Write your family story: Bureau County Genealogical Society hosts virtual program

Public invited to attend Zoom presentation

The Bureau County Genealogical Society will host a virtual presentation about writing family stories 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27. The public is invited to this free presentation through Zoom.

Send an email to bureaucounty@gmail.com by Jan. 27 to obtain the link to view.

“Getting It Down: Writing Family Stories” will be presented by Claire Gebben.

“Have you ever wanted to record the family stories, but don’t know where to start?” Gebben said. “Have you written down some of your family history, but aren’t sure how to organize it so others can enjoy it too? Have your grandchildren asked you to write down what you remember about your past?”

This presentation will guide you step by step through the process of getting those stories written down for posterity.

Gebben is a public speaker on writing about family history and 19th century history. Many of her articles have appeared in genealogical publications. Her memoir “How We Survive Here” (2018), recounting her quest to trace and write about her ancestors, was honored as a finalist in the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Her presentation will include a handout.

The Bureau County Genealogical Society is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and the first Saturday of each month. They can be reached at 815-879-3133.