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Image for event: Tips and Tricks to Deciphering Colonial Handwriting Workshop

Registration opens:
March 09th, 2026

Tips and Tricks to Deciphering Colonial Handwriting Workshop

Perspectives of a Revolution Genealogy Series

2026-04-18 13:00:00 2026-04-18 14:30:00 America/New_York Tips and Tricks to Deciphering Colonial Handwriting Workshop Central Library -

Saturday, April 18
1:00pm - 2:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-18 13:00:00 2026-04-18 14:30:00 America/New_York Tips and Tricks to Deciphering Colonial Handwriting Workshop Not all handwriting is created equal, and that can drive many researchers crazy. Central Library -

Not all handwriting is created equal, and that can drive many researchers crazy.

However, knowing how to analyze handwritten documents could mean finding that one elusive clue to solving a family mystery. In this workshop, you will learn how to read several types of colonial handwriting in addition to creating cheat sheets, analyzing documents, and creating transcriptions for future use. 

Presenter's Bio:

Shannon Combs-Bennett QG, MSc, FSAScot, is an award-winning author who resides in Northern Virginia. From there, she writes and presents various topics across the US and internationally, from genetic genealogy to methodology techniques. Shannon is on the board of directors of the Association for Professional Genealogists and the Guild of Genealogy Speakers. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her Master of Science in Genealogic, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Shannon is a doctoral candidate in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde, researching the correlations between genealogy and lineage societies in the United States.

AGE GROUP: | Grades 11 - 12 | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Events | Genealogy and Local History |

TAGS: | |

Central Library

Phone: 703-792-8360
Fax: 703-335-2956

Hours
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We're closed Monday January 26 due to Inclement Weather
We're closed Tuesday January 27 due to Inclement Weather
Mon, Jan 26 Closed
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Tue, Jan 27 Closed
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Wed, Jan 28 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jan 29 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Fri, Jan 30 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jan 31 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Feb 01 Closed

About the library

Central Library provides a full complement of library services: reference services, books and materials for children, young adults, and adults in print and digital formats; 3 catalog stations, 1 AWE Learning Station for preschool-1st grade, 2 Children's computers, and 9 Adult computers ; Wi-Fi; faxing, scanning, copying, and more.

NEW SERVICES
Central's Makerspace Studio 8601 offers dynamic programming and educational experiences, including Cricut vinyl cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, coding toys like Spheros, Ozobots, Makey Makey, and a Whisper Room.

Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center (RELIC) is a special collection devoted to genealogy and local history with a focus on Virginia and Prince William County. RELIC is open for walk-ins, reference service, and by phone 703-792-8380, and email at relic2@pwcgov.org Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Passport Services are offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

SPACE
Central Library now has more open space for programming and general enjoyment of the library. It offers a strategically designed layout that allows for a better flow, as well as more study and conference rooms for patrons, including:
• Redesigned Children's Area
• Community Room booking for our civic organizations
• One Quiet Study Room
• Two Small Individual Study/Conference Rooms for up to four people

COMFORT
Central's bathrooms have been renovated and expanded and made ADA Compliant.
New, inviting seating is available, both in the study rooms and open-space areas.