June 20, 2007

Learn About Forensic Genealogy - Where 'CSI' Meets 'Roots' - as Well as Resources at Research Centers around State and More

The Library of Michigan will offer family historians tips and tools for conducting genealogy research at several Michigan libraries featuring distinctive local and regional collections, including the library's own Abrams Foundation Historical Collection, during the 2007 Abrams Genealogy Seminar.

The seminar will take place Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in downtown Lansing.

"Beginning and advanced genealogists will have the opportunity to learn about several Michigan research centers and ask questions of the experts about how to maximize their research," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan.  "Other sessions will focus on specific areas of family history research, emphasizing many of the diverse resources that make the Library of Michigan one of the top 10 genealogy collections in the country."

Colleen Fitzpatrick, author of Forensic Genealogy and DNA & Genealogy, will present Saturday's keynote address - "Forensic Genealogy: An Overview" - co-sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society.  More information about Fitzpatrick is available on her Web site, www.forensicgenealogy.info.

"Forensic scientists and genealogists share the same goals: to find out who was who and who did what, when," Fitzpatrick said.  "Forensic genealogy, which is sometimes called 'CSI Meets Roots,' shows genealogists how to use the tools of forensic science to solve their family mysteries, just like the FBI uses them to solve crimes."

Participants may mix and match sessions from two research tracks.  The first will focus on popular research areas and highlight resources at the Library of Michigan, including: beginning genealogy, Ontario and Quebec vital records, Michigan state census records and naturalization records.  The second track will feature sessions spotlighting the collections at the Library of Michigan, as well as:

·  Archives of Michigan

·  Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library

·  Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University

·  East Lansing Family History Center

·  Kalamazoo Public Library

·  Portage District Library

By providing an overview of key materials, research strategies and genealogy services at each institution, the 2007 Abrams Genealogy Seminar will help Michigan residents learn to use these resources more effectively.

Registration for the 2007 Abrams Genealogy Seminar is $35.  This includes a boxed lunch on Saturday and a seminar syllabus. Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society members are eligible for a discounted registration rate of $20.

The complete schedule of events and registration form are available at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory.  If you have any questions, please contact the Library of Michigan's Special Collections Services at (517) 373-1300.  Parking is available at the library's parking lot off Kalamazoo Street. The library is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

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, HAL 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).