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MSOG, Inc.
PO Box 215
Ashland, MA 01721-0215 |
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Joint Gathering of the Worcester & Middlesex Chapters: Our Nation's 250th Anniversary (Middlesex & Worcester)
Saturday, September 12
10:00 am to 12:00 pm Community Room, McAuliffe Branch Library Framingham Public Library 746 Water Street, Framingham, MA
As part of our celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, the HANE (Historical Ambassadors of New England) group's historian (Philip Messier) will be in costume as an 18th-century British soldier, discoursing upon the social angle of the American Revolutionary War: how it impacted people day-to-day in New England, both military and civilians.
Historical Ambassadors of New England (HANE) is a community of educators, performers, and public historians that specializes in elevating the public engagement efforts of mission-driven institutions.
Indeed, for a crowd disposed to genealogy and legacy, that human experience is often a footnote compared to the major documents and battles. HANE suggests that it’s now more important than ever to consider the colonists in rebellion,
In person and hybrid. 10am for socializing & short business meeting, followed by presentation at 10:30am
Here is the link with which you may access the virtual meeting:
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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Deciphering Old Handwriting (Bristol)
Saturday, September 19
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented Virtually by David Allen Lambert
While we might wish all our ancestors’ records were typed in a standard format and perfectly legible, that simply isn’t the case. Many of the records family historians turn to are handwritten and may be faded, use archaic terminology, unfamiliar abbreviations, or are just plain illegible. This online lecture will provide practical strategies for approaching handwritten documents, understanding and deciphering hard-to-read handwriting from different time periods, so that you can make the most of these important resources in your family history research.
David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist has been on the staff of American Ancestors/NEHGS since 1993 and is an internationally recognized speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. He has authored many articles in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the New Hampshire Genealogical Record, Rhode Island Roots, Mayflower Descendant, and American Ancestors magazine; and is the author of eleven books including A Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries and Vital Records of Stoughton, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1850. David is an elected Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, Mass., and a life member of the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati and the General Society of the War of 1812. David also serves as the tribal genealogist for the Massachusett Tribe at Punkapoag in Massachusetts. His areas of expertise include New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American genealogical research in New England.
"This program has applied for support from the Somerset Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency."
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolSep2026 |
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Performance by Rita Parisi: Women of '76 (Merrimack Valley)
Saturday, September 26
10:00 am Georgetown Peabody Library - in person only
Merrimack Valley Chapter proudly presents a one-woman performance by Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions ( www.waterfallproductions.com) entitled Women of '76:
Experience the untold stories of courage and conviction from FIVE remarkable WOMEN who witnessed and shaped the American Revolution!
Join the Merrimack Valley Chapter at the Georgetown Peabody Library as we celebrate America 250 for this in-person only performance. This meeting kicks off the genealogy season and marks the second year that Merrimack Valley Chapter is participating in the Essex County Trails & Sails ( www.trailsandsails.org) event.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC |
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What to keep to pass on to the next generation (Genealogy Discussion Group)
Wednesday, September 30
7:00 pm Virtual via Zoom Only
Join us for a relaxed group discussion where everyone is welcome and all voices are important. You are encouraged to ask questions, share your knowledge, and exchange personal experiences and opinions. Instead of conducting research, we'll suggest other resources and ways to find the answers you're looking for. You'll leave with new insights, helpful resources, and connections with others who share your interests.
This event is facilitated by MSOG, Inc.; however, any views or opinions shared are independent and do not necessarily reflect the stance of MSOG, Inc.
This will not be recorded. However, generic questions and resources may be shared on the MSOG website and Past Times Newsletter.
This will be FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America by Karin Wulf (Book Club)
Tuesday, October 6
7:00 pm Virtual
In eighteenth-century America, genealogy was more than a simple record of family ties--it was a powerful force that shaped society. Lineage delves into an era where individuals, families, and institutions meticulously documented their connections. Whether driven by personal passion or mandated by churches, local governments, and courts, these records appeared in diverse forms-from handwritten notes and account books to intricate silk threads and enduring stone carvings.
Family connections wielded significant influence across governmental, legal, religious, cultural, and social spheres. In the American context, these ties also defined the boundaries of slavery and freedom, with a child's status often determined by their mother, despite the prevailing patriarchy. This book reveals the profound importance of genealogy that was chronicled by family records, cultural artifacts, and court documents. These materials, created by both enslaved individuals seeking freedom and founding fathers seeking status, demonstrate the culturally and historically specific nature of genealogical interest.
Even as the American Revolution transformed society, the significance of genealogy endured. The legacy of lineage from the colonial period continued to shape the early United States, underscoring the enduring importance of family connections. Lineage offers a deep understanding of genealogy as a foundational element of American history, illuminating its vital role from the colonial era through the birth of the nation. (Amazon Review)
Go to "Event Registration" to register for the book club.
