Have you been bitten by the "genealogy bug?" Are you curious about learning about your family's role in American history? If you've ever wanted to learn how to explore your roots and climb the family tree, the East Tennessee Historical Society is hosting a series of free genealogy classes at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 19 and 26, and April 2, 2002. The classes, to be hosted at the East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville, are designed for beginners with an interest in learning more about how to get started in one of the nation's most popular hobbies. Classes will begin on Tuesday, March 19, with "Getting Started in Genealogy Research." On Tuesday, March 26, the class continues with "Using Census and Official Records." The session concludes on Tuesday, April 2, with "Land Records and Other Sources." Registrants should be able to participate in all three scheduled classes. Space is limited and must be reserved in advance. Guests can register for the class by calling ETHS at 865-215-8824 or by email at eths@east-tennessee-history.org Steve Cotham, head of the McClung Historical Collection, a department of the Knox County Public Library System, will lead the free sessions. Cotham notes that genealogy is one of the nation's most popular hobbies with more than 100 million Americans expressing an interest in learning more about their family history. The McClung Historical Collection, headquartered with ETHS in the East Tennessee History Center, is recognized as one of the South's premier genealogical research facilities. "In addition to learning the basics of family history research, participants will learn about resources available in the McClung Collection for regional and national research needs," says Steve Cotham. The workshops will be held in the Lucille S. Thompson Auditorium on the first floor of the East Tennessee History Center (600 Market St., Knoxville). The East Tennessee Historical Society, founded in 1834, is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the state of Tennessee. ETHS, a non-profit organization headquartered in Knoxville, is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of the region. The society's activities and exhibits are made possible through the support of its membership. For additional information about the genealogy workshops, membership, or other ETHS programs, call 865-215-8824, or visit the historical society's web site at www.east-tennessee-history.org