The John P. Top Greene Community Center, in partnership with the South Park-East Raleigh Neighborhood Association (SPERNA), is offering a series of genealogy classes titled “Shaking Your Family Tree.” These sessions aim to help participants explore their ancestry and family history.
Tanya Foreman, founder of Family Matters Genealogy, will lead the classes. She has extensive experience in helping individuals trace their family roots.
According to the organizers, these classes provide more than just technical skills. They offer insights into personal and cultural heritage. Participants will learn how to use records, photos, and historical documents to uncover stories about their ancestors. The course also emphasizes preserving family legacies for future generations.
In addition to individual histories, the classes will highlight the community and cultural aspects that have influenced families over time. Specifically, they will explore the history of Raleigh’s East South Park neighborhood in collaboration with SPERNA.
Participants can expect to build connections with others interested in genealogy while gaining access to advanced tools and expert guidance.
Classes are scheduled at the John P. “Top” Green Community Center on Saturdays—February 8, April 12, and May 10—from 10 a.m. to noon. The sessions are free for adults, and registration is available through RecLink.
Genealogy is presented as an opportunity not only to honor past generations but also to connect with present ones and prepare for the future.


