Genealogy group celebrates 25 years exploring the past

The Uxbridge Genealogy Group celebrates 25 years of helping local family historians learn more about their ancestry.

Originally formed by like-minded north Durham residents looking for ways to expand their family trees, the group now includes members with ties to the Uxbridge area who live in other parts of the province and beyond. While members include those with years of genealogy experience, many are just starting out on this addictive hobby.

The genealogy room in the Uxbridge Library offers visitors access to one of the region’s most extensive family history collections. Group members offer assistance to visitors on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon.

The group’s focus remains on tracing family roots, but now includes a series of presentations for members and the public on related topics which are intended to increase skill and knowledge levels.

Meetings of the genealogy group are generally held on the third Thursday of each month from September to June in the Uxbridge Library. The next meeting on Sept. 18 features Catherine Wilson from the University of Guelph. Wilson will provide snapshots of pioneer life using details from the university’s rural diary archives.

Later in the year, topics will include researching World War II veterans, using DNA to assist in finding family connections, sharing family heirlooms, using AI to benefit research, and the important task of ensuring descendants will benefit from your years of research.

Members can attend meetings via Zoom or in person at the library. Non-members are welcome to join the meetings at the library. Details about each meeting can be found at the library or on the UGG Facebook page.