Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library, No. 41, July 31, 2007 | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Genealogy Gems (genealogygemsgenealogycenter.info) | |
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:08:09 -0700 (PDT) |
Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 41, July 31, 2007 In this issue: *An August to Remember *The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History *Miami Indian Microfilm Collection *Countdown to Conference 2007 *Preservation Tip of the Month *Area Calendar of Events *Sneak Peak at October's Family History Month Program Line-up *Driving Directions to the Library *Parking at the Library *Queries for the Department *************************************** An August to Remember by Curt B. Witcher *************************************** After many months of planning, it is hard to believe that the Federation of Genealogical Societies' annual conference is just a few short days away. As she has done for many months now, Elaine Kuhn has an informative piece on conference activities in this issue of the e-zine. Indeed, her top ten list is not to be missed. Online registration will be open for several more days. Even when that is closed, you're more than welcome to register onsite. Onsite registration hours are listed at FGSConference.org along with much other useful data about the conference. It will be some time before one of the national conferences in the family history field is back in Fort Wayne. Don't be among those who end up regretting not attending the conference after it is over. Make it an August to remember by attending this "meeting at the crossroads of America!" While August will be a month to remember, July was a bit memorable as well. On July 10th, the GenealogyCenter.Info website successfully served up its 1,000,000th search result page. (1,000,599 to be exact!) The library's Genealogy Center will continue to commit to providing genealogical and historical information about Allen County, Indiana, the United States, and beyond. Through this site and our partnership with the Foundation for Online Genealogy at WeRelate.org, look for many good things in the future. *************************************** "The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History" by Don Litzer *************************************** Genealogists fervently occupy themselves with pursuing the "what" of their ancestors' history—facts about individuals that, taken together, comprise skeletons of fact about their lives which, in turn, may lead to research success elsewhere. Getting to the next level, to put flesh on those skeletons of fact, is to reach beyond the "what" to the "how" and "why"—the economic, social, religious, and cultural forces prompting our ancestors' life choices, such as emigrating, pioneering, settling, and migrating, or worshipping, protesting, and taking up arms. Memoirs and other personal narratives may explore these motivations, but are all too rare. Area research—intensely studying the history of the immediate localities in which our ancestors lived—may also provide insight into the "why" of our ancestors' lives. However, to get at the global hows and whys, the study of historical geography—how humans interact with their environment and create a cultural landscape—can provide valuable insight into our ancestors and their world. D. W. Meinig's four-volume series, "The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History," sets out to present a fresh interpretation of the forces that attended America's development from a series of precarious European footholds to a global power. "Atlantic America, 1492-1800" shows how American settlements in the colonial and early national period evolved from outliers of European mercantilism to a matrix of distinct regional societies. "Continental America, 1800-1867" emphasizes that the expansion into continental America was full of uncertainty and unpredictability by describing and assessing the emerging patterns of cities, waterways, roads, railways, and attempts at national planning, and by integrating the story of secession, war and reconstruction. The series' third volume, "Transcontinental America 1850-1915," begins with the struggle of where to build the Pacific railway and thereby fix the nation's first transcontinental axis, and then discusses the nation's evolution in various regions and aspects: describing the American West as a collection of diverse settlements, the South as emerging from Reconstruction with a distinctive economy and ethnicity, and the effects of industrialization on a nation's wealth and power. The final volume, "Global America: 1915-2000," puts into perspective the effects of the automobile and other technology on population shifts, residential patterns, lifestyles and America's growing connections with Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Meinig is not only thorough in describing the economic, cultural, and social forces that have brought us to the present day, but presents his material in a readable style that non-professionals will find approachable. In addition, the text is liberally enhanced by maps, illustrations, and other images that demonstrate the concepts being discussed. These features make "The Shaping of America" series a pleasure to read. Every day more of us find it difficult to remember life before the cell phone…before the personal computer…before the interstate highway. Very few of us can remember a time before the automobile revolutionized transportation and the concept of personal mobility. "The Shaping of America," in setting aside politicians and other famous historical characters to bring out the underlying historical trends that influenced the decisions made by regular people, helps us to understand our ancestors' world, and enrich and build upon the history genealogists strive to uncover. *************************************** Miami Indian Microfilm Collection by Mary D. Kraeszig *************************************** The Genealogy Center collection includes several rolls of microfilm concerning the Miami Indian tribe during the 19th century. Some of these are best suited to local historians or ethnographers, but others contain