March 11, 2008

"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@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.

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