Washington Library Family History

Courtney Hudson, a history interpreter at Mount Vernon's Washington Library, discusses genealogy with librarian Samantha Snyder. They explore George Washington's interest in family history and provide guidance on starting family research. The library offers resources like census records and oral histories, especially for descendants of the enslaved community. The video concludes with a recap and encourages viewers to explore more about genealogy and Mount Vernon.

Who is Courtney Hudson?

• A researcher at the Washington Library

• A descendant of George Washington

• A history interpreter at Mount Vernon

• A librarian at the Washington Library

What is one of the roles of Samantha Snyder at the Washington Library?

• Conducting tours of Mount Vernon

• Teaching history classes

• Helping families research their genealogy

• Writing historical novels

How did George and Martha Washington document their family history?

• By creating a family tree

• By writing letters to their descendants

• By keeping a diary

• By taking notes in their family bibles

What is the first step recommended for starting family history research?

• Talking to family members

• Visiting a library

• Searching online databases

• Reading history books

What type of histories does one department at the Washington Library collect?

• Oral histories of American presidents

• Oral histories of the Washington family

• Oral histories of Mount Vernon's employees

• Oral histories of descendants of the formerly enslaved community

What is a census?

• A list of all family trees

• A document registering every person's name in the U.S.

• A record of all books in a library

• A document listing all historical events

When was the first U.S. census conducted?

• 1800

• 1820

• 1790

• 1776

How can libraries assist in learning about ancestors who immigrated?

• By providing access to historical records and newspapers

• By organizing family reunions

• By offering language classes

• By providing travel guides

What can you learn from the census about your ancestors?

• The city they lived in

• Their personal diaries

• Their exact birth dates

• Their favorite books

What resources does Mount Vernon's library offer for historical research?

• Books and archival materials

• Only books

• Only oral histories

• Only online databases