Research Your Genealogy with the Galt Museum & Archives
With so many online platforms popping up around family history and DNA research, it’s clear that interest in the field of genealogy is increasing. And in part due to the pandemic, the online accessibility of other genealogical materials has increased dramatically as well.
The ease with which we can collect census data, surf through online databases of newspaper records (including the Lethbridge Herald) or find our great-grandparents’ marriage certificates is affirming to genealogists as it shows great longevity for the field of family history research.
Despite all of these great online resources, to get a full picture of your family history you will eventually need to step foot into an archive to view important documents and photos in person. This can be a daunting idea if you have never visited an archive or don’t know how to access one. But it’s actually quite easy!
Archivist Andrew Chernevych shows a visitor how to use the Galt collections database.
Archival staff are ready to help and no one is more familiar with the ins and outs of historical research. They can provide recommendations from their collections, show how to use the resources they offer and provide suggestions to help genealogy researchers further their investigation. In Lethbridge, resources to explore local or family history are available in various forms through the Family History Centre, the Lethbridge & District Branch of the Alberta Genealogy Society, the Lethbridge Historical Society, the Lethbridge Public Library and of course the Galt Museum & Archives.
The Galt Archives has numerous documents and objects in its care related to genealogy which can aid you with your family history research. The museum also hosts frequent discussions and presentations on genealogy and other archives-related topics. In addition, you can find how-to videos on the Galt’s YouTube channel on genealogy practices, including how to label photographs and use our online database.
The archives staff at the Galt are happy to help you get started researching your family. Start your research journey, book an archives visit or order print or digital files at galtmuseum.com/research. We look forward to helping you unfold the story of your family!