[Genealib] Free Genealogy Seminar March 29 at Library of Michigan

[Gloriane Peck]

The Library of Michigan will hold a free genealogy seminar, 1 p.m. to
4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Michigan Library and Historical
Center in downtown Lansing. To register online, please go to
www.michigan.gov/familyhistory. The news release on the event,
including the class schedule, follows. 

Gloriane Peck
Special Collections Librarian
Library of Michigan


Library of Michigan*s Free Family History Workshop March 29 Shows How
to Make Most of Internet Research and Resources

"Learning More at the Library of Michigan," a free annual genealogy
seminar set for Saturday, March 29, will focus on utilizing online
resources for family history research. The half-day workshop will
highlight a number of Web sites and subscription databases, including
Footnote.com and Family History Archive, two new resources gaining
popularity and respect among genealogists.

"The sessions we*re offering touch on several key topics for
genealogists: the U.S. census, vital records and immigration, and
we*ll provide an in-depth look at some of the latest ways to access
this information," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the
Library of Michigan. "These trusted online resources, combined with more
traditional research materials, give family history researchers the
tools they need, whether they*re just beginning their genealogy or
have been at it for years."

Home to one of the top 10 genealogy collections in the United States,
the Library of Michigan also offers electronic resources that make
genealogical records and rare research materials more accessible. 

"Learning More at the Library of Michigan" runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at
the Michigan Library and Historical Center, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo
St. in downtown Lansing.  Free weekend parking is available in the
library*s parking lot off of Kalamazoo Street.

"Last year, more than 300 people from around Michigan attended the
'Learning More' seminar, and the Library of Michigan looks forward to
sharing this passion for genealogy with as many participants this year,"
Riley said. "As interest in genealogy continues to grow, so do the
resources available to family history researchers."

Seating is limited, so registration is recommended. Sign up online at
www.michigan.gov/familyhistory, by e-mail at librarian at michigan.gov
or by phone at (517) 373-1300. For more information, please contact the
Library of Michigan*s Special Collections Services at (517) 373-1300.

Participants will choose one class for each time slot. Upon arrival at
the seminar, attendees will receive a schedule with room assignments.

Sessions include:

1-2 p.m.

Effectively Using HeritageQuest Online
Heritage Quest is now available to Michigan residents anytime, anywhere
through MeL, the Michigan eLibrary, at http://mel.org. Hear how to find
information in this growing resource, which now offers six database
collections.

Negotiating Online Passenger and Immigration Lists
Discover the latest additions to online immigration resources and learn
search strategies to trace your ancestor*s journey.

2:15-3:15 p.m.

Online Research with U.S. Census Records
Learn how to put the digitized census records and indexes on both
HeritageQuest Online and Ancestry Library Edition to full use.

Vital Records on the Internet
Find out which Web sites are available and pick up tips to improve your
searches as more states and counties put indexes to birth, marriage and
death records online.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Utilizing Footnote.com at the Library of Michigan
Explore this interactive repository containing millions of images of
original documents, many from the National Archives, including
naturalization records and Civil War service records.

Cooperation Brings More to Genealogists: Family History Archive
Collection
Family History Archive*s digital collection brings collaboration to
you. Check out this ever-increasing collection of digitized family and
local histories.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and
Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and
strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving
and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the
department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office
and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit
www.michigan.gov/hal.