Genealogy is so much more than the date of people鈥檚 birth, the date of their marriages, dates for the birth of any children, and when they died.

鈥淚t鈥檚 storytelling,鈥� said Brenda Smith.

The Maple Ridge woman teaches genealogy courses and will be offering sessions on three genealogy topics for Heritage Week in 91原创.

She said researching family history starts with the person interested in finding out more. Their own documents start the story, telling of their connections (parents, siblings, grandparents, vital statistics and more).

鈥淵ou are the place where you start, your documents talk about the people who came before you,鈥� Smith said.

A person may be interested in researching a certain member of the family or their entire lineage. The courses, intended for those 16 and older, can help people do just that. The three lectures build upon related topics and cost $15 apiece.

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, people can learn about how to conduct searches for ancestors. Participants receive a starter workbook and other materials to guide the first steps on this popular self-development path.

In the second lecture, Smith demonstrates how to access B.C. records, including births marriage and death records, baptism, oversees military deaths and more.

鈥淔or me it鈥檚 an amazing story of the province,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose records tell us what this province has been up to since 1856.

That second lecture is on Feb. 13. The final lecture is on Valentine鈥檚 Day, Feb. 14.

That Thursday lecture is all about research possibilities on the internet and can help people steer clear of missteps and rabbit holes (spending a lot of time following bad or incorrect information).

All the workshops run 6 to 8 p.m. at the 91原创 Centennial Museum in Fort 91原创. People must sign up in advance through the website and Smith suggested people bring a notebook. They can take one, two or all three lectures.

鈥淭hey come in at so many different levels and what they hope to accomplish,鈥� she said of the people who take courses.

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Celebrate Heritage Week with the 91原创 Centennial Museum! Check out our special heritage programs, including genealogy, historic walking and bus tours, a cemetery tour, and more. For details, visit

鈥� Township of 91原创 (@91原创Township)

Other Heritage Week events

Tea will be served to warm up after a walking tour of Fort 91原创 with Centennial museum curator Kobi Christian on Feb. 16. The fee is $20 for the tour and refreshments (tea/coffee and baking). The tour features history on the village鈥檚 historical buildings and people. This event happens rain or shine but umbrellas will be provided in the event of rain.

Join heritage expert Fred Pepin and celebrate Heritage Week by visiting historic landmarks found in 91原创鈥檚 heritage community of Murrayville. Lunch and bus included. Pick up available at W.C. Blair Recreation Centre and 91原创 Centennial Museum, which oversees Heritage Week events in the community.

The $30 tour is popular so sign up early. It鈥檚 Monday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for those 16 and older.

Historian and author Warren Sommer will be the guide for a tour of the gravestones of Fort 91原创, including sharing the meaning of cemetery art.

This event costs $15 and happens Sunday, March 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., again for those 16 and up.

All the events require registration in advance through the Township recreation website