KENNEBUNK — Dr. Carol McCoy knows a thing or two about history. Specifically, local history – and how to find it.

For members of the Kennebunk Free Library’s genealogy group, the value of the knowledge McCoy shared was immeasurable. On Saturday, McCoy talked about using town records to trace one’s ancestry, and offered a trove of information geared toward those looking to navigate those records. Locating documents, and sifting through handwritten information scribbled in centuries-old ink, isn’t always easy. It helps, she said, knowing where to start.

And the first step is simply knowing that town records are there as a resource. McCoy, who became interested in genealogy around 1980, and turned professional during the late ‘90s, didn’t start utilizing them until a few short years ago.

“You’re not thinking what a gold mine they literally are,” she said.

McCoy noted that it helps to be wary of any document without some piece of corroborating information. The inconsistency of records kept in the 17- and 1800s can also be a source of frustration. The descriptor “junior,” for example, didn’t always mean what it does now. John Doe Jr. may not necessarily have been the son of John Doe Sr.; the “junior” merely indicates that there were two John Does living in a particular municipality, and one of them was younger.

That was but one of the tips with which McCoy strove to arm her listeners.

“You don’t really know what you’re going to get,” she said. “(But) the details are really kind of fascinating, even if they don’t pertain to your family.”

That fascination may be at the root of why certain members of the group so doggedly pursue the clues to their family history. One group member, Sharon Colburn, traveled to Novia Scotia recently to unlock some of the keys to her lineage. After encountering some initial frustration – certain town offices and historical societies were closed during her excursion – she finally struck gold in the hometown of her greatgreat grandfather, obtaining documents that traced her family back to England in 1613.

“It was very exciting,” said Colburn. “It really was.”

Pam Eagleson, one of the genealogy group’s core members, was grateful that McCoy was able to focus a presentation on this aspect of genealogical research.

“We try to vary our programs and vary our speakers, and offer things that people may not be aware of,” said Eagleson.

To fully utilize this frequently overlooked source of biographical information, McCoy said it’s helpful to speak to, and develop a relationship with, the town clerk overseeing the records in question. It was, in fact, one of her most important pieces of advice: Don’t be cursory. Take the time to get to know the clerk, and let them know that you’re thankful for their time and assistance.

“Show them appreciation,” said McCoy. “It makes all the difference in the world.”

— Assistant Editor Jeff Lagasse be contacted at 282- 1535, ext. 319 or [email protected].