hard-to-find genealogical information about tribe members. The Miami Indian census of 1881 lists 321 members of the tribe from Indiana who were entitled to share in the proceeds of the Treaty of St. Mary's. Information recorded for each individual includes their enumeration number in the 1854, 1880, and 1881 censuses; names as originally spelled, with English aliases; relationship to the head of family; age; sex; number of the ancestor on the 1854 census; name of ancestor as originally spelled in the 1854 census; relation to ancestor; current spelling of name; residence (broad, such as "Near Ft. Wayne, Ind."); and remarks (errors in previous censuses, birth dates, recent deaths, previous spellings of the name, etc.). The same roll of microfilm also contains the 1895 Annuity Pay-Roll which lists 440 Miami, each of whom received $99.49 from the U.S. government. The annuity roll includes "last" and "present" numbers, names (with English aliases when a native name is used), age, sex, payment, marks and signatures, signatures of witnesses, the date of receipt, and remarks. Researchers should keep in mind that the native name of a Miami adult could change throughout his or her life. Other microfilm in our collection includes The Account of Traditions, Manners and Customs of the Twaatwaa or Miami Indians by C.C. Trowbridge, a handwritten manuscript from about 1825 describing the culture of the Miami people. The other three microfilm rolls pertaining to the Miami were filmed by the National Archives and include letters received by the Office of Indian Affairs. Roll 416 includes letters relating to the Miami Agency from 1824-1841 and 1846-1850, and Roll 417 contains letters regarding the land reserved for the Miami. Both of these microfilm rolls have greater historical than genealogical significance. However, Roll 418 contains correspondence regarding the Miami forced emigration from 1842-1853, including several different lists of tribe members who were moved or exempt from being moved. Some lists, such as the Miami Indians descended from Frances Slocum (a white woman captured by the Delaware who eventually married Miami chief Shepoconah), includes each individual's native name, age, and relationship to Frances Slocum (also known as Maconaquah). Other lists, such as the Miami families not permitted to remain in Indiana, included only the native name of the head of household and the total number of individuals in that family. The lists in Roll 418 plus the 1881 census and 1895 annuity roll may be helpful to researchers trying to identify Miami ancestors who lived in northern Indiana during the 19th century. Historians and ethnographers should find all of this microfilm useful and interesting. The only drawback to these materials is that none are indexed. *************************************** Countdown to Conference 2007! by Elaine M. Kuhn *************************************** We're at less than a month to go now until the 2007 FGS/ACPL Conference, and the excitement is almost palpable! With such a huge gathering of genealogists, local historians and knowledgeable speakers, not to mention the endless opportunities for networking, learning and just plain enjoyment, now is a good time to go over the top ten reasons why this conference is destined for greatness: 10. The Grand Wayne Center and the Allen County Public Library are comfortably air conditioned. You'll have none of that sultry August air to distract you. 9. The Exhibit Hall, drawings for prizes, shopping…need I say more? 8. The Youth Fair to be held on Saturday, August 18th. There will be music, reenactors, demonstrations of folk ways, and representatives from area youth agencies and genealogical societies on hand. Youth of all ages are invited to attend, including the young at heart. 7. Participants in the Librarians' Day activities on Wednesday, August 15th, will receive an in-depth tour of the renovated Allen County Public Library's main facility from none other than the Genealogy Center's own Curt Witcher. 6. Conference goers will have the opportunity to eat breakfast at Cindy's Diner, a downtown Fort Wayne landmark located at the corner of Wayne and Harrison Streets. Go early to get a seat (you'll understand why when you see the building) and order a plate of garbage...seriously, it's one of their specialties. 5. The great variety of speakers at the conference. Here's your chance to hear some of the most knowledgeable people in their respective fields speak about topics ranging from slave ancestry research to building a society website to Jewish genealogy and electronic publishing. 4. Participants in the Association of Professional Genealogists' Professional Management Conference, to be held Wednesday, August 15th, will enjoy a day filled with presentations designed to help genealogists grow their businesses and "Rev It Up!" 3. The conference luncheons and banquet. Good food, fellowship, excellent speakers, could you ask for a better combination? 2. The opportunity to sample the wonders of the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library. Early morning and late night extended hours will allow you to research until your eyes get fuzzy. Let's see a show of hands now - how many of you told your families that the conference really *will* last longer than scheduled just so you could spend a few extra days at the library?? It's okay to admit it! 1. Four fun-filled, education-packed days of camaraderie with your fellow enthusiasts in one of the most genealogist-friendly cities in the country. May you meet many new friends and connect with your old ones, too! Keep in mind that you still can register for the conference if you haven't already. Go to the FGS/ACPL 2007 Conference website at http://www.FGSConference.org where you can register online or print a registration form and mail it in. The conference website also contains information about lodging. See you at the conference! *************************************** Preservation Tip of the Month by Becky Schipper *************************************** When consulting old documents, place them flat on the table or desk where you are working. They should be kept away from the edges of the work surface and also be supported on a