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Branching Out: Genealogical Research at the History Center!

Join archivist Katie Marra for a virtual tour of genealogical resources at the Orange County Regional History Center and discover collections that can bring Central Florida family stories to life.

Katie Marra is the archivist for the Orange County Regional History Center and has more than 15 years of professional experience working in museums, archives, and consulting projects. She earned a B.A. in History from the University of Florida, with a concentration in American history, and an M.A. in History from Florida State University, with a concentration in archives management.

The Orange County Library System (OCLS) provides general genealogy instruction and assistance to customers researching their family histories. Genealogy research often involves historical records that may contain outdated, offensive, or discriminatory language. Original terminology found in historical documents and other source materials may be referenced when necessary for accuracy, context, and understanding and does not reflect the views or endorsements of OCLS. Information provided by OCLS is for informational purposes only and should be verified using original records and other reliable sources.

 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History - Culture - Genealogy |

TAGS: | westoaks | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

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Hours
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Mon, Nov 02 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Nov 03 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Nov 04 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Nov 05 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Nov 06 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Nov 07 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Nov 08 1:00PM to 6:00PM
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Upcoming events

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Speaking Clearly Advanced
Mon, Nov 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills. Intended for advanced English language learners.  Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Knit Along Gifting Series: The Ranunculus Sweater (8-Part) - Intermediate
Mon, Nov 02, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Knit along with us! Knit Midori Hirose's versatile and popular Ranunculus Sweater pattern. The top-down yoke sweater is a perfect gift. Make one to give and one to keep.
Registration is now closed
Virtual Event: Preschool Tales - Presented by OCLS’ Professional Storytelling Troupe
Mon, Nov 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Virtual Room - Youth Services 1
Through picture books, songs, and stories, preschoolers (ages 3–5) build early literacy skills and prepare for reading and writing by talking, singing, reading, and playing.
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Let's Learn Letters and Numbers
Mon, Nov 02, 11:00am - 11:35am
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Speaking Clearly Beginners
Mon, Nov 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
A pronunciation class for beginners. The class is designed to introduce learners to the basics of the sounds of English for pronunciation. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online: Understanding AI: What Everyone Should Know
Mon, Nov 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
In this beginner-friendly session, explore what artificial intelligence really is, what it isn’t, how it works, how it is used across different fields, and its effects in everyday life.
Knitting - Level 1 - Beginner Level
Mon, Nov 02, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Start knitting today! Learn basic techniques while creating your first project, a bookmark for your favorite read. Techniques include casting on, the knit stitch and binding off.
Online: Unreal Engine - Create a Third-Person Game - 10 Parts Class Series
Mon, Nov 02, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join us and create a third-person game while learning the UE5 editor interface, Blueprint basics, third-person character setup, Enhanced Input System, character animation basics, and UI programming.
Online Class: Coding Concepts Level 1 - Visual Studio Code Editor
Mon, Nov 02, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Begin your journey into the world of coding. Learn to use the Visual Studio Code editor to write coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript or even Python.
Bilingual Conversations with Ms. Brenda
Mon, Nov 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
Bilingual (Spanish / English) Conversational Interactions with Ms. Brenda
Online: Creative Resources for Self-Starters - Build your Creative Skills
Mon, Nov 02, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about the Library and Melrose resources offered to those with creative needs, focusing on graphic design, web design, video editing, and more. Get personalized class recommendations.
Basic English 1
Mon, Nov 02, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class is designed for students with a beginner level knowledge of English. Practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Pajama Party
Mon, Nov 02, 7:00pm - 7:35pm
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Building Your Author Brand
Mon, Nov 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Build an author brand that lasts through market changes. Literary agent Anjanette Barr shows you how to define your voice, connect with readers, and grow your career organically.
Online: Intro to Adobe InDesign
Tue, Nov 03, 10:00am - 10:30am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn what this publishing and layout application is capable of.
Spanish from Zero - Intermediate with Brenda
Tue, Nov 03, 10:15am - 11:15am
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish B1) Come and learn Spanish grammar with Ms. Brenda.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel - Automate Tasks
