John Shaw Billings: Hoosier Doctor, Librarian, Statistician
Tuesday, January 4, Noon-1:00pm
Indiana Author’s Room
Hoosier John Shaw Billings was a librarian and surgeon best known as the modernizer of the Library of the Surgeon General’s Office of the Army and as the first director of the New York Public Library. Learn about materials and information available at the Indiana State Library on this fascinating Hoosier.

More Genealogy Microforms
Thursday, January 6, 5:30-6:30pm
History Reference Room
This program is a follow-up to the Genealogy Microform Collection presentation.  Persons will learn about additional Genealogy Collection microfilms and microfiche that will enhance their research. 

Researching Your Family?  Make the Most of Your Visit to the Indiana State Library
Tuesday, January 11, 10:00-11:00am
History Reference Room
Discover and learn about unique sources, files, and finding aids within the Library useful for researching family history.

Hoosier Salon
Thursday, January 13, 5:30-6:30pm
History Reference Room
The Hoosier Salon became a nationalized, recognized venue for Hoosier artists after its inception in 1925.  This program will show its history as documented in the materials available through the Indiana State Library.

Alexander Ralston: Architect of Indianapolis
Wednesday, January 19, 11:00am-Noon
History Reference Room
Born in Scotland and a protégé of Pierre L’Enfant, Alexander Ralston came to Indiana in 1815. Come learn more about this fascinating individual who literally left his mark on our city.

See the country on a dollar a day: the American Guide Series
Thursday, January 20, 5:30-6:30pm
History Reference Room
During the Great Depression, workers in the Federal Writers Project of the WPA created the American Guide series: travel guides to several cities, regions and all 48 states. They contained history, folklore, tours and more. Come learn about these documents that create a fascinating snapshot of our country years ago.

Map Show!
Wednesday, January 26, 12-1pm
Indiana Author’s Room
This program highlights some fantastic maps from the State Library’s collection.  Included are maps from the 18^th century, rare maps with historic importance, engraved and hand drawn maps, and maps done by Hoosier artists.

Researching Family History, part 2
Thursday, January 27, 5:30-6:30pm
History Reference Room
This program will discuss the various family history resource collections within the Indiana State Library.

Theodore Dreiser:  the Quest for Reality of Life
Wednesday, February 2, 10:00-11:00am
History Reference Room
Learn about the life and times of Theodore Dreiser, the world famous novelist from Terre Haute, Indiana.  The program will cover Dreiser’s biography, characters and themes of his novels. Presented by Ron Sharp, Reference & Government Services Supervisor

What About Your Immigrant Ancestor?
Thursday, February 3, 5:30-6:30pm
History Reference Room
The State Library has many immigration resources.  Learn about the various types of passenger lists and their search strategies, emigration lists from Europe, ethnic book resources, and useful websites. Presented by Charles Hill, Genealogy Collection Librarian

Camp Morton
Wednesday, February 9, 11:00am-Noon
Indiana Author’s Room
Learn about the history of Camp Morton, its contributions to the Civil War and about the man, Oliver P. Morton. Brent Abercrombie, Manuscripts & Rare Books Collection Librarian

Madam C.J. Walker: The Wonderful Hair Grower
Thursday, February 10, 5:30-6:30
History Reference Room
Visit the Indiana State Library during Black History Month to learn about Madam Walker, the first female millionaire by her own achievements, who grew her enterprise in Indianapolis. Presented by Rachael Heger, Indiana Collection Supervisor

But they weren’t from Indiana: Researching New England Genealogy
Tuesday, February 15, 11:00am-Noon
History Reference Room
This program is first in a series on the genealogy materials for states other than Indiana that are at the Indiana State Library.  The states covered are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.  Presented by Daina Bohr, Genealogy Collection Librarian

An Indiana Favorite: Cole Porter – the 1930s
Thursday, February 17, 5:30-6:30pm
Indiana Author’s Room
Cole Porter was born in Peru, Indiana in 1891. Porter’s music made an impact on American entertainment in the middle of the 20th century. Come learn about Porter’s life while listening to his tunes from the 1930s. Presented by Katharine Springer, Indiana State Data Center Coordinator

Citizens Historical Association
Wednesday, February 22, Noon-1:00pm
Indiana Author’s Room
Learn about the relationship between the Citizens Historical Association and the Indiana Historical Bureau, and the large collection of biographies at the State Library gathered as part of this project. Presented by Janet Meek, Indiana Collection Librarian

Finding Female Ancestors
Thursday, February 24, 5:30-6:30pm
History Reference Room
This program will explore resources and practices in finding the women in your family tree.  Presented by Leigh Anne Johnson, Genealogy Collection Librarian