by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Louis Zelenka has worked in the genealogy department of the Haydon Burns Library on Ocean Street for over five years. While the Jacksonville native has spent years researching his own family lineage, he says that helping others discovers theirs is just as rewarding.
“Everything is connected if you look back far enough,” said Zelenka. He added that an interest in family history was something instilled in him from a very early age.
“My family has always placed an importance on our ancestors and where we came from,” said Zelenka. “As a child we would go to cemeteries and look at the grave stones. We would also go to a lot of family reunions.”
Before coming to the library, Zelenka taught history at Englewood High School and also Landon Junior High. Today, he also contributes articles to San Marco Magazine.
While asserting that the genealogy department is available to the public at no charge, Zelenka added that anyone researching family history today already has access to several informational resources before they even leave their homes.
“Talk to your family,” said Zelenka, “especially the oldest living members. Learn the names of as many ancestors as you can. It’s hard to research people whose names you don’t know.”
As an example, Zelenka was able to track down the ship that brought his great grandfather to the United States from Bordeaux, France in 1854.
In addition to family sources, Zelenka said that the Internet is quickly becoming one of the more popular investigative tools when beginning a search.
“Anyone can access our website from home,” he said, “and it’s a great place to start.” The site – jpl.coj.net – provides web browsers with links designed to fill in the gaps that those researching family history typically encounter. Information including where to find death notices and census reports are available.
On site at the library are thousands of donated books that chronicle much of the history of the Southeast. Additionally, the city directories of Florida are also on the racks listing where people lived and also their occupation in a given year. Books in the genealogy and Florida history departments may not be checked out.
It is the goal of Zelenka and the genealogy department to provide users with a solid starting point in their family history investigations — many of which are ongoing.
“We get new people in here all the time,” he said, “but we also have people who come in here on a regular basis to do research every week or so.”
In February, the genealogy department will offer a class designed to teach those exploring family history how to search online and how to navigate the new library service, Ancestry Plus. Those interested should call 630-2409.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Zelenka.