You always see those commercials on TV about the "customers" who have used Ancestry.com or other online genealogy websites and found out they were related to royalty/presidents/historical figures.  Once you get down to the real nitty-gritty and do some digging, chances are you'll find that even you are related to Louis II The Stammerer, as an 9th cousin, 14 times removed- it's that whole six degrees of separation concept.

If you'd like to find out more about your own [immediate] family and their history, Brookside, home of the Saratoga County Historical Society, is very excited to announce that they will be holding Genealogy 101, Thursday, April 12, 19, and 26 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The Society is holding the class because they feel, "tracing your family can be an immensely rewarding experience." The three-session introduction to genealogy will help you get started, teach you basic research skills and acquaint you with vital records, databases, online websites and more.

The sessions will include visits to the County Clerk's office, County Surrogate Court and County Historian's office to help you familiarize yourself with all of the available resources.

Don't worry, basic genealogy forms and other materials will be provided, and Pat Peck, an experienced local genealogist, will lead you in the right direction.

For all 3-parts, the seminar is $45 per person and pre-registration is required by April 9. (*The class is popular, and in the past spots have filled up quickly). Contact Anne Clothier at 885-4000 or aclothier@brooksidemuseum.org for more info/registration.

Want to be Queen for a year?

Growing up I spent summers in Iowa on my family's farm and one very memorable summer I was crowned Pork Princess of Crooked Creek Day. A very prestigious honor indeed, but I think 2012 Tulip Queen has a much better ring to it.

If you are female who has never been married, are between the ages of 18 and 23, have a strong sense of community, are knowledgeable about Albany and possess strong leadership skills, the title may be yours! The Tulip Queen will also be awarded a $5,000 scholarship, with each court member receiving $1,500 upon completion of the year of reign.

Keep in mind, the yearlong reign will be more than just perfecting the royal wave, but will require the Queen and her court to ambitiously serve as Albany's ambassadors, particularly focusing on Mayor Jennings' Literacy Campaign.

Nominate yourself or someone you know at http://www.albanytulipqueen.com/ by Monday, April 2, 2012.