BETHEL – “Cousin to Cousin: Genealogical Methods and Sources,” the Bethel Historical Society’s winter/spring course, conducted by society life member Stephen T. Seames, attracted more than 40 participants.

Held on each Wednesday, March 14 through April 11, the course deals with a myriad of topics dealing with family history.

At the first class, Seames discussed the history of genealogy, the methods of recording ancestry through charts and numbering systems, the means of accounting for missing children and discovering adoptions, and some tests to be aware of in determining the accuracy of written records.

At this week’s class, March 21, he will deal with such topics as census records, calendars and recording of times, birth, death and marriage records, the importance of affidavits and guardian records, uses of original documents such as account books, diaries, autograph books and the importance of organization records such as those of the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, Masonic and Eastern Star, Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic.

The course is an example of those offered annually by the society dealing with local and regional history. In the fall, two other courses are expected to be offered, one on antiques and collectibles and the other on 20th-century Maine.

In addition, programming includes lectures, workshops, school presentations and special events throughout the year.

More information may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, e-mailing [email protected] or visiting www.bethelhistorical.org.