June 30, 2009

The Library of Michigan invites both beginning and experienced family historians to explore techniques and resources to improve their genealogy research skills by attending the 2009 Abrams Genealogy Seminar Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing.

A highlight of the seminar will be a keynote address, co-sponsored by the Eaton County Genealogical Society, featuring Stephen Morse, famous for his "One-Step" Web pages at http://stephenmorse.org. These online search tools provide genealogists with invaluable information on topics as diverse as Ellis Island ship lists; U.S., Canadian and British census records; and even calendar conversions and language translation.

"A signature event for the Library of Michigan, this fourth annual Abrams seminar presents a unique opportunity for researchers to spend two full days at the library, utilizing our vast array of genealogy resources - one of the country's largest - and learning about specific topics of interest," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "It's also a chance to hear from the man behind a unique and innovative resource that can help simplify the search for your ancestors."

Participants may mix and match sessions from three research tracks. The first two highlight resources available in the Abrams Foundation Historical Collection at the Library of Michigan, focusing on a variety of topics such as cemetery research, Michigan death records, online research for the British Isles and many more.

The third track features sessions spotlighting the collections at the Library of Michigan and other regional libraries, including the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library, the Capital Area District Library in Lansing and the Allen County (Ind.) Public Library.

Registration for the 2009 Abrams Genealogy Seminar is $40. This includes a boxed lunch on Saturday and a seminar syllabus. Eaton County Genealogical Society members are eligible for a discounted registration rate of $25.

The Sheraton Lansing Hotel (925 S. Creyts Road, Lansing) is offering a special discounted rate of $89 for participants. Call (517) 323-7100 for reservations, and mention the Abrams Genealogy Seminar to receive the discount.

The complete schedule of events and registration form for the Abrams Genealogy Seminar are available at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory.

If you have any questions, please contact the Library of Michigan's Special Collections Services at (517) 373-1300. Parking is available in the Library's parking lot off Kalamazoo Street. The Library is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

The Library of Michigan promotes, advocates and consistently works to achieve the highest level of library service to the state of Michigan and its residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan.

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, HAL 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).