Tue, Nov 03, 10:15am - 11:15am
Virtual Room - Southwest
Automate everyday tasks with macros. Record data entry and formatting. Insert and modify objects to run macros without coding.
Virtual Event: Sing-Along Tales - Presented by OCLS' Professional Storytelling Troupe
Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Virtual Room - Youth Services 1
Music and songs especially designed for children and babies of all ages.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Intermediate
Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us for a virtual meeting using ZOOM where we will focus on grammar for complex ideas, including sentence structures, paragraph, and essay writing. Recommended for those 18 years and older. 
Cancelled
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Create Spreadsheets
Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Start using Excel today. Input, format and save data in spreadsheets. Calculate data with basic formulas. Save your data and learn how to share workbooks with collaborators.
Online: Streaming Live Video with OBS
Tue, Nov 03, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Stream live video on YouTube or Facebook with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). Learn how to capture or record live streaming video & share with your audience or save for later viewing. (Melrose)
Spanish From Zero for Beginners with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Nov 03, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A0) Learn and use Spanish for the first time with Ms. Brenda.
Knitting - Level 2 - Beginner Level
Tue, Nov 03, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Level up your knitting. Learn how to combine knit and purl stitches to create smooth fabric. Techniques include the purl stitch, counting stitches and rows, using stitch markers, and fabric sides.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Tue, Nov 03, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Virtual Room - Citizenship Inspired
During this 4-session program, students will meet to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. 11/3 Session 1; 11/4 Session 2; 11/10 Session 3; 11/11 Session 4.
Online: Audio Studio Orientation
Tue, Nov 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Take the first step towards audio recording. Tour the Audio Studio and explore the training options available. Learn the studio workflow, procedures and best practices.
Online: Unreal Engine - Create a Third-Person Game - 10 Parts Class Series
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join us and create a third-person game while learning the UE5 editor interface, Blueprint basics, third-person character setup, Enhanced Input System, character animation basics, and UI programming.
Spanish from Zero - Basics with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A1-A2) Come and learn basic Spanish with Ms. Brenda.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Alafaya
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Connect with other Central Florida fiber artists while working on your craft. Be sure to bring your work in progress, yarn and tools. All levels are welcome. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Cancelled
Online Class: Cybersecurity Basics - PLA DigitalLearn
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Cybersecurity is all about the safety of our information when we’re online. Build confidence as you visit websites, create passwords, and respond to email.
Online: Adobe After Effects Level 1 - Animation Basics
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Learn the basics of animation in this Adobe After Effects starter class. Explore compositions, layers, keyframes, and motion paths by creating a bouncing ball animation.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Create Spreadsheets
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Start using Excel today. Input, format and save data in spreadsheets. Calculate data with basic formulas. Save your data and learn how to share workbooks with collaborators.
Spanish from Zero - Intermediate with Brenda
Tue, Nov 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish B1) Come and learn Spanish grammar with Ms. Brenda.
Virtual: Basic English 2
Tue, Nov 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
This class is designed for students with a high-beginner to intermediate level of English. Continue to practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online: Edit PDFs with Adobe Acrobat
Tue, Nov 03, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn the fundamentals of Adobe Acrobat, the differences between Pro and DC versions, and their many features.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Secure Spreadsheets
Tue, Nov 03, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Customize and organize worksheets with sheet names, color coding, headers, themes, and more. Protect your worksheets with a password and learn how to print your data.
Spanish From Zero for Beginners with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Nov 03, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A0) Learn and use Spanish for the first time with Ms. Brenda.
Online Class: Crochet Turkey Coaster (2 Parts) - Intermediate
Wed, Nov 04, 10:00am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Use in the round crochet to create a showstopping turkey coaster sure to delight at fall feasts!
Online: Digital Painting 101
Wed, Nov 04, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn the basics of using a digital environment for drawing and painting using a pen tablet.
Cancelled
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Secure Spreadsheets
Wed, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
Customize and organize worksheets with sheet names, color coding, headers, themes, and more. Protect your worksheets with a password and learn how to print your data.
Cancelled
Virtual: Writing Clearly Advanced
