Find My Scots Ancestors - As part of Outlandish in Athens, Heritage Room Director Rikki Chesley will use the Internet database FindMyPast to teach tips on doing Scottish research. Where: Multipurpose Rooms B & C, Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, Georgia When: 12:30 p.m.
The Eleventh Annual Battle of Vann's Creek Ceremony will feature University of North Georgia history professor Clay Ouzts as speaker. The event, which includes a presentation of colors, honors the Revolutionary War Patriots who fought against British-allied Tories along the Savannah River. The actual site of the battle is now under the waters of Lake Russell. Tickets are $10 each to attend a barbecue luncheon. Where: Pavilion, Richard B. Russell State Park, 2650 Russell State Park Dr, Elberton, Georgia When: 11 a.m. Contact: To register contact Larry Wilson at dlwilson@elberton.net or call 706-283-1627.
Christmas at the Cabin - Yuletide celebrations at the historic Vaughan Log Cabin. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here, so be sure to bring your camera. There will many pioneer activities for the entire family! Help decorate the tree, play games, and make pioneer crafts. Santa leaves to feed his reindeer at 2:30, but activities will continue until 4 p.m. There is a $5 parking fee. Where: Red Top Mountain State Park, 50 Lodge Rd SE, Cartersville, Georgia When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5
Sally Mott Freeman, The Jersey Brothers - The extraordinary real-life adventure of three brothers at the center of the most dramatic turning points of World War II and their mad race to change history—and save one of their own. They are three brothers, all navy men, who end up coincidentally and extraordinarily at the epicenter of three of the war's most crucial moments. Admission for all lectures is $10 for general public and $5 for Atlanta History Center members. Where: Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia When: 8 p.m. Contact: Click here for tickets.
Wednesday, December 6
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Finding Your Roots in Catholic Records with Lisa Toth Salinas. Catholic genealogical research has a depth unequaled by any other record group. The documents of the Catholic Church chronicle important events in the lives of members and can provide the key to uncovering otherwise impenetrable family mysteries. Author of the Catholic Genealogy Legacy QuickGuide™ and contributor to The Catholic Gene blog, Lisa Toth Salinas will guide you into exploration of the lives of your ancestors through sacramental records, additional Church records, and other Catholic sources. Join Lisa for an introduction into Catholic genealogy, an overview of traditional and often-overlooked documents, and research strategies that will help you dig into your Catholic roots. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Thursday, December 7
Joe Byrd will discuss Confederate Sharpshooter, William E. Simmons: Through the War with the 16th Georgia Infantry and the 3rd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters during the monthly meeting of the Civil War Round Table of Cobb County. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in Civil War sharpshooters. Now there is a new perspective on the subject in the story of Major William E. Simmons (1839-1931), with emphasis on his experiences as an infantry officer in the Army of Northern Virginia. First-time guests are free. Where: Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, 500 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, Georgia When: 7 p.m. Contact: For more information email cobbcivilwarrt@gmail.com or visit www.cobbcwrt.org.
Friday, December 8
The Friends of Georgia Archives & History present Lunch and Learn featuring Dave Moffett and Scott Coile speaking on The History of the Candler Field Museum and the Youth Aviation Program: Where History Comes Alive and Education Lights the Future. Bring a lunch to eat during the program. Where: Georgia Archives, 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, Georgia When: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Christmas by Candlelight - In 1805, Cherokee Chief James Vann opened his new brick mansion to the Moravian missionaries to hold one of the first Christmas celebrations in the Cherokee Nation. To honor this tradition, visitors are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of a 19th century Christmas in one of America’s best-preserved Cherokee Indian homes. The cost of this event is $5.50 - $6.50. Where: Chief Vann House Historic Site, 82 GA-225, Chatsworth, Georgia When: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 9
Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society and the Athens-Clarke Heritage Room present a Holiday & 30th Anniversary Celebration - We will be celebrating our genealogical successes and family traditions. Please consider sharing one of your unusual finds or favorite resources for genealogical research. Did you know this is COGS 30th year? We have a lot to celebrate and hope you will be a part of COGS as we begin our next 30 years! Elections will be held at the December meeting. Please consider serving as a COGS officer. This event is free and open to the public. Where: Multipurpose Room A, Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, Georgia When: 2 p.m.
