How to uncover Burke history in courthouse records to be discussed

The Burke County Genealogical Society will host a public meeting on Monday, May 19, at 6 p.m. in the Old Burke County Historic Courthouse, located in downtown Morganton.

Author Margaret Collins Richards will present a special program titled “Uncovering Burke History in Courthouse Records.”

Richards, along with Judy Swink Watts, has recently completed the transcription of a new two-volume set of “Minutes of Burke County, North Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions & Miscellaneous Records,” covering the years 1841–49 and 1865–79.

During the presentation, Richards will share a brief history of Burke County’s early courthouses and then focus on sharing interesting “tidbits” of the various kinds of information found in these records which survived the destruction by Union troops during the Civil War.

Since the courthouse was in use since 1837, these records were recorded in the building where this meeting will be held.

This event is free and open to the public. The courthouse is handicap accessible, and all are welcome — whether long-time researchers or those newly interested in local history and genealogy.

For more information, call Laurie Johnston at 828-764-9266.