March 14, 2007

"Learning More at the Library of Michigan," an annual free genealogy seminar, returns Saturday, March 31 with new and updated programs for genealogists with a wide range of interests and experience levels who want to become more adept at family history research using the Internet.

"We continue to develop new genealogy programs to serve both beginning and experienced genealogists, and to keep up with advances in Internet-based research," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan.  "In doing so, we hope to empower our patrons to maximize our extensive collection, as well as trusted Web resources, for their family history research."

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" will focus entirely on Internet research and effective use of these online resources. The free, half-day workshop runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., in downtown Lansing.  Free weekend parking is available at the library's parking lot off Kalamazoo Street.

"Participants will leave the seminar with a greater awareness of the family history resources available on the Web, including some created by the Library of Michigan, as well as tips and tools to better use these sources for tracking down vital records or learning more about Civil War ancestors," Riley said.

Seating is limited, so registration is recommended. Sign up online at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory, by e-mail at librarian@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 to 2 p.m.

• Using the Library of Michigan Web Site:  Find out more about the resources available on the Library of Michigan Web site and how you can use them at home to make the best use of your research time when visiting the library.
• Online Research with U.S. Census Records:  Discover how to make full use of digitized census records and indexes on the genealogy databases Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest.

2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

• Online Tools for Finding Cemetery Sources:  Learn how to utilize the Michigan Cemetery Sources database, www.michigan.gov/cemeteries, to locate cemeteries, identify useful print transcriptions and locate online burial lists.
• Vital Records Research on the Internet:  Find out which states and counties are putting indexes to birth, marriage and death records online and pick up tips to improve your searches.

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Michigan Genealogy Research on the Internet:  Examine the latest resources and research strategies for Michigan family history researchers interested in more effectively using the Internet.
• Online Military Records Research:  Explore the wealth of military information available online and learn search strategies to maximize your research time.

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.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).