Sept. 23, 2008

The Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan today invited family history researchers to explore genealogy resources throughout October at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in downtown Lansing. A different half-day workshop will be presented each week during Family History Month, and participants may attend either morning or afternoon sessions.

"Family History Month annually encourages Michigan residents to discover their heritage and learn about what life was like for the generations who came before us," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "We offer sessions for those just beginning to map their family trees, as well as programs exploring new and growing online resources of interest to researchers with varying levels of experience."

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm again has proclaimed October as Family History Month in Michigan. Her proclamation reads, in part: "Michigan's many libraries, archives and museums provide a rich repository of information about our ancestors and their lives, and the citizens of Michigan should be encouraged to gather and appreciate family lore, customs, and traditions of their ancestors and to appreciate the richness of the lives of the lives of their ancestors."

Because seating for Family History Month programs is limited, registration is recommended. Sign up online or get more information at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory, by e-mail at librarian@michigan.gov or by phone to the Library of Michigan's Special Collections Services, (517) 373-1300.

The genealogy workshops will focus on a wide range of resources, with classes covering the following topics:

9-11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, or 1-3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8

• Beginning Your Family History Research
• Discovering Family History Resources at the Library of Michigan
• Genealogical Resources at the Archives of Michigan

• Michigan City Directory Resources at the Library of Michigan
• Michigan Vital Records Research
• Mapping a New Course

• Library of Michigan's Cemetery Sources Database
• Polish Resources at the Library of Michigan
• Seeking Michigan: A New Electronic Resource

• Family History Resources on the Internet
• Death Records Digitization Project
• Thank God for Michigan: Archives of Michigan Civil War Project

The Michigan Library and Historical Center is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown 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 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).