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 Seminar + Special Event
The GSBC holds several special events, including our day-long Seminar and late-night GSBC-Ridgewood Public Library Lock-In—where genealogists can attend talks on a variety of subjects, collaborate on problems, socialize over a light supper, and receive one-on-one research assistance. Additional event fee may apply. Discount for GSBC members.
GSBC Classes + Genealogy Courses at Bergen Community College
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 Monthly Meeting: Quarantined! Genealogy, The Law and Public Health, - From the Plague to tuberculosis, the law worked to protect the public from epidemics. Learn how public health records can add to any family’s history.
Monday, October 26 @7pm
Speaker: Judy Russell, The Legal Geneaalogist
Free online webinar!
REGISTER NOW: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6503161987551725837
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
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.
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.
GSBC 2020 Seminar
A Day with Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective®
A Three-Lecture Program
Saturday, 14 November 2020, 9:45 am–3:00 pm, Online!
Please join the Genealogical Society of Bergen County as we welcome Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, for a day of discovery. We will learn how to use clues from our old photos to uncover the time, the place, and the identity of the people pictured.
Maureen Taylor is an internationally recognized expert on historic photograph identification and photo preservation. Sought out by clients all over the world from as far away as New Zealand, her pioneering work in historic photo research is unprecedented, evidenced by her success in solving photo mysteries. The author of several books, scholarly articles and online columns, she has been featured in numerous publications including The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Better Homes and Gardens, and was dubbed “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal.
SCHEDULE
9:45 am—Introduction
10:00 am—Identifying and Dating Family Photographs
11:30 am—Buns, Beards, Bodices, and Bustles: Understanding Ancestors through Clothing
1:00 pm—Preserving Family Photographs—1839 to the Present
2:00 pm—Q&A and wrap-up
There are a limited number of "seats" for this event. By presenter's request, this event will NOT be recorded.
PRICING
Seminar and GSBC Membership Bundle—$40
The $40 bundle price includes both the Maureen Taylor event and an individual GSBC Membership (new or renewal, a $20 value!). Membership will begin immediately with payment and last through 31 October 2021. A GSBC Membership unlocks more than 20 recorded presentations in our Members' area, the Archivist newsletter, four free quick look-ups from our collections, and other Member-only assets and benefits.
Already a renewed GSBC Member? A discount code was provided in an email sent to you. Please contact us if you need to code again. (Please note that this code is for GSBC Members in good standing only and should not be shared.)
Seminar-Only (No GSBC Membership)—$30
If you are NOT a GSBC member and only want to pay for the event, enter Discount Code NON and only pay $30.
REGISTRATION
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8376360365866885646
QUESTIONS?
Please contact the GSBC Programming Chair Lauren Maehrlein, MA, at heirlines@aol.com.
Organizing Your DNA Matches Workshop [IR-849]—2-Week BCC ILR Online Course
Tuesdays: November 17; December 1
Time: 12:30–2:30 pm, Online
Instructor: Fred Voss, Education Chair, Genealogical Society of Bergen County
Organize your DNA matches using the Leeds Method. Experience using spreadsheets is helpful. Prerequisite: Putting Genes in Your Genealogy class or equivalent experience. (Note: This course is not for DNA newbies.)
Course number: IR-849
Prerequisites: Attendance in the Putting Genes in Your Genealogy class or equivalent experience. Familiarity with basic genealogy and comfortable navigating websites. NOT for DNA newbies.
Registration Opens: Wednesday, September 16, 2020
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, 55+. 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.