Christmas at the Cabin - Gather the family and join us at our 1850s log cabin. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here until 3 pm. Experience the sights and smells of a pioneer Christmas. Help our civilian reenactors decorate the Christmas tree. There will be a fire in the fireplace with something good cooking on it and period toys and games for children. The cost of admission is $5.50 for adults (18-61), $3.50 for seniors (62+) and $3.00 for youth (6-17). Where: Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, 4432 Mount Tabor Church Road, Dallas, Georgia When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance - FDR portrayer James Fowler will recite the "Day of Infamy" speech declaring that a state of war exists sending the United States into WWII. The cost of this event is $9 - $14. Where: Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site, 401 Little White House Road, Warm Springs, Georgia When: Performances at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
A Candlelight Christmas at Liberty Hall - Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens' home, Liberty Hall, will be decorated with styles of the Victorian Christmas past. Come enjoy a candlelight tour, and crafts all accompanied by the sounds of the Victorian Era. Refreshments will be served. The cost of this event is $4 - $6. Where: A.H. Stephens State Park, 456 Alexander Street NW, Crawfordville, Georgia When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Candlelight Christmas - Take a leisurely stroll by candlelight and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas. See two of the historic homes gently dressed in natural greenery and homemade decor and enjoy warm cider and cookies alongside a campfire. The cost of this event is $4 - $6. Where: Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, 711 Jarrell Plantation Rd, Juliette, Georgia When: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 10
Family Day: Victorian Christmas - Come and visit the 19th century as we celebrate the holidays and explore the traditions of Victorian era Christmas-tide! Have your holiday photo made with Santa Claus by the fire, refresh yourself with hot cider, hot chocolate, and cookies, and hear performances of 'Twas the Night before Christmas as well as Christmas songs and carols. You can also make pioneer era inspired ornaments and decorations to take home or put on our Christmas tree as we explore holiday traditions with performances, hands-on activities, living history interpretation, and demonstrations. Where: Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville, Georgia When: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 12
Forum: Pearl Harbor - Hear Glen Kyle, Executive Director of the Northeast Georgia History Center, speak about that cataclysmic "day of infamy" 76 years ago - Pearl Harbor. Glen is the resident WWII expert, having taught continuing education courses on the subject, and having authored the book Hall County in WWII. The cost of admission is $3. Where: Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville, Georgia When: 7 p.m. Contact: For more information call 770-297-5900.
The Cobb County Genealogical Society will present a program on Photographs & Copyrights. Where: Provino's Italian Restaurant, 440 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw, Georgia When: 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 13
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar I Thought He Was My Ancestor: Avoiding the Six Biggest Genealogy Mistakes with James M. Baker. Case studies are presented to show how to avoid the biggest mistakes, including trusting family myths; believing that the posted family trees are accurate; connecting the wrong "same name" people; and believing that all original family records are accurate. When: 8 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
The Dust Bowl - Soil and People Displaced - A presentation on how the Dust Bowl was created and its impact on the nation using photographs from the Farm Service Administration photographers. The cost of this event is $7 - $12. Where: Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site, 401 Little White House Rd, Warm Springs, Georgia When: 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, December 14
Party with the Past: The American Hotel - Join us at The American Hotel for the next Party With the Past! Known as the first integrated hotel when it opened in 1961, the hotel served as a host to many prominent Civil Rights leaders and activists. Party With The Past is always free to attend, but please RSVP so we know that you’re coming. Where:160 Ted Turner Drive Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia When: 6:30 p.m. Contact: RSVP here.