Upcoming Book Club Readings:
November 3, 2026 - American Passage: The History of Ellis Island by Vincent J. Cannato
December 1, 2026 - March by Geraldine Brooks
January 5, 2027 - TBA
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Workshop on Deciphering Old Handwriting (Bristol)
Saturday, October 17
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person
Presented In-Person by Sindi Broussard Terrien
Our Bristol Chapter Vice-President, Sindi Terrien, will conduct a workshop on how to decipher old handwriting using the strategies described by David Allen Lambert in September. Only the Business Meeting will be held virtually.
Sindi Broussard Terrien is a research genealogist, specializing in Acadian and Cajun women. Her blog My Many Mothers features biographies of her many great-grandmothers. She recently published Genealogy Fun While Developing New Genealogists and Fun with Genealogy Activity Book 1 which can be purchased on Amazon.com. She has written nine articles for the American-French Genealogical Society’s publication Je Me Souviens Magazine where she is an associate editor. Sindi Broussard Terrien received a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University. Her passion for genealogy spans over twenty years.
Sindi also hosts Finding A Publisher, another emerging website, to help genealogy writers connect with publications.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolOct2026 |
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American Passage: The History of Ellis Island by Vincent J. Cannato (Book Club)
Tuesday, November 3
7:00 pm Virtual
For most of New York's early history, Ellis Island had been an obscure little island that barely held itself above high tide. Today the small island stands alongside Plymouth Rock in our nation's founding mythology as the place where many of our ancestors first touched American soil.
American Passage captures a time and a place unparalleled in American immigration and history, and articulates the dramatic and bittersweet accounts of the immigrants, officials, interpreters, and social reformers who all played an important role in Ellis Island's chronicle. In this sweeping, often heart-wrenching epic, Vincent J. Cannato reveals that the history of Ellis Island is ultimately the story of what it means to be an American. (Amazon Review)
Go to "Event Registration" to register for the book club.
Upcoming Book Club Readings:
December 1, 2026 - March by Geraldine Brooks
January 5, 2027 - TBA
February 2, 2027 - TBA |
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Annual Meeting 2026 (Annual Meeting)
Saturday, November 7
9:00 am to 4:00 pm John Boyle O'Reilly Hall, 17 Willow St, Westborough, MA
We look forward to our next Annual Meeting, with informative speakers, great food, and the chance to connect with other genealogists.
Times and details to be confirmed as the date approaches.
We hope to see you there.
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More Than Revolutionary Ancestors: Exploring the DAR’s Genealogical Research System (Merrimack Valley)
Saturday, November 21
10:00 am Georgetown Peabody Library - hybrid - in-person and online
Explore the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Genealogical Research System (GRS) and discover how its many databases and resources can enhance your genealogy research. This guided tour will cover the major parts of the GRS, including the Ancestor and Descendants Searches, Genealogical Records Committee resources, and the new 250 for the 250th
databases, released in 2026. Learn how to search effectively and uncover valuable clues in this often-overlooked research
resource.
Bonnie Croteau is a genealogist with over thirty years of research experience, with specialties in Massachusetts and
Revolutionary War Patriot research. She serves as a Chapter Registrar for the Daughters of the American Revolution and
Merrimack Valley Chapter Treasurer for the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. Additional information on genealogy research, recent projects, and family history can be found on her website, www.beyondthetreegenealogy.com.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. |
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Researching Black Patriots and Loyalists During the Revolutionary Era (Bristol)
Saturday, November 21
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented Virtually by Danielle Rose, 10 Million Names Volunteer Manager
The American War of Independence was not only a fight for freedom from a tyrannical world superpower. For the thousands of Black soldiers who fought for the patriot cause, and even more—tens of thousands—for the Loyalists, emancipation was on the line. In this lecture, 10 Million Names Volunteer Manager Danielle Rose will provide a brief history of Black soldiers during the Revolutionary War and their motivations for joining either side; and discuss several resources, records, and strategies for piecing together the service and stories of individuals.
Danielle Rose oversees the many dedicated volunteers who assist with creating database content for the 10 Million Names Project. She also collaborates with partner organizations and independent researchers who share content with the project. Danielle frequently participates in American Ancestors educational programs by providing lectures on African American genealogy. Prior to joining American Ancestors, Danielle worked with the National Parks of Boston where she researched the service and lives of Black Patriots in the Revolutionary War. She also worked as a museum educator in Miami, Florida before relocating to Boston. Danielle holds a B.A. in History from the University of Florida and M.A. in Public History from Northeastern University.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolNov2026 |
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March by Geraldine Brooks (Book Club)
Tuesday, December 1
7:00 pm Virtual
From Louisa May Alcott's beloved classic Little Women, Geraldine Brooks has animated the character of the absent father, March, and crafted a story "filled with the ache of love and marriage and with the power of war upon the mind and heart of one unforgettable man" (Sue Monk Kidd). With "pitch-perfect writing" (USA Today), Brooks follows March as he leaves behind his family to aid the Union cause in the Civil War. His experiences will utterly change his marriage and challenge his most ardently held beliefs. A lushly written, wholly original tale steeped in the details of another time, March secures Geraldine Brooks's place as a renowned author of historical fiction. (Amazon Review)
Go to "Event Registration" to register for the book club.
