Grow Your Creativity and Family Tree at the Simsbury Free Library

The Simsbury Free Library is offering two tree-mendously exciting workshops in November to get your creative juices flowing and jumpstart your holiday gift giving. Local artist Kate Tortland is back on November 7th to draw out your inner artist with a stroke-by-stroke demo of a fig tree guaranteed to create a beautiful botanical painting. The first “Paint Night” sold out, so grab your friends and register now to enjoy a great evening of painting, treats and conversation.

Then start cultivating your family tree on November 10th with experienced Genealogist Alison Watson Maston at the “Drop in Genealogy” event. The popularity of at-home DNA testing kits has made many people curious to learn more about their actual relatives. The Simsbury Free Library is a treasure trove of genealogical research. The library’s experienced staff is eager and ready to help you dig deeper into your family history and document your family’s roots to create a personalized holiday gift.

“Whether you want to make a meaningful handmade holiday present from someone else or learn a new skill, these two experts will guide you every step of the way,” said Tara Willerup, Vice Chairman of Simsbury Free Library’s Board of Trustees.

Paint Night with Kate Tortland
Wednesday, November 7 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Learn how to use acrylics to paint a botanical piece, featuring the very trendy and beautiful fiddle leaf fig tree. Mix colors, discuss pattern, composition, and color theory, and take home a minimalist, modern piece. The cost of this program is $25 per person. Seating is limited to 20 people. Reservations required by Tuesday, October 30. BYOB.

Drop In Genealogy
Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
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. She has over 40 years of experience and specializes in researching vital records, land records, immigration, naturalization and probate records. She has particular expertise in New England, New York City and Ireland. Free to members; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email simsburyfreelibrary@gmail.com.

About the 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.