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The Library of Michigan supports digitization efforts throughout the state by offering resources to libraries. Resources include consulting, equipment access, funding opportunities, and more.
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All 2023 Programs for the Public will take place over Zoom. All programs require registration to attend.
Thursday, January 5, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
Ancestry.com Library Edition is a comprehensive family history database with access to a wide range of historical documents, images, and public records. Learn the process of navigating Ancestry.com’s vast collection of records and other strategies as you enhance your family history research skills.
Thursday, February 2, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
Discover the digital resources available from the Library of Michigan for African American history in Michigan and the United States. Whether you’re researching your own family history or just wanting to engage with Black History Month, learn about the great tools that help uncover the stories of African Americans.
Thursday, March 2, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
Governments, businesses and a variety of other organizations produce annual reports that describe the activities of the entities throughout the preceding year. These reports provide vital information for genealogical researchers when investigating the greater context of the lives of their ancestors. Learn more about these useful documents and see examples from the collections of the Library of Michigan.
Thursday, April 6, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
The Library of Congress contains a treasure trove of family history information for Michigan researchers, including a vast array of online resources. Learn how to navigate these digital collections as well as other key research strategies to effectively use our nation’s library while uncovering your family’s story.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
Many Michigan residents have served our country at times of war and peace. Come explore the variety of print resources at the Library of Michigan that bring to life Michigan’s participation in the Revolutionary War through to World War II.
Thursday, June 1, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
The Library of Michigan has been serving the people and government of Michigan since 1828. Come learn about our “origin story” that started during Michigan's territorial era. Celebrate the key figures that shaped Michigan’s state library. See the evolution of the library’s services as we continuing to collect and preserve the story of our state.
Program includes a panel discussion hosted by Community Engagement Librarian Adam Oster, with Michigan Documents Librarian Bernadette Bartlett and Michigan Capitol Historian & Curator Valerie Marvin.
Thursday, July 6, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
State and local governments publish a vast amount of information that is useful for family history researchers. See examples of publications produced at different levels of government. Learn strategies for navigating these published resources and how to effectively use them throughout your family history research.
Thursday, August 3, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Recording of This Program
Land ownership is an underutilized, yet invaluable, tool for uncovering information about your family’s history. Learn about the boundary system where property was divided and organized throughout Michigan’s history. See examples of Sanborn Maps and how they chronicled the urban areas of our state.
Thursday, September 7, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Register For This Program
The Library of Michigan has one of the most comprehensive collections of Michigan newspapers. See examples of unique periodicals published in our state and learn strategies for navigating the various online collections of digitized Michigan news publications.
Thursday, October 5, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Register For This Program
MyHeritage Library Edition is a family history database available through the Michigan eLibrary with access to a wide range of historical documents, images, and public records. Discover the fundamentals for navigating MyHeritage and learn key strategies for finding specific records within its collections.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Register For This Program
Fold3 provides online access to military records, including the stories, photos, and relevant personal documents. Discover key strategies for using Fold3 as you uncover the accounts of men and women who served in the armed forces.
Thursday, December 7, 2023 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom
Register For This Program
Explore the digital options for saving your family history research. Explore the variety of desktop and web-based applications researchers can use for organizing their data. Review best practices for both using these applications and uploading digital scans of records to the software.
Registration is required for all Zoom sessions. To register, select the Register For This Program link under the Name/Date of each program you wish to attend. You will be required to provide your name and email address. A link to the Zoom session for each program will be emailed to you on the day you register as well as the day of the program. All Zoom programs will be recorded.
For questions, please contact the Library of Michigan at Librarian@Michigan.gov or 517-335-1477.
Downloadable/Printable 2023 Program Schedule PDF
Links to recordings of current and previous years Zoom sessions are available on the Video Tutorials section of our Family History page.
Updated: 12/2/2022