History 21 The Podcast - 3.16 Genealogist Jane LaMusga
On Friday afternoons at the Anoka County History Center, Jane LaMusga takes her place, ready to research family genealogies or the museum mystery of the day. Jane grew up in the city of Anoka and received a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University. In this episode, and across social media as “Genealogist Jane”, she shares how she started her genealogy journey, and her tips and tricks along the way.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.
Meet Jane LaMusga
Where do you hail from?
I moved to Anoka in 1963, just in time to enter 7th grade in what now is the Sandburg building. I graduated in 1969 from the High School on 5th; graduation was held at Goodrich Field.
What do you do at ACHS?
Mainly answer questions! I answer the phone, help with email inquiries, and dabble in some genealogy research for patrons.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve come across while volunteering?
I love to chat with people, and I have been surprised by how many people I have Anoka connections with that pop through the door— patrons and other volunteers.
What do you love?
History and how it ties into individual family stories. I hold a certificate in Genealogical Research, and this is a perfect fit for my passion.
Boston University
Certificate Course
Get the Skills, Tools, and Methodology to Make the Most of Facts and Doubt
The Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research is a 15-week online, non-credit course taught by exceptional Boston University instructors, world-renowned for their expertise and contributions to the field. The team includes Certified Genealogists and practicing professionals with various areas of expertise. Each faculty member teaches a different topic, exposing students to the entire team.
The Genealogical Research Certificate program leads to a certificate from Boston University and is excellent preparation for those seeking certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists®.
The rigorous online program affords students the opportunity to:
Hone genealogical skills for personal or professional development
Work with the source material to reach sound genealogical conclusions
Gain skills to find and evaluate information found online
Anoka County Library Minute
Further Reading:
Regardless of your relationship to the subject (pun intended) - whether you are the designated family historian looking for practical resources to help you or just someone fascinated by genealogical stories, the library has genealogy resources for you. There are several different handbooks or manuals on how to conduct genealogical research. Still, beyond the practical guides, there are stories of long-lost relatives, buried family secrets, and proud family legacies. Recent advancements in at-home DNA testing have sparked new interest in the field, resulting in the publication of books highlighting the trend. Here are just a few options for further reading.
Inheritance: a memoir of genealogy, paternity, and love by Dani Shapiro (921 SHA)
Seeing Ghosts: a memoir by Kat Chow (921 CHO)
Spirit Car: journey to a Dakota past by Diane Wilson (978.004975243 WIL)
The Lost Family: how DNA testing is upending who we are by Libby Copeland (929.1072 COP)
It’s All Relative: adventures up and down the world’s family tree by A.J. Jacobs (929.1 JAC)
Ancestor Trouble: a reckoning and a reconciliation by Maud Newton (929.2 NEW)
Anoka County Library will hold some genealogy and history programs at various locations throughout the fall. Check out our online calendar for more information and to register.