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 Darien, CT |
Middlesex Genealogical Society
Next Presentation
"Genealogy: Where Every Family Story Starts" - presented by Toni McKeen
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1:30-3:00 pm
Hibernian Hall, 186 Greyrock Place, Stamford, Connecticut
Presentation followed by a social hour at Hibernian Hall's on-site pub.
 Toni McKeen |
Whether you've never researched your family history, have been meaning to get started for years, or have spent decades building your family tree, this presentation offers something for everyone.
For beginners, Toni will explore practical first steps, common pitfalls to avoid, and the many resources available today to help uncover your family's story. You'll learn how to begin with confidence and develop a research plan that can lead to surprising discoveries.
For experienced researchers, this presentation offers an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals through a fresh lens. Genealogy has changed dramatically in recent years, with new online collections, DNA tools, artificial intelligence, and research techniques opening doors that didn't exist just a few years ago. Even seasoned genealogists may discover new strategies, overlooked sources, and ideas that can breathe new life into longstanding research challenges.
Many of the techniques discussed can be especially valuable when researching immigrant ancestors - including Irish, Italian, and other families whose stories helped shape our local communities.
Whether you're starting your very first family tree, considering a genealogy "do-over" using today's best practices, or simply looking for new ideas to improve your research, you'll leave with practical tips, renewed inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the stories waiting to be discovered in every family.
Every family has a story. Come learn how to find yours.
A New Venue for MGS
This program will mark MGS's first presentation at Hibernian Hall, home of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Stamford and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Stamford. The AOH and LAOH have graciously invited MGS to use its Hall for our September program, and we look forward to welcoming both MGS members and members of the wider community.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to stay for a social hour at Hibernian Hall's on-site pub - a chance to meet Toni, talk with fellow genealogy enthusiasts, and get to know members of MGS and the AOH and LAOH in a relaxed setting.
Please feel free to bring a friend or family member interested in genealogy, family history, or learning more about MGS.
Get Directions to Hibernian Association
Parking
Convenient public parking is available in the Bedford Street Garage directly behind Hibernian Hall. Enter the garage at 17 Forest Street. Hibernian Hall has direct private access from the garage, and guests parking on the lowest level can use the Hall's private entrance.
Get Directions to Bedord Street Garage
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About MGS
The Middlesex Genealogical Society is located in the town of Darien, which is in Fairfield County, Connecticut, not far from New York City. Membership is open to all interested in family research, regardless of where they live. MGS draws members from various towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, Redding, Fairfield.
The Middlesex Genealogical Society was established in 1982 for the purpose of encouraging those interested in researching their family history and to provide guidance to that end. The Society does not limit its focus to Darien or Fairfield County. It provides assistance for all researchers, wherever their ancestry leads.
A Newsletter is published quarterly.
MGS holds program Presentation Meetings on five Saturdays during the year, presenting speakers on various topics of interest to all genealogists.
If you are new to genealogy, see our Getting Started page.
Volunteers are available at the Darien Library to help you with research problems, or just to get you started.
Member Pages display the genealogical interests of members and help them connect with distant relatives.
The MGS project at Family Tree DNA helps you understand your Y-DNA results and what to do next.
MGS is registered with the State of Connecticut, thereby giving members access to vital records at town and city record offices in Connecticut.
About Our Name
The MGS name is derived from Middlesex Parish, the original name by which Darien, Connecticut, was known before becoming incorporated in 1820. The MGS founders were from Darien and chose "Middlesex" to honor the town. The name "Middlesex" is shown below on part of a 1789 map of Darien by Christopher Colles.
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The main road is part of the 1,300-mile road from Boston to Charleston, South Carolina, ordered by King Charles II (now Old Kings Highway North) N in the upper left corner is north + is the 1744 Darien Congregational Church Z is Brookside Road 47 is miles from Federal Hall Scofield is the 1736 Bates-Scofield house (now the Museum of Darien) The squiggly arrow is the Goodwives River Y to Oxridge is Sedgwick Avenue |