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Branching Out: Creating a Lasting Family Tree

presented by Nona K. Thornton, Society President
& Long-Time Genealogy Researcher
Saturday, 15 August 2026, 2p.m.
Athens-Clarke County Library, Multipurpose Room A

Every family history is a treasure — but what good is a treasure if it’s tucked away in a folder, never seen? Join us for a special program that will help you turn your painstaking research into something beautiful, shareable, and built to last.

What You’ll Learn

Nona will walk us through two methods for designing a Family Tree Chart that can be duplicated and shared with generations to come:

🖥️ The Digital Tree Perfect for those who love working on the computer. Learn how to design a tree you can save, edit, and pass along in a digital file — no smudges, no do-overs.

✍️ The Hand-Written Tree Add a personal, heirloom touch. Discover how a tree crafted in your own handwriting can turn a research project into a genuine family keepsake.

Follow along as we explore both approaches to transforming your documented family lines into something truly special. Your family will be thrilled to receive a copy!

All genealogy experience levels welcome — whether you’re just starting your first pedigree chart or you’ve been researching for decades.

🎁 Bonus Content

As an added bonus, we’ll explore how to use a pedigree chart as a research tool — a simple but powerful way to organize your search and spot the gaps in your records.

Every attendee will receive a free 15-generation pedigree chart to use in their own research!

We’ll wrap up with open discussion and Q&A, so bring your questions (and your favorite family tree tangles).

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The recording of Diane Richard’s program, Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Valuable to All Southern Research, is now available until 6 September 2026 under Member Resources! Join COGS to access this excellent program recording.

Upcoming Programs