'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby business

Turnback Tuesday looks at the local business of Elias B Nager, (Naggar), (Najjar).

Elias started out as a peddler in Derby in 1901. By 1910, he had a storefront for Dry Goods located at 10 Water St. He then moved his location in 1911 to 60 Water/Factory St. He remained at this location until his death in 1939.

We would like to remind those of you doing research about your family that it does take time and patience. One reason we say this is just look at the (3) different spellings of Elias’s last name: the name "Nager" was stated in the Derby City Directories.

The name "Naggar" was listed above the awning of the store. And the name "Najjar" is how it is spelled on his grave marker.

Also a friendly reminder that Derby Public Library has a great collection of resources to help with your research.

We have City Directories going back to 1872, a collection of all the Derby High School "Lookout" yearbooks plus local newspapers on microfilm dating back to 1855.

And our staff can help you find just what or who you are looking for.

Thanks as always goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host genealogy program Saturday

Genealogy Program: Researching our Roots - Digging Deeper

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton
Date: Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Register online https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2661&BranchID=826&Branch=Plumb%20Memorial%20Library&EventID=541165&PK=
or call 203-924-1580.

Genealogical research is both rewarding and challenging. Have you hit a roadblock in your ancestral research? 

Are you not sure how to find more generations of your family? Join instructor Sarah Miller as she shares tips and tools to help you dig deeper into your family’s past. 

Sarah will present a case study of how she solved a difficult family mystery, and will introduce international research. She will also discuss strategies to feel confident in sourcing your research. 

Please bring any family documents and information you have, as well as a tablet or laptop, for guided research time.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Seymour Historical Society to host author's talk on genealogy research

SEYMOUR - An award-winning author will offer tips on how to research your family’s history at 2 p.m. May 22 at the Seymour Historical Society, 59 West St.

The program will be hosted by Jill Marie Snyder, a retired corporate executive who turned her own genealogy research into an award-winning book about her parents, “Dear Mary, Dear Luther: A Courtship in Letters.”
Snyder now conducts family history workshops, and her book has been featured in newspapers and on Connecticut public radio stations.
She’ll talk about her own research, offer advice on genealogy research sources, and suggest the best ways to share everything that you ultimately learn about your family.

The program is free and open to the public.
Doors open at 1 p.m. for those wishing to reserve good seats. 
Masks are recommended, but not required.

For more information: email president@seymourhistoricalsociety.org or message us on Facebook.

This is shared from the Society's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to present virtual program on ancestral research

DERBY - Derby Public Library invites residents to join instructor Sarah Miller via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Monday as she presents strategies for getting started with ancestral research using online sources. 

We’ll focus on the types of American records available and how to locate them. Please collect family documents and information as Miller will be happy to answer your questions.

This class is designed for those just beginning their ancestral research.

Registration is required for this program and will be conducted through Zoom. To download Zoom, visit your app store or download from Zoom.us to register for a free account. 

Note: Prior to the event, you will receive a reminder email with the Zoom meeting details and link.
Miller has been researching her family history for nearly 20 years. She combines her experience as an elementary school teacher with her passion for genealogy to give new researchers the tools to build their own family trees. 

Miller works as a Literacy Tutor for Seymour Public Schools. She lives in Seymour with her husband and daughter and their five cats.


This is shared from the Derby Public Library website.

Recuperation journey: Learning about ancestors

Heredity, genealogy, genetics.

I'm intrigued by the DNA test kits available to help us to better understand ourselves and those who came before us.

A first cousin of mine recently got involved, and I'm curious to find out his results.

Have you taken advantage of this technology? If so I'd love to hear about your experience. Please leave me a comment!