June 30, 2008

The Library of Michigan's annual Abrams Genealogy Seminar will emphasize techniques and resources to improve individual research skills, while highlighting the diverse regional resources available to beginning and experienced family historians at several Michigan libraries, including the Library of Michigan's own Abrams Foundation Historical Collection.

Piecing Together Our Past: 2008 Abrams Genealogy Seminar will take place Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in downtown Lansing.

"This year's seminar demonstrates that Michigan is a great place to do genealogy research, from the state's library to the local history rooms at public libraries throughout the state," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "This program is a great complement to our collection, which is one of the largest in the country, and we're pleased to bring in authoritative speakers who will provide participants with a concentrated look at wide range of topics."

Dr. George K. Schweitzer, author of nearly 20 genealogical research books and a frequent speaker well known for his use of period costumes, will present Saturday's keynote address - "Tracing Ancestors Back Across the Atlantic" - co-sponsored by the Ingham County Genealogical Society. More information about Dr. Schweitzer is available on his Web site, www.gensources.com. Dr. Schweitzer will give a second program, on Civil War genealogy, later on Saturday.

Participants may mix and match sessions from two research tracks. The first focuses on popular research topics and highlights resources at the Library of Michigan, including: beginning genealogy, Revolutionary War research, Michigan death records, and using city directories and newspapers for genealogical research. The second track features sessions spotlighting the collections at the Library of Michigan and other Michigan libraries, including:

• Archives of Michigan



• Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library



• Loutit District Library, Grand Haven



• Public Libraries of Saginaw

Registration for the 2008 Abrams Genealogy Seminar is $40. This includes a boxed lunch on Saturday and a seminar syllabus. Ingham County Genealogical Society (ICGS) members are eligible for a discounted registration rate of $25.

The Sheraton Lansing Hotel (925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing) is offering a special discounted rate of $89 for participants. Call (517) 323-7100 for reservations, and mention the Abrams Genealogy Seminar to receive the discount.

The complete schedule of events and registration form for the Abrams Genealogy Seminar 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 in 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 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).