Dig into genealogy at the Paseo Verde Library

By Mandy Walton

Monday, April 13, 2009 | 12:26 p.m.

If you've ever wondered where your family originated from and who you're related to, there are tons of resources available to help you accomplish this right here in Henderson.

I sat down with local experts Ron Hughes and Sydney Cagle last week and they explained the basics of tracing one's own family history.

"You need to do things one generation at a time," said Hughes, president of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society. "You can't just come in hoping to find out if your relative was in the Revolutionary War. You've got to start with yourself first, and go back from there."

The Heritage Research Room at the Paseo Verde Library is filled with books that contain information from every state in the union, periodicals from other states' genealogical societies, and computers and microfilm machines. Volunteers also staff the room to help others do their research.

"It is addicting," says Cagle, who is in charge of the center at the library. "Once you get started, you don't want to stop looking for your ancestors."

The society is open to new members and meets on the third Saturday of every month in the conference room of the Paseo Verde Library. The meeting consists of business, refreshments, and a program speaker on the subject of genealogy.

"The meetings are growing, with about 60 people in attendance lately," said Hughes.

In addition to society meetings, classes are also held at the library. The classes are all free of charge, and a complete list can be found at hdpl.org.

"Our beginning genealogy class gives you an idea of how to start, and what to do when you find your information," said Cagle.

And if you're already knee-deep into your research, then the society's bus trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City may be for you.

The society plans to travel to the Family History Library for three full days of research. For more information on the trip call Miriam at 382-5171 or email [email protected].

Hughes said that he gives a class about "doing your homework" before traveling to the Family History Library, so that you can make the most of your research there.

"When you get involved with something like this, you meet others from across the country who are also interested in it. You meet people who share common relatives with you and you can share information," Cagle said.

The Heritage Research room is open at the Paseo Verde Library during normal library hours.