Wed, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us on ZOOM to practice academic style writing along with more complex vocabulary. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Cancelled
Coming To America: Exploring Castle Garden & Ellis Island!
Wed, Nov 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Follow your ancestors’ journey through Castle Garden and Ellis Island. Learn how to find passenger records, uncover immigrant stories, and trace the path into America.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Wed, Nov 04, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Virtual Room - Citizenship Inspired
During this 4-session program, students will meet to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. 11/3 Session 1; 11/4 Session 2; 11/10 Session 3; 11/11 Session 4.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Raegan
Wed, Nov 04, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Have a great time mingling with other Central Florida fiber artists while working on your craft. Be sure to bring your work in progress, yarn and tools. All levels are welcome.
Cancelled
From Immigrant to Citizen: The Journey
Wed, Nov 04, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Explore how immigrants became U.S. citizens through naturalization. Learn the steps, key records, and where to find them to trace your ancestor’s journey from arrival to citizenship.
Middle School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Wed, Nov 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Youth Services 1
Earn community service by collaborating with your peers to test out new programs, brainstorm new library services, and more! Recommended for students in grades 6-8.
Online: Intro to Adobe Bridge
Wed, Nov 04, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how this file management app can speed up your workflow.
Online Class: QuickBooks Level 1 - Introduction to QBO Environment
Wed, Nov 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Learn the basic features and explore the environment of QuickBooks Online. Get started in efficiently organizing your business finances.
Cuisine Corner: Fun Fall Meal
Wed, Nov 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Yamira Lee Johnson, head chef and founder of Breaking Bread with Mira will show us how to make a delicious fall meal featuring apples and fall seasonings.
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Nov 05, 9:00am - 10:00am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
A one-on-one session that will permit you to speak to our Genealogist Lisa and work on your family tree. Wherever you are, West Oaks Library will be there for you!
This event is full
Songwriting Workshop (2 Part)
Thu, Nov 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
This two-part class teaches basic song structure, writing melody & lyrics. These classes are taught by Melrose Performing Arts instructors.
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Nov 05, 10:05am - 11:05am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
A one-on-one session that will permit you to speak to our Genealogist Lisa and work on your family tree. Wherever you are, West Oaks Library will be there for you!
Online: Open Lab - Pronunciator - Guided Practice Lab for Spanish Learners
Thu, Nov 05, 10:15am - 11:15am
Online Technology Classroom 2
Ready to Boost Your Spanish Vocabulary? Join us for an interactive Spanish Vocabulary Lab where learning is hands-on, fun, and tailored to your pace!
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns: Owl - Confident Beginner Level
Thu, Nov 05, 10:15am - 11:15am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Learn to stitch using Sashiko hand sewing techniques. This Japanese hand sewing technique uses the simple running stitch to form geometric patterns.
This event is full
Thursday Tree Zoom
Thu, Nov 05, 11:10am - 12:10pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
A one-on-one session that will permit you to speak to our Genealogist Lisa and work on your family tree. Wherever you are, West Oaks Library will be there for you!
This event is full
Songwriting Workshop (2 Part)
Thu, Nov 05, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
This two-part class teaches basic song structure, writing melody & lyrics. These classes are taught by Melrose Performing Arts instructors.
Cancelled
Researching Italian Roots: A Case Study
Thu, Nov 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join our speaker Pam Ricciardi Paschke, as she illustrates how to use online Italian Archives and Family Search in exploring a case study delving into Italian Roots.
Online: Fundamentals of Sound for Audio Engineering
Thu, Nov 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Explore the fundamentals of sound theory. Discuss how the physics of sound affects recordings. Learn key digital audio concepts, including sample rate, bit depth and file types.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Thu, Nov 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us to practice your English speaking skills with us on a virtual English Conversation Hour. Each session will have specific topics for discussion. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
High School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Thu, Nov 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Youth Services 1
Earn community service by collaborating with your peers to test out new programs, brainstorm new library services, and more! Recommended for students in grades 9-12.
This event is full
Virtual: Writing Clearly Beginner
Thu, Nov 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us for a virtual meeting using ZOOM where we will focus on the parts of speech, the organization of sentences, and vocabulary building. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Virtual: Prepare for Your Job Search - Job Seekers Series
Thu, Nov 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
This program provides hands-on worksheets and strategies to help you reflect on your goals, identify your skills, and succeed. Ages 18 & up. Registration required.
Calligraphy Workshop: Uncial Script - With Elinor A. Holland
