Starting genealogy as a hobby

A presentation of “Your Genealogy Hobby from Start to Finish” will be held by genealogist and author David Gaboury, Thursday, Aug. 22, at Holy Family Church Hall, located at 18777 Riverwood Drive in Little Falls. The event will begin with a welcoming at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation starting at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Morrison County Genealogy Society, the event is free to attend and open to the public.

Genealogy is the perfect hobby. While it’s boundless, each person can set achievable goals that suit the individual’s needs. It’s a tool that lets people connect with past and future generations. It’s also a stimulating puzzle that always has something new for the researcher to learn and it’s fun, said Pat Quinn, education coordinator of the Morrison County Genealogy Society.

The presentation covers key things to know when genealogy as a hobby and will provide resources that will make the research more productive and ways to share that research to make the most of one’s hard work.

“Whether you’re just getting started with your family history research or you’re ready to publish a book about it, I’ll have some helpful tips to get more out of your hobby. If you’re anywhere around the Little Falls, Minnesota area, please join us,” Gaboury said.

David Gaboury is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Moorhead and a retired software engineer from Fargo, North Dakota. He’s done genealogical research since 1995 and specializes in French-Canadian ancestry. His family history book, “The Gaboury Story: An Adventure Across North America” won the 2023 Book of the Year award from the Heritage Education Commission.