Fred Voss (http://www.tweedriver.com) is a professional genealogist, researcher, and educator. He has been doing personal genealogy for over 20 years and is a Trustee and Education Chair for the Genealogical Society of Bergen County. His areas of interest are Germany, Switzerland, and New Hampshire, with special interest in DNA, Immigration, and Naturalization. Mr. Voss is a certificate holder of the Boston University Genealogical Research Certification program (OL13). He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the International Society of Genetic Genealogists as well as various regional societies. He volunteers as a tour guide at Ellis Island, leading both historical and photographic tours of the abandoned hospitals on the south side of the island (SaveEllisIsland.org). Mr. Voss is a popular and sought after speaker in the tri-state area. His lectures have been featured at the New York Public Library, the Genealogical Society of Bergen County, the Monmouth Genealogical Society, the Passaic County Genealogical Club, the German Genealogical Society, and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Long Island. He teaches Introductory Genealogy and DNA and Genealogy at Bergen County Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. He graduated from Boston College with a BA in Mathematics. He has spent his career working for and with software startup companies such as Netscape Communications, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle. Since 1990, he has specialized in Internet Identity and Security.
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 November, 2020, 7pm EST
Land Ho! Calling All Mayflower Descendants
Online
The celebration to honor the 400th year since when the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth is in full swing. Join Kathleen Kaldis as she outlines the strategies for researching Mayflower lineages and the process of submitting a membership application to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Kathleen Kaldis (Genealogist, NERGC 2020 Director, and Lecturer) is a professional genealogist who is known as The Ancestor Finder. Her interest in genealogy started at a young age when she heard stories about how her great great-grandfather, who was born on Cape Breton Island, came to Boston to build Fenway Park. Go SOX! Her enthusiasm shines through when she shares her passion of genealogy with her clients and audiences.
Kaldis is a professional genealogist and genealogical speaker. She has worked as a Genealogist at the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants and The New England Historic and Genealogical Society and specializes in lineage and forensic research.
She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and has successfully completed many advanced level genealogical institute courses. Kathleen is very active within the genealogical community, and serves in many leadership positions for many organizations. A proud member of the Lexington Massachusetts DAR and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Her areas of genealogical expertise are: New England and the Atlantic Canadian Provinces, Lineage Research, Forensic Research, Greek Research, Researching Mariners who Sailed the Seas, and Resolving Tough Genealogical Problems.
Register for this free webinar, here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8443021556897204494
Image: “The south part of New England as it planted this yeare, 1634.” Massachusetts Digital Commonwealth, https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:q524n611v
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Genealogical Society of Bergen County (GSBC) Extra
Monday, 11 January @ 2pm
Free Online Webinar—All Experience Levels are Welcome
Did you realize that you have a UNIQUE archive 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 series, we’ll explore using images in your research—from the view of Michelle D. Novak, a brand designer, photographer, and Masters of Information candidate at Rutgers University. (P.S., It’s her favorite topic!)
Part one (Monday, 11 January 2021 @ 2pm) will focus on how to understand and preserve the images you may have lingering in your photo albums and shoeboxes. We’ll also look at ways to find images in online collections, how photos can bring deeper meaning to your research, introduce some archival supplies to preserve your originals for future generations, and look at how to connect with members of your family through with photos.
REGISTER FOR PART ONE: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3153321693513027340
Part two of this series (Tuesday, 8 March 2021 @ 2pm) will be all about scanning, retouching, and organizing images. Novak will walk us through how to scan images like a pro, some dos and don’ts of retouching, introduce some basic concepts to organize your images, and peek at some tools that can help you identify the people in them. It’s an exciting, ever-evolving world—and one that can bring your family research to life.
REGISTER FOR PART TWO: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7854870797278642444
Michelle D. Novak is a brand designer at [MND] (mnd.nyc) which serves finserv, education, and technology; genealogist; and teacher. She is a Master of Information student at Rutgers University, holds a BFA from RISD, and certificates from BU, Gen-Fed, and GRIP. Novak is Trustee and Webmaster for the Genealogical Society of Bergen County (GSBC) and a former Trustee of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey. She also serves as Project Administrator for the GSNJ-NJSA New Jersey Early Land Records Project (njlandrecords.org); Editor of the GSBC’s national award-winning newsletter, “The Archivist;” and is involved with numerous transcription, indexing, publicity, and digitization projects.
