appointment
On-Site GSBC Genealogy Consultations at the Ridgewood Public Library (RPL)
GSBC Members and others receive complimentary on-site consultation with our Genealogy Consultants at the Bolger Heritage Center. All our consultants can help beginners through experienced researchers, guide you in the use of the Genealogy and Local History Reference collections at the Bolger Heritage Center, and help you break through your brick-walls. If you need assistance with a specific area not listed, contact us and we will match you as best we can with an expert in that area.
To make an appointment, email contact@njgsbc.org to reserve your consultation window.
