• Celtic Genealogy Info Session

The Celtic Arts Foundation is pleased to partner with the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society for this exciting Celtic Genealogy Info Session! Have you always wondered if you have Scottish or Irish ancestors? Perhaps you do but haven’t quite figured out how to go about researching your Celtic roots. Join us on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00AM-3:00PM and learn more about the resources that exist in our community and beyond for researching Celtic heritage, including understanding different website subscriptions, DNA testing, local research options, and more! Participants will enjoy a day structured in five different segments. First, we will begin with an Introduction to Genealogy, going over the basics of how to do research, including recording information, questions to ask known relatives, and paper vs. digital record keeping. Next, we will transition into performing Celtic research in particular. Participants will learn about Irish and Scottish records and sources, some background on history and religion, and where to find online and “snail mail” records. After a one-hour lunch break, participants will receive information on websites, including what sites exist, free vs. paid subscriptions, and handouts on sites that are helpful for Celtic research. Finally, the day will conclude with information about DNA testing. Find out which DNA sites provide helpful information, which ones work best to find cousins, and how to interpret one’s ethnicity results. This info session will be presented by Barbara Gorham Johnson of the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. Barbara has been researching her family tree for over 20 years and has taught Beginning Genealogy classes, How to Organize One’s Research, and DNA And Genealogy for several genealogy societies and other programs. She has a degree in Microbiology, has done research at the University of Washington, taught science with the Pacific Science Center, and is a retired Park Ranger. She lives in Mount Vernon and is a member of the Celtic Arts Foundation. Members of the Celtic Arts Foundation save 20% on tickets to this event! To receive the discount code, please call 360-416-4934 or email events@celticarts.org. Not a member? Join or renew today! Participants have the option of purchasing a boxed lunch to be brought to the Littlefield Celtic Center. Lunches include a generously sized deli sandwich, chips, pickle, cookie, and water bottle. For students who would like to take advantage of this option but have dietary restrictions, we ask that you please contact the Celtic Arts Foundation at 360-416-4934 or events@celticarts.org with your requests at least two weeks prior to the event. The Littlefield Celtic Center is conveniently located in downtown Mount Vernon and within walking distance to a number of restaurants for those who choose not to purchase a boxed lunch. We are pleased to provide participants with discounted lodging at the Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn. For instructions on how to take advantage of this discounted rate, please contact the Celtic Arts Foundation at 360-416-4934 or events@celticarts.org. Information about cancellations, refunds, and exchanges can be found on our Ticket Policy page.