Unlocking the Past: How to Read and Interpret Genealogy Records
Unlocking the Past: How to Read and Interpret Genealogy Records
Wednesday, November 4 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Presented by Deborah Hershey
This is an in-person program, but you may register to access the live stream. The program is free! Please consider a donation to support future programs such as this. 100% of your donation goes to our mission. Thank you.
About the program
Genealogy research is about more than finding names and dates—it's about understanding the stories hidden within historical documents. Join local genealogist Deborah Hershey for an informative presentation on how to read, interpret, and make sense of the records that bring your family history to life.
Learn how to navigate common genealogy documents such as census records, wills, deeds, military records, church registers, and more.
Deborah will share practical tips for deciphering old handwriting, recognizing historical clues, and avoiding common research pitfalls.
Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or looking to sharpen your research skills, this program will help you gain confidence in uncovering and understanding the records your ancestors left behind.
Bio
Deborah White Hershey has been researching her family lines since 1975 when she took a walking tour of Toronto and found a Scottish Shop. She had always been told by family, that she was descended from the Macleans of Duart, so she set out to prove the connection. Most of her research is in Central Pennsylvania, where many of her families resided. However, her family lines stretch back to 1635 when William Beardsley arrived in Massachusetts and 1682 when Richard Wall arrived in Philadelphia on the Bristol Factor 2nd voyage one of William Penn’s 46 ships that arrived in 1682 and 1683. Her eighth great grandmother, Sarah Shoemaker arrived in Philadelphia in 1686. Her son married Sarah Wall, granddaughter of Richard. Their home still stands and is open for tours in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania has awarded her First Family of Pennsylvania, Colony, and Commonwealth membership.
She has successfully completed 250+ applications or supplements for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution and Children of the American Revolution, Cincinnati Society, and numerous other lineage societies. She was awarded 2014 Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist for Pennsylvania by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
She has been doing a One-Name-Study since 2008, collecting data on the Duarts, Dewarts, and other variants of the world.
Deborah has a Certificate in Family History – Genealogy from Brigham Young University, has completed numerous courses in Genealogy provided by New England Historic Genealogical Society, National Genealogical Society, and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.