Friday, December 15
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Finding Your Nordic Parish of Birth with Jill Morelli. Is that parish of birth of your Nordic ancestor proving to be elusive? Without it, we cannot make the trip “across the pond.” Often that parish is identified in the records located in the United States and research will reveal the name or at least narrow it down. We will explore numerous US record sets where the parish could be recorded and then we will identify the international databases that can also assist in our identification of the parish of birth. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Sunday, December 17
Colonial Christmas - Visitors will create corn husk angles, clothes-pin reindeer, and visit Elijah Clark's home, which will be decorated for the season. Santa will be available for young children to visit during the house tour. The price of this event is $5 plus $5 parking. Where: Elijah Clark State Park, 2959 McCormick Highway, Lincolnton, Georgia When: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 19
Annual "Holiday Spirits" Tours of Athens Museum Homes - The Athens Historic House Museum Association presents its 10th annual award-winning Holiday Spirits Tours. Tour-goers will be transported to Christmases past by experiencing each house museum adorned in period-specific holiday décor, as thoroughly researched by local archivists and historians. The Church-Waddel-Brumby, T.R.R. Cobb, and Ware-Lyndon Houses will be showcased on the tours. A special theatrical or musical performance will be featured at one house, along with light seasonal refreshments served along the way. A professional tour guide will cover the evolution of Athens’ holiday traditions over the course of three distinct epochs of the 19th century – the Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian periods. This special holiday edition of Classic City Tours’ Museum Mile Tour will include a detailed guided history of holiday traditions in the South, particular to Athens. Participants will experience Athens’ most magnificent homes adorned in holiday splendor, live entertainment, and delicious fun! Tickets are $25 each for the two-hour tour and are available with reservations and advance purchase. Space is limited, so reserve your seats early. When: 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Contact: For more information call 706-208-8687 or click here.
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar The Law and the Reasonably Exhaustive (Re)Search with Judy G. Russell. There's a difference between searching and researching, and understanding how the law impacts records and research is critical to the reasonably exhaustive research needed to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard. Learn how the law impacts records -- and how finding the right law for the right place and time is critical to genealogy. When: 8 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Wednesday, December 20
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Palmetto Pride - South Carolina for Genealogists with Rorey Cathcart. This survey of Genealogy in the State of South Carolina will look at the state's long history, the importance of understanding her judicial units, major repositories and strategies for dealing with the state's significant records loss. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.
Saturday, December 23
Native American Heritage Hike - Join us for a 2 and a half hour strenuous 1.5 mile hike focusing on the first inhabitants of our area, the Native Americans or American Indians, as we explore the east side which will include a visit to the "Indian Cave". The walk will meet at the Visitor's Center. Reservations are recommended. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Intended for ages 6 years and older. There is a $5 parking fee. Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, Georgia When: 12 p.m.
Christmas in the Cabin - Feeling festive? Join Smithgall Woods for a holiday get together in our primitive cabin. We will warm ourselves by the fire while enjoying hot chocolate and hot cider. Make a Christmas ornament for your loved one or enjoy time with family. We ho-ho-hope to see you there! There is a $5 parking fee. Where: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, Georgia When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesday, December 27
The Georgia Genealogical Society features a free webinar, GALILEO for Genealogy, presented by Laura W. Carter. GALILEO (Georgia LIbrary LEearning Online) an authority based online collection of databases FREE to everyone in Georgia, can make family history research much easier and more productive. In addition to genealogical databases, like Heritage Quest Online, discover some of the other ways to use GALILEO. This webinar is designed for people who understand the basics of genealogy research and the records used, this is not a beginning genealogy class. Learn how to use these databases and how to maximize your results. When: 8 p.m. Contact: Click here to register.
Legacy Family Tree presents a free webinar Problems and Pitfalls of a Reasonably Shallow Search with Elissa Scalise Powell. This survey of Genealogy in the State of South Carolina will look at the state's long history, the importance of understanding her judicial units, major repositories and strategies for dealing with the state's significant records loss. When: 2 p.m. Contact: To register, click here.