Simsbury Free Library Rings in New Year by Turning Back the Clock

The Simsbury Free Library is ringing in 2019 with exhilarating explorations of the past. Informative and creative programs will expand your knowledge of both local history and personal ancestry to kick off the New Year. Make it a family resolution to investigate your ancestry and discover connections both near and far with genealogist Alison Watson Maston. The Simsbury Free Library offers both expertise and resources to help uncover your family’s personal history.

Complete the month of historical discovery with an informative and eye-opening History Talk about King Philip’s War. CT history expert Tom Ratliff will bring to life one of the most significant events in Simsbury history, described by a historian as the “single greatest calamity” in Puritan New England.

The exciting January events at the Simsbury Free Library include:

Saturday, January 12th: Drop In Genealogy 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. 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, January 15th: Drop In Book Club: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway at 11:15 a.m.

• 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. The topic of this month’s discussion is one of Hemingway’s greatest works that helped cement him as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth 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.

Saturday, January 26th: Genealogy Class: Exploring Your Roots: Getting to Know Your Family at 11:00 a.m.

• Unlock the secrets of your family’s past with a class that will teach you basic research skills and methodologies for genealogy. You will learn how to start if you are a beginner or where to go for your next steps if you already have knowledge of the subject. We will review different sources of information and what each source can reveal. Our genealogist, Alison Watson Maston will help you get started on a fun and rewarding journey. Free to members; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

Thursday, January 31st: History Talk with Tom Ratliff: King Philip’s War at 3:00 p.m.

• Learn about one of the most calamitous and significant events in Simsbury’s history with Tom Ratliff, an expert on Connecticut History and History professor at CCSU for over 20 years. He will discuss King Philip’s War, also known as the First Indian War, the three year war that pitted the English settlers against the five major Indian tribes in the region. Free or members, teachers and students. $5 for non-members. Reservations can be made by calling (860) 408-1336 or by emailing 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: Tom Ratliff, an expert on Connecticut History and History professor at CCSU for over 20 years, will discuss King Philip's War on Jan. 31 at the Simsbury Free Library.