March 19, 2009

Family history researchers can discover an array of tools and tips to make their search for ancestors more fruitful at "Learning More at the Library of Michigan: Online Genealogy," set for Saturday, April 4, at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in downtown Lansing. This free annual seminar will spotlight the growing number of online resources for family history research, including free Web sites and subscription databases available at the Library of Michigan.

"More and more, genealogists are looking for family history information online, and they're finding it in the form of census records, death records, obituary indexes and more," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "The Library of Michigan provides access to subscription sites that complement our outstanding print collections, and this seminar will offer tips on navigating these sites."

Home to one of the top 10 genealogy collections in the United States, the Library of Michigan draws researchers from throughout Michigan and from around the country. "Learning More at the Library of Michigan: Online Genealogy" typically attracts at least 300 Michiganians interested in exploring their roots.

The free, half-day workshop runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Free weekend parking is available at the library's parking lot off Kalamazoo Street.

"It seems like every week we hear about new Internet resources for genealogists," Riley said. "We'll examine which sites are the most worthwhile and share ways that both beginning and experienced researchers may use these sites for maximum results."

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. Sessions are:

1 - 1:50 p.m.

• Effectively Using HeritageQuest Online
  HeritageQuest is available to Michigan residents anytime, anywhere through the Michigan eLibrary (MeL at www.MeL.org). Learn how to find information in this growing resource, which now offers six database collections.



• Finding Free Vital Records
  Discover the latest additions to Family Search Labs' collection of vital records, as well as other resources for finding these key genealogical sources.

2:05 - 2:55 p.m.

• Ancestry Library Edition
  Featuring an ever-expanding list of databases, Ancestry Library Edition offers census records, immigration information and much more. Pick up tips for putting this subscription database to full use at the Library of Michigan.



• Utilizing Footnote at the Library of Michigan and from Home
  Explore this interactive repository with millions of images of original documents, many from the National Archives, including naturalization papers, city directories and Civil War records.

3:10 - 4 p.m.

• Seeking Michigan Death Records? A New Digitization Project
  The Library of Michigan has digitized Michigan death records for the years 1897 to 1920. These certificates are available for free at www.seekingmichigan.org, a project of the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan.



• Accessing Obituaries on the Internet
  ProQuest Obituaries, Footnote.com and free Web sites make it easier to find obituaries, a source rich with genealogical information and details about an ancestor's life and times.

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 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).