Family History at the Indiana State Library

CELEBRATING FAMILY HISTORY THIS FALL
By Shannon Bloomquist (sbloomquist@statelib.lib.in.us)

Even though September has just begun, it's not too early to start thinking ahead to October, which is Family History Month! The Indiana State Library is pleased to announce several programs scheduled throughout the month to educate and inspire librarians, state employees, and the general public to discover their roots and connect with the past! In addition, a press release and public service announcements will be issued during the last week in September to promote these exciting opportunities to the public. All programs take place at the Library at 140 North Senate Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. If you are interested in attending any of the programs listed below, please contact the Genealogy Division at 317.232.3689 to register.

*Family History Orientation Tours: The Library offers a wealth of genealogy-related materials for family history researchers, and our tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with the Library's collection and learn about how things have changed since the last time you visited us! Tours will be held on Thursday, October 5, and Tuesday, October 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you cannot attend during those times, subsequent tours have been scheduled twice a month for the entire year. Visit http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/isl/indiana/genealogy/tours.html for the complete schedule.

*Uncovering the Secrets of Historic Homes: Are you curious about the history of your home and those who lived there before you? Join Suzanne Stanis, Director of Heritage Education at the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, on Thursday, October 12, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to explore the basics of historic house research. A staff member from the Library's Indiana Division will also be on hand to reveal tips and tricks for using the Library's collections to further your investigation!

*Genealogy After Hours: Take advantage of some extra research time on Thursday, October 12, when the Genealogy and Indiana Divisions of the Library will be open until 9 p.m.! This event also allows those who attend the Historic House Research Workshop until 8 p.m. access to the Library's extensive collections after the program.

*Researching Your Immigrant Ancestors: Journey with Charles Hill, a Senior Subject Specialist in the Genealogy Division, to a land where finding your immigrant ancestors is actually possible! On Thursday, October 26, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mr. Hill will share with you the tools and strategies you need to trace your ancestral roots across land and sea, highlighting many helpful resources available at the Library in the process.

*Capturing the Soul of Indiana: On Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., let Hoosier photographer John Bower of Studio Indiana take you on a memorable visual journey that illuminates Indiana's forgotten past. Mr. Bower will share poignant images of abandoned homes and farms, little-known stone carvings hidden throughout the state, and other rapidly disappearing examples of Indiana's cultural heritage. As an added bonus, several of Mr. Bower's fine art photography books will be available for purchase after the presentation-see www.studioindiana.com for details on these intriguing titles!

For more information about the Library, please visit us in downtown Indianapolis or online at www.statelib.lib.in.us.