Upcoming Book Club Readings:
January 5, 2027 - TBA
February 2, 2027 - TBA
March 2, 2027 - TBA
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Research Process at AncestryProGenealogists (Bristol)
Saturday, December 19
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented In-Person by Evan Wilson, Ancestry.com Professional Researcher
This presentation will offer an inside look at the research process used by AncestryProGenealogists, including why someone might choose to hire a professional researcher, how requests are assigned, and what preparation can help make a project successful. Attendees will learn about the experience professional genealogists bring to client work, the specialized resources and tools they use, and practical tips for beginner and average Ancestry.com users. The session will also highlight commonly used and often-overlooked tools and resources, along with favorite research discoveries that demonstrate the value of professional genealogical research.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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Land Records of Massachusetts (Part 1) (Bristol)
Saturday, January 16, 2027
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented Virtually by Richard P. Howe, Jr.
Richard frequently writes and lectures about Massachusetts real estate law and how property records are best used by historians and genealogists.
Richard P. Howe Jr. served as the Register of Deeds of the Northern District of Middlesex County in Massachusetts for 30 years. Prior to that he practiced law in his hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School and Providence College, and a U.S. Army veteran, Richard frequently writes and lectures about Massachusetts real estate law and how property records are best used by historians and genealogists.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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Researching the History of Your House (Merrimack Valley)
Saturday, January 23, 2027
10:00 am Georgetown Peabody Library - hybrid - in-person and online
Learn how to uncover the past of any home—whether it’s 20 years old or 200. House historian Marian Pierre-Louis will introduce where to find the deeds to your house, how to chain a deed, and locate other sources of information such as the US Federal Census records, maps and tax records. And you’ll learn how to find the stories that bring the history of your house alive. Come learn 10 steps to get you started on your house history research. This talk is appropriate for both beginners and those who have research experience.
Marian Pierre-Louis is an educator who specializes in house history research, southern New England genealogy and historic cemetery research. Marian has been researching house histories for over 25 years. She has researched hundreds of houses across Massachusetts and New England. She contributed a chapter to The Stories Houses Tell – A Collection of Little Compton [RI] House Histories (2015) and again in a new volume (2022) A Second Collection of Little Compton House Histories. She also wrote the “Old House Secrets” series in the Medway & Millis Local Town Pages. For two years Marian was a volunteer docent at the Fairbanks House, the oldest timber-frame house in the United States. Her website, the Northeast House Historian ( https://northeasthousehistorian.com/) is a resource for everyone who wants to research the history of their home. Marian is also the Online Education Producer for Legacy Family Tree Webinars where she produces online genealogy education classes. You’ll find her online each week hosting live broadcasts at Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
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11th Annual Ancestors Day (Bristol)
Saturday, February 20, 2027
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented by Bristol Chapter Members
Every year, several members from the “Bristol Chapter” volunteer to share interesting stories and research anecdotes about their family. Members will enlighten attendees with their triumphs, journeys, family stories and roadblocks in their quest to find their ancestors.
In an entertaining way, you will learn fascinating facts about our members and their families. Not all the research will result in a happy ending but nevertheless everyone will leave enlightened and energized to solve a family lore. Regardless of what you learn, the day will prove to be fun and educational.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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Workshop on Finding Land Records in Massachusetts (Part 2) (Bristol)
Saturday, March 20, 2027
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person
Presented In-Person by Richard P. Howe, Jr.
Leveraging his presentation in January, Richard Howe will demonstrate the steps taken to find land records in Massachusetts.
Richard P. Howe Jr. served as the Register of Deeds of the Northern District of Middlesex County in Massachusetts for 30 years. Prior to that he practiced law in his hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School and Providence College, and a U.S. Army veteran, Richard frequently writes and lectures about Massachusetts real estate law and how property records are best used by historians and genealogists.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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New England Regional Genealogical Consortium (NERGC) (Bristol)
Saturday, April 17, 2027
11:00 am to 12:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
New England Regional Genealogical Consortium will be held in Portland, Maine. While there will be a Business Meeting, a presentation and speaker will not be scheduled.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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Scan Day (Bristol)
Saturday, May 15, 2027
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person
Hosted by the Somerset Public Library and the Bristol Chapter
In conjunction with the Somerset Public Library, the Bristol Chapter will be hosting a Scan Day. Members and the public will be able to bring photos and documents to the library for scanning. Details of the event will be forthcoming. Only the Business Meeting will be held virtually.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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Bristol Chapter Annual Meeting (Bristol)
Saturday, June 19, 2027
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Location: TBD
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at TBA |
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