As a new resident of Lincoln County, I’ve been thrilled to learn more about this incredible place through Skidompha’s Genealogy resources. Kathleen Maclachlan – our on-staff Genealogist – is a wealth of information about local history, resources for ancestral research, and the latest archival preservation techniques. Kathy has shared her expertise with Skidompha since 2012 and has helped hundreds of patrons along research journeys.
Skidompha’s Genealogy section is located on the second floor of the library. It’s home to almost 800 books plus maps, town reports, periodicals, pamphlets, and archival collections. Kathy is also in the process of cataloging a growing digital collection with the help of the diligent work of her volunteer transcription team. The Genealogy section is also home to a beautiful long table–an excellent tool for reviewing historic materials.
Unsure where to start? Kathy can assist you with logging into the free library edition of Ancestry (www.ancestrylibrary.com), can help you develop a research plan, and can serve as a “super sleuth” when you’re feeling stuck. Kathy offers a day of hour-long appointments for one-on-one consultations each quarter; dates are posted on the Genealogy Opportunities page of our website and fill up quickly. Kathy is also available to answer brief questions for you via email at genealogy@skidompha.org. If you would prefer to catch her in person, she offers drop-in days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Thursday.
Are you an absolute beginner at ancestral research? Join Kathy’s summer offering of “Genealogy for Beginners”: a four-week course intended to teach you a variety of research techniques. There are two class groups running concurrently: Wednesdays from 9:30 – 11 a.m. beginning July 31 and Thursdays at 5 to 6:30 p.m. beginning August 1. Spots are limited; sign up by emailing genealogy@skidompha.org.
Our genealogy programs have drawn nearly 400 people into the Library each year, representing over 40 different towns in Maine along with many other states and countries. Please stop in, say hello, and learn something new about your family or your town.
Take care,
Matthew Graff
Executive Director
Skidompha Library