Fall in Love with History at Simsbury Free Library's Feb. Events

The Simsbury Free Library offers historical and musical events to keep you active and warm your heart throughout the chilly winter months. The February calendar features events for the whole family to enjoy.

The popular Drop in Genealogy and the monthly Drop In Book Club return to the event calendar. Genealogist Alison Watson Maston will use her 40+ years of experience as a genealogist to help you locate family history and records at the Simsbury Free Library. The monthly book discussion, taking place on February 12th, will feature O Pioneers by Willa Carter.

To conclude the month of February, the Simsbury Free Library will welcome gospel singer Helen Walton in a dazzling performance that will include singing and playing of percussion instruments passed down to her from her grandmother, while also serving to instruct guests about the history and elements of gospel music.

Fantastic February events include:

Saturday, February 9th and 23rd: Drop In Genealogy (10:00a – 2:00p)
· Researching your family tree and don't know where else to look to find missing ancestors? Bring any information you have and let genealogist Alison Watson Maston help. Alison has over 40 years of experience. She specializes in researching vital records, land records, immigration and naturalization records as well as probate records. She has particular expertise in New England, New York City and Ireland. Free for members; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

Tuesday, February 12th: Drop In Book Club: O Pioneers by Willa Carter – (11:15a)
New members in search of great book discussions and even better company are always welcome at the SFL’s Drop In Book Club. Readers are welcome any time they are interested in the SFL’s monthly book. This month’s book, O Pioneers by Willa Carter, tells the story of a Swedish-American immigrant family and their struggle to maintain their family farmland near the fictional town of Hanover, Nebraska at the turn of the 20th century. Past book discussions have included The Boys in the Boat, The Gentleman of Moscow and The Noise of Time. Free. For more information, call 860-408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

Thursday, February 28th: Gospel Comes to Simsbury: Helen Walton (6:30p)
· Join us for the musical talents of Helen Walton as she shares the history and intrinsic elements of gospel music while she sings and plays percussion instruments handed down from her grandmother. Free to members and students; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

About Simsbury Free Library
The Simsbury Free Library (the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library), located at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, promotes interest in genealogy and history by providing access to research material and expertise, artifacts, and educational and cultural programs, to help visitors develop the skills required to create family trees, search local histories, look up census records, explore vital records, etc.

The Simsbury Free Library – the Gracious Yellow Lady – is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. as well as by appointment. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.simsburyfreelibrary.org or call (860) 408-1336.

PHOTO: The Simsbury Free Library’s unique programs and events appeal to and attract attendees from all over the state. The organization’s popular Drop In Genealogy program, in which attendees can research their family tree and find missing ancestors, runs on Saturday, February 9th and Saturday, February 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.