September 29, 2004

October isn't just a time for sharing ghost stories.  At the Michigan Library and Historical Center, October offers a great opportunity for discovering true-to-life family stories and sharing the unique traditions and heritage that shape who we are.

To mark Family History Month at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is pleased to announce a diverse and entertaining mix of genealogy programs for beginners, experts and everyone in between.  The lineup of sessions will focus on the most efficient ways to research family histories, creative methods to preserve keepsakes and traditions, and opportunities to celebrate individual and community heritage.

All events will take place at the Michigan Library and Historical Center (702 W. Kalamazoo St., in downtown Lansing), are open to the public, and most are free. For a full listing of events and to register for classes, visit www.michigan.gov/familyhistory, call (517) 373-1300 or e-mail familyhistory@michigan.gov.  Seating is limited and advance registration is recommended.

"If you've always had an interest in your own history and our collective history but didn't know how to get started, Family History Month is a perfect time to take the plunge," said HAL Director Dr. William Anderson.  "The folks in our department can provide a remarkable level of guidance and know-how when it comes to making the connection from past to present."

Although shorter genealogy programs will run on weekdays throughout October, the following full-day events will be offered on Saturdays throughout Family History Month:
 
Michigan Archaeology Day - Saturday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit with archaeologists in the galleries of the Michigan Historical Museum, learn about native peoples, settlers and shipwrecks, see displays about archaeological digs and underwater archaeology in Michigan, watch a flintknapper demonstrate the making of stone tools and projectile points, and join in hands-on activities like using throwing an atlatl, a spear-thrower used by native people long ago.

Civil War Saturday - Saturday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Step back in time to Civil War-era Michigan, as re-enactors provide living history presentations; enjoy movie selections from popular Hollywood films; hear presentations on Michigan and the Civil War, How to Research Your Civil War Ancestor, and a special session on how to become a Civil War re-enactor; see special Civil War displays and infantry demonstrations; and hear examples of Civil War period music.

Michigan Genealogical Council Seminar - Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn from the experts with programs exploring various genealogy topics including Michigan-specific research, using newspapers in family history research, and more.  For registration information, please visit the council's Web site at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~mimgc/.

Michigan Oral History Association Conference - Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This conference will provide a look at how this unique means of sharing stories can aid family history researchers.  For more details, registration and fee structure, please contact the association at 5580 W. State Road, Lansing, 48906, call (517) 321-1746 or e-mail gwiskemann@arq.net.

Local History Day - Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate community history with programs that explore Lansing's heritage.  Presenters include Jim MacLean and Craig Whitford, authors of "Lansing: City on the Grand, 1836-1939," Michael Rodriguez, author of "R.E. Olds and Industrial Lansing," and Terry Shaffer of the Michigan State University Museum, who will discuss aspects of researching a family farm's history.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage, and fostering cultural creativity.  The department includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.