blotter or heavy acid-free paper that is larger than the item itself. Make certain that your hands are clean and dry before beginning, and handle any paper object as gently and infrequently as possible. If the object must be consulted frequently, place it in a Mylar sleeve to protect it from further deterioration. *************************************** Area Calendar of Events *************************************** Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI) +Sep. 12, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Allen County Public Library's Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. Genealogy Center manager Curt Witcher will speak about updates in the Genealogy Center. +Oct. 10, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Allen County Public Library's Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. John Kalb of the Indiana Postal History Society will speak about early correspondence and stampless folded letters. +Nov. 14, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Allen County Public Library's Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. John Hannigan will speak about 21st Century military veterans of Allen County and an effort to record them. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) "First Wednesday" program of lineage assistance is Wednesday, May 2nd from 9 am – 7 pm. Expert help from members of the DAR on becoming a member of that organization. *************************************** Sneak Peak at October's Family History Month Line-up *************************************** Monday, October 1, 2007: Using Ancestry.com Tuesday, October 2, 2007: Irish Civil Registration & Other Vital Records Sources Wednesday October 3, 2007: Daughters of the American Revolution Research Assistance for Membership Thursday October 4, 2007: Griffith's Valuation & The Land Ordinance Survey Maps—What They Are, Why They Are Useful, and How to Use Them. Friday October 5, 2007: Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog Saturday October 6, 2007: Beginning Genealogy [Contact Marge Graham at 260-672-2585 or Gramar57 [at] aol.com] Monday October 8, 2007: Image Restoration Tuesday October 9, 2007: Making Genealogy Contacts via the Internet Wednesday October 10, 2007: Uses of Early Correspondence and Stampless Folded Letters Thursday October 11, 2007: Preserving Your Family History Through Scrapbooking Friday October 12, 2007: WeRelate – the Genealogy Wiki Saturday October 13, 2007: Indiana Court Records Sunday October 14, 2007: The History of the Bourbon Whiskey Industry in Kentucky Monday October 15, 2007: Using Flickr to Document Your Genealogy Tuesday, October 16, 2007: Who Went Where and Did What? Using Directories in One's Genealogical Research. Wednesday October 17, 2007: Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana Computer Interest Group meeting Thursday October 18, 2007: Choosing and Using a Digital Camera for Genealogy Friday October 19, 2007: Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog Saturday October 20, 2007: Picturing Your Past: Scrapbooking Workshop Sunday October 21: Introduction to Scottish Research Monday October 22, 2007: Using PERSI (Periodical Source Index) Tuesday October 23, 2007: Using the Online Catalogs for Genealogy Wednesday October 24, 2007: Using Local Sources Thursday October 25, 2007: Creating a Family History Website 101 Friday October 26, 2007: Midnight Madness--Extended Research Hours [Genealogy Center open from 9 am to 12 midnight] Saturday October 27, 2007: Using Ancestry.com Sunday October 28, 2007: What's in a German Place Name Monday October 29, 2007: Not Just Ancestry -- Learning About Genealogy and the Internet Tuesday October 30, 2007: Hidden Treasures: Genealogical Resources in Small Community Libraries Wednesday October 31, 2007: Haunted Fort Wayne *************************************** Driving Directions to the Library *************************************** Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Department. To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Webster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1 >From the South Exit Interstate 69 at exit 102. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard. Using US 27: US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right. >From the North Exit Interstate 69 at exit 112. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right. >From the West Using US 30: Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Road. Coming up to an angled street (State Street) and make an angled left turn. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right. Using US 24: After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South. >From the East Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right. *************************************** Parking at the Library *************************************** At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $70. Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day). Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. It is free to park on the street after 5pm and on the weekends. Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5pm and 11pm. *************************************** Genealogy Center Queries *************************************** The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee. If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you'd like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info. *************************************** Publishing Note: *************************************** This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause. To subscribe to "Genealogy Gems," simply use your browser to go to the website: www.FriendsOfAllenCounty.org. Scroll down toward the bottom of the first screen where it says, "Enter Your Email Address to Subscribe to "Genealogy Gems." Enter your email address in the yellow box and click on "Subscribe." You will be notified with a confirmation email. If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of GenealogyGems you just received or send an email to kspears [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line. Curt Witcher, editor pro-tem
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