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HEADLINE: Celebrate Family History Month @ the Indiana State Library

INDIANAPOLIS (October 1, 2012) – An old adage tells us that "it's better to look for dead people than have them looking for you." In October, Hoosiers can stop waiting to discover their family roots and start taking advantage of a full month of Family History Month programming at the Indiana State Library.  A full schedule of events will offer great opportunities to learn more about the myriad of resources available for experienced and novice family history researchers housed in one of the Midwest’s largest genealogy collections. Anyone interested in family history research is invited to visit the State Library for one or more these unique workshops and events:

“These programs are designed to give attendees a broader view of their heritage,” said Roberta L. Brooker, Indiana’s State Librarian. “While Hoosiers have wide-range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, we also share many unique characteristics with one another. These events highlight both our unique and shared cultures.”

In addition to these great workshops, the State Library is also hosting a one-day Indiana Genealogy & Local History Fair on October 27 from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM. Guests are welcomed to visit the “midway” to collect information from genealogical and local history organizations and Indiana public libraries, and shop the commercial vendors. Various programs will be offered during the day with topics that include Digging for Data in Back Rooms and Basements by Bruce Oakley, family history researcher; Your Grandma Wasn’t a Cherokee Princess by Dark Rain Thom, author and family historian; and Genealogy is like a Potato by James Alexander Thom, author and researcher.

If your simply in the mood to learn more about the State Library's Genealogy Collection and its holdings, please join us for one of seven no-frills Family History Tours scheduled throughout October. Visit www.in.gov/library/events.htm for a complete listing of tour times and dates. Additionally, each Wednesday during Family History Month Daughters of the American Revolutions volunteers will be present from 1:00-3:00 PM to answer questions about the organization & help those interested in joining complete applications.

“Human nature causes most of us to be curious about our family’s origins,” said  Brooker. “Genealogy may seem like a painstaking process, but the resources and staff available at the State Library can simplify your family history research.”

More information about these events and others hosted by the Indiana State Library are available at www.in.gov/library/events.htm.  The State Library’s award-winning Genealogy Collection website (Family Tree Magazine 2011 Best State Websites) has several additional resources available online and accessible 24/7 from your home, work or school computer.

About the Genealogy Collection (http://www.in.gov/library/genealogy.htm)
The Genealogy Collection has developed over time to become one of the largest collections of family history information in the Midwest. The collection includes 40,000 printed items (family histories, indexes to records, how-to books, cemetery transcriptions, family history magazines, and more) as well as microfilmed federal census records, Indiana county records, passenger lists, and military pension information. The collection includes 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.

About the Indiana State Library (http://www.library.IN.gov)
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.

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