For Immediate Release:

RELEASE: State Library Genealogy Website Named "Best State Website" by Family Tree Magazine

INDIANAPOLIS (December 18, 2012) - Family Tree Magazine, America's #1 family history publication recently recognized the Indiana State Library Genealogy Collection among the “2012 Best State Websites.” This is the second-consecutive year the State Library has received this designation. The Genealogy Collection’s website offers several features and resources that can assist visitors with their family history research. The website highlights statewide indexes to marriages, deaths, biographies and newspapers, as well as vital records and indexes for each of Indiana’s 92 counties.

"We are very grateful to Family Tree Magazine for recognizing the State Library's online genealogy resources in consecutive years," said Roberta L. Brooker, State Librarian of Indiana. “Our goal is to provide Hoosiers with instant access to the considerable Genealogy resources at the State Library. This designation will certainly connect more researchers to our online resources.”

The Genealogy Collection has developed over time to become one of the largest collections of family history information in the Midwest. In addition to its abundant online resources, the collection includes over 40,000 printed items as well as microfilmed federal census records, Indiana county records, passenger lists, military pension information and hundreds of CDs with family history information. The emphasis of the collection is on Indiana and bordering states, as well as eastern and southern states. Resources for Native American and African-American family history research are also available.

“We strive to build an online presence that complements the State Library's extensive Genealogy Collection,” said Brooker. “We want family history researchers to understand what is available and how to utilize our Genealogy Collection via online resources, reference assistance or in-house and statewide programming.”

Additional assistance is available for online researchers via the Ask-A-Librarian service, which offers phone, email and live chat options. The State Library also offers Family History Tours at least twice monthly, as well as several family history workshops. A complete listing of State Library events and workshops may be viewed online. The State Library also brings workshops to local communities.  Inquire about hosting a local workshop by calling 317-232-3689.

In addition to the Genealogy Collection, the Indiana Digital Archives was recognized by Family Tree Magazine as a  “Best State Website” for a third-consecutive year.

About the Indiana State Library
The Indiana State Library was established in 1825 to provide library services to Indiana’s state governmental officials and employees. Since that time, the responsibilities of the State Library have expanded to provide services to all citizens of Indiana. Just as the Library of Congress serves as the historical repository for our nation, the State Library is responsible for collecting and preserving all types of information and data about the state of Indiana. Everyone is welcome to visit the State Library. Our professional staff is available to assist with research questions, offer expertise on a variety of subject matters, including genealogy, and provide general guidance and information about materials in the Library’s collections.

About Family Tree Magazine
Family Tree Magazine, America's #1 family history magazine, is the first mass-market, beginner-friendly genealogy magazine. It covers all areas of potential interest to family history enthusiasts, reaching beyond strict genealogy research to include historical travel, family reunions, scrapbooking, oral history, ethnic heritage, memoirs and other ways that families connect with their pasts. Family Tree Magazine strives to give readers all the resources they need to discover, preserve and celebrate their family histories, and to provide engaging, easy-to-understand instruction that empowers readers to take the next step in the quest for their pasts.

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Media Contact: Drew Griffis
317-650-6158, agriffis@library.in.gov