BETHEL – More than 25 are enrolled in the five-session Bethel Historical Society course, “Cousin to Cousin,” dealing with genealogical methods and sources.

While space is limited, more participants are welcome. The course will be conducted by society life member and veteran genealogist Stephen T. Seames at the society’s regional history center from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 14 through April 11.

It will provide insight into tracing one’s family tree along with some of the pitfalls to avoid in the process.

Those wishing register should call the society office at 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910. Course fees will be $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers, payable at the first class on March 14.

Jo Radner, PhD, of Lovell, a retired American University professor and a former president of the American Folklore Society, led an all-day workshop on the art of oral history at the Bethel Historical Society’s Regional History Center on Feb. 27.

Sponsored by the Western Maine Girls Association and Telstar Middle School, in cooperation with the Western Mountain Senior College and made possible in part by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council, the workshop covered a variety of topics, ranging from developing listening and telling skills, pitfalls to avoid when interviewing, preparations for the interview process, strategies for triggering memory and evoking stories, forming life history questions and dealing with special interview situations.

Female students from Telstar Middle School worked with older participants in practicing interviews and developing their skills. Also discussed were the importance of keeping a field journal, indexing, logging and transcribing recordings and presenting the materials collected.

Further information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910, or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Additional information can also be obtained by checking the Web at www.bethelhistorical.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.