Androscoggin Historical Society and DAR to host genealogy conference

AUBURN — Those interested in locating ancestors who contributed to the American revolutionary effort will gain research tips and assistance at a local genealogy conference.

The Androscoggin Historical Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary Dillingham Chapter, will sponsor a session at the Auburn Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.

The speakers are Ann Thomas and Liz Hotchkiss, professional researchers and genealogists, who are past Maine state DAR registrars.

Ann Pease Thomas joined the DAR in 1967 and has been active at the chapter, state and national levels. In the Koussinoc Chapter (Augusta) she has been regent for several terms and has held the office of Chapter Registrar 1980-2001, 2004-2010 and currently. She has held numerous state offices, included the State Regent. At the national level, she held many positions and was elected in 1984 to the office of Vice President General. She has done genealogy for clients for more than 40 years.

Liz Blake Hotchkiss began her genealogical research career at Slippery Rock University in the late 1980s. Since then, she has been conducting genealogical studies for friends, neighbors and ladies wishing to join the DAR. Liz is a 31-year member of DAR and has been trained in their research and application techniques. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., she and her family moved to Harborside, Maine, as year-round residents in 1995. She is a member of the Maine Genealogical Society and the Organizing Charter Regent of the Majabigwaduce Chapter, based in Brooksville.

Admission is free. Participants are invited to bring their research and questions.