Thu, Nov 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Join calligrapher Elinor A. Holland for a virtual workshop on uncial style calligraphy – an ancient script with unique letterforms and rich history. Registration required.
Sketching 101
Fri, Nov 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Learn the basics of sketching through use of simple art techniques and observing the world around you. Materials: All you need is a #2 pencil, colored pencils, paper, and paper towel.
Online Class: Embroidery - Time for Pie Hoop - Beginner Level
Fri, Nov 06, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
You can't help but "gobble" this felt applique embroidery design, just in time for fall family fun!
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Fri, Nov 06, 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
Join us to practice your English speaking skills with us on a virtual English Conversation Hour. Each session will have specific topics for discussion. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online Class: Canva Basics
Sat, Nov 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Bring your design ideas to life with Canva, a free graphic design application. Use thousands of templates to gain inspiration and ideas for your next project.
Virtual: Basic English 1
Sat, Nov 07, 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Virtual Room - Washington Park
This class is designed for students with a beginner level knowledge of English. Practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online Class: Web Design Level 1 - Introduction to HTML
Sat, Nov 07, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Get started with HTML Basics! Build your first webpage structure using basic HTML tags. Learn about folder organization for a trendy website.
Online Class: Cybersecurity Basics - PLA DigitalLearn
Sat, Nov 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Cybersecurity is all about the safety of our information when we’re online. Build confidence as you visit websites, create passwords, and respond to email.
OCLS Writer's Group
Sun, Nov 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Join your fellow writers for critique, discussion, and camaraderie. Writers of all genres and experience are welcome. Please attend one meeting before submitting a piece for critique.
Speaking Clearly Advanced
Mon, Nov 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills. Intended for advanced English language learners.  Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Knitting - Mini Tree Ornaments - Confident Beginner Level
Mon, Nov 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Small and quick, but full of techniques such as the knitting in the round, Turkish cast-on, and Three-Needle Bind-Off, the mini trees are the perfect topper for gifts or hung as ornaments.
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Let's Learn Letters and Numbers
Mon, Nov 09, 11:00am - 11:35am
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Speaking Clearly Beginners
Mon, Nov 09, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
A pronunciation class for beginners. The class is designed to introduce learners to the basics of the sounds of English for pronunciation. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online: Intro to Affinity (by Canva)
Mon, Nov 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Discover the power of Affinity, a free and versatile creative suite for graphic design, document creation, and photo editing.
Cancelled
Branching Out: Genealogical Research at the History Center!
Mon, Nov 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join archivist Katie Marra for a virtual tour of genealogical resources at the Orange County Regional History Center and discover collections that can bring Central Florida family stories to life.
English for Social Interactions
Mon, Nov 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class will cover a wide array of topics from accepting and rejecting an invitation to engaging in small talk with strangers. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online: Unreal Engine - Create a Third-Person Game - 10 Parts Class Series
Mon, Nov 09, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join us and create a third-person game while learning the UE5 editor interface, Blueprint basics, third-person character setup, Enhanced Input System, character animation basics, and UI programming.
Online Class: Coding Concepts Level 2 - Terminology
Mon, Nov 09, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Explore HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python using Visual Studio Code. Learn the foundational, universal programming terminology to help you succeed in creating apps, games, and other solutions.
Online Class: Crochet In the Round - Beginner
Mon, Nov 09, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Add to your project possibilities by crocheting in the round! Create amigurumi, hats, bowls and more. Learn how to create circles with increase stitches and use stitch markers to track your work.
Online: Edit PDFs with Adobe Acrobat
Mon, Nov 09, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn the fundamentals of Adobe Acrobat, the differences between Pro and DC versions, and their many features.
Bilingual Conversations with Ms. Brenda
Mon, Nov 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
Bilingual (Spanish / English) Conversational Interactions with Ms. Brenda
Processed Sugar: The Bittersweet Truth
Mon, Nov 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Join Jessica Daly, Health Literacy Coordinator with AdventHealth University, as she discusses the impact of processed sugar on our bodies and simple tips that we can use to make healthier choices.
Basic English 1
Mon, Nov 09, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class is designed for students with a beginner level knowledge of English. Practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Pajama Party
Mon, Nov 09, 7:00pm - 7:35pm
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.
See all events