Sept. 26, 2007

To celebrate Family History Month and to encourage genealogy research year-round, the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan will offer free genealogy workshops throughout October at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in downtown Lansing. A different half-day workshop will be presented each week, and participants may attend either morning or afternoon sessions.

Governor Jennifer Granholm recently proclaimed October as Family History Month in Michigan. Her proclamation reads, in part: "Each of us belongs to a family with traditions and heritage that help determine who we are and where we come from. ? The citizens of Michigan should be encouraged to gather the family lore, customs and traditions of their ancestors and to appreciate the richness of the lives of their ancestors and the importance of the individual within the fabric of Michigan's cultural heritage."

"Family History Month intends to inspire Michiganians to celebrate their heritage by discovering their roots," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "The sessions will give participants a chance to learn more about beginning their genealogy, while also demonstrating research techniques for family historians at all levels."

October's genealogy workshops will focus on a wide range of resources, from rare, printed primary sources to online databases and Web sites. Classes will cover the following topics:

Getting Started
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 or 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3
Beginning Your Family History Research
Discovering the Genealogy Resources at the Library of Michigan
Family History Resources at the Archives of Michigan

Using Rare and Unique Items
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 or 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10
Rare Book Resources
Preservation Hints for Your Family History Treasures
Genealogy of a House

Online Resources
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 or 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17
Effectively Using HeritageQuest Online
Family History Resources on the Internet
Ancestry Library Edition

Special Collections
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 or 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24
Vital Records at the Library of Michigan
Filling In for Missing 1890 Census Information
Military Records at the Archives of Michigan

Catching Up
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 or 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31
Beginning Your Family History Research
Effectively Using HeritageQuest Online
Genealogy of a House

Additionally, the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council will co-sponsor the Michigan Genealogical Council Seminar from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20. The event includes tours, workshops and the presentation of the Genealogist of the Year Award. Registration is $17, which includes a $5 donation to the Library of Michigan and a $5 donation to the Michigan Genealogical Council.

Seating for Family History Month programs is limited, so registration is recommended. Sign up online at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory, by e-mail at librarian@michigan.gov or by phone at (517) 373-1300. If you have any questions, please contact the Library of Michigan's Special Collections Services at (517) 373-1300.

The Michigan Library and Historical Center is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing. Parking is available at the Michigan Library and Historical Center's parking lot off Kalamazoo Street.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes 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 (HAL).