| Genealogy Gems: News from the Allen County Public Library at Fort Wayne, No. 251, January 31, 2025 | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Genealogy Gems (genealogygems genealogycenter.info)
|
|
| Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:40:12 -0500 | |
Genealogy Gems: News from the Allen County Public Library at Fort Wayne
No. 251, January 31, 2025
In this issue:
*Beginning, Continuing, and Beginning Again: Discoveries in the Genealogy Center
*Exploring ArchiveGrid: The Genealogist’s Secret Weapon
*Beyond Boundaries: Using Ireland's Ordnance Survey Maps for Family History
*PERSI Gems: Reaching for a Rolling Pin
*Preservation Tips: Preserving Diaries & Journals
*History Tidbits: Tarpon Springs, Florida--The Most Greek City in America
*Genealogy Center’s February 2025 Programs
*Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
*Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
*Genealogy Center Social Media
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Genealogy Center Queries
*Publishing Note
***************************************
Beginning, Continuing, and Beginning Again: Discoveries in the Genealogy Center
by Curt B. Witcher
***************************************
This time of the year the Genealogy Center welcomes groups and individuals making time in these first weeks to start exploring their families’ histories, or continuing their exploration after the welcome interruption of the holidays, or perhaps actually beginning again after many years of simply not being able to find the time to do genealogy. Whatever the reason, the Genealogy Center can be a great playground for those looking to find their families’ stories. There are a significant number of reasons for that.
First, the Genealogy Center has nearly seventy-thousand compiled family histories in book form. Indeed, those tomes fill the shelves of the entire reading room on the west side of the Center. One can browse those shelves for main surnames of interest and, even better in many instances, one can search our online catalog by the surname of interest married to the word “family.” Examples would be Witcher family, Lee family, Jones family, and the like. When you find a resource of interest in our Genealogy Center “research” catalog (different from our main library catalog), glance or scroll down to the “subjects” section for the title. You may be quite amazed at the number of other families listed in the particular book that also covers your family of interest. Clicking on any one of the subjects under a given title will provide you with a new listing of all the books we have in our print collection under that new family name or geographic location. Both surname and geographic location are critical search elements we should consistently use.
One may also find additional family histories in our microtext catalog--a separate catalog for microfilm and microfiche. While this is not a particularly popular publishing medium today, there was a time when it was cheap, durable, and easily stored and transported. The Genealogy Center microtext catalog can be found at the following link. www.genealogycenter.info/search_microtext.php Some of the family histories are about a single family or small related group of families, e.g. Belknap-“Belknap Family Records;” some are grouped ethnically, e.g. Behrend-“Jewish Family Genealogies and Histories Roll #1;” and some are parts of collections, e.g. “Allred Material and Correspondence, Zabriskie Collection, Roll #7, Item 95” and “A Sketch of the Character of the Late Alexander Baron, M.D. (see South Carolinians Through the 19th Century, Sheet SCHS 55-109).”
If one wants to continue the quest to find surname-based information, the “Periodical Source Index,” or PERSI, definitely must be used. PERSI is the largest subject index to historical and genealogical magazines, newsletters, annuals and quarterlies in the world. More than three million subject entries are available in the database. It is freely accessible from the Genealogy Center website at the following link. www.genealogycenter.info/persi Simply click on the large blue “Surnames” button on the top of the seven search options in the middle of the webpage and start exploring.
A fourth place to look for surname information is on the Genealogy Center’s free databases website entitled “Family Resources.” www.genealogycenter.info/familydb.php You will find five buttons representing an alphabetical range of surnames from which you can select the one that matches your surname of interest. There are hundreds of thousands of pages and images organized by the main surname.
As mentioned previously in this column, in addition to searching under surnames of interest, many know how vitally important it is to also search under geographic locations of interest. The locations where our ancestors may have lived at any time during their lives have a wide variety of documents that evidence their lives and tell their stories. The engaging part of searching for geographically oriented materials in the Genealogy Center collection is that one deploys those same strategies as when looking for surname-oriented materials. First, explore the online catalog under the name of the place; second, search the microtext catalog under various narrower categories; third, use PERSI when there are more than one million location-based resources; and fourth, explore the free online database linked from our website.
So, why do individuals break the winter doldrums by coming to the Genealogy Center? I think we just listed some very good reasons. Add to those very good reasons the significant number of licensed databases freely available in the Center (e.g. Ancestry, MyHeritage, Fold3, Newspapers.com, and so many more) and you have a dynamite opportunity to make discoveries, doing so with a knowledgeable staff who are ready to assist you.
***************************************
Exploring ArchiveGrid: The Genealogist’s Secret Weapon
by Kate McKenzie
***************************************
When exploring your family history, traditional resources like census records, birth certificates, and wills offer valuable insights. However, to uncover richer and more detailed stories about your ancestors, delving into archival materials such as personal letters, diaries, photographs, and local history collections is essential. This is where ArchiveGrid proves to be an invaluable resource for genealogists.
What is ArchiveGrid?
ArchiveGrid, accessible at https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/, is an online database that offers access to detailed archival collection descriptions held by libraries, museums, and historical societies worldwide. Managed by OCLC (the same organization behind WorldCat), it connects researchers to millions of items housed in over 1,000 institutions, ranging from university special collections to local archives.
Unlike some other genealogy platforms, ArchiveGrid doesn’t provide digitized records. Instead, it is geared toward helping you discover where specific collections are located, guiding you to institutions where you can access the physical materials or request digital copies. ArchiveGrid includes records from institutions that might not show up in other genealogy searches, such as small historical societies or obscure manuscript collections.
For example, if you’re searching for ancestors in a specific region, ArchiveGrid can lead you to the archives of local churches, schools, or historical societies that may hold unique records. Imagine finding your ancestor’s personal correspondence or a journal from the 1800s, or employment records. Such items bring stories to life, offering intimate glimpses into their daily lives, relationships, and struggles.
Genealogical research often involves contacting multiple repositories to find relevant materials. ArchiveGrid simplifies this process by allowing you to search many institutions at once, saving countless hours of research.
For instance, when I conducted a broad search for “railroad records,” I received over 19,000 results. Among these were the Laurinburg & Southern Railroad Company records (1920s-1990s) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Central Pacific Railway records (1861-1959) housed at the California State Railway Museum, and the Penn Central Transportation Company records (1835-1981) at the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library, along with many other fascinating collections. While this initial search was quite broad, you can refine your results by specifying a location, repository, or the name of a specific family or organization.
Next, I explored a repository - the Cincinnati History Library and Archives at the Cincinnati Museum Center, which revealed an impressive variety of collections. These included the Ainslie family papers (1826-1889, 1929), the Beverly Hills Supper Club Collection, the Bode Wagon Company collection, and the Carew Tower photoprint collection, among many others.
ArchiveGrid is a powerful yet often underutilized resource for genealogists. By linking researchers to archival collections around the globe, it helps open the door to the deeper, more vivid stories hidden within family history. Whether you're searching for occupational records, family papers, or other unique historical collections, ArchiveGrid helps you uncover the personal details that bring your ancestors' lives into focus.
***************************************
Beyond Boundaries: Using Ireland's Ordnance Survey Maps for Family History
by Elizabeth Hodges
***************************************
For Irish family history researchers, the Ordnance Survey (OS) maps represent a pivotal moment in Ireland's cartographic history - one that transformed how the country's landscape was documented and understood. Created between 1824 and 1846, these maps were part of what the “Freeman's Journal” called "this great national undertaking," offering unprecedented insight into pre-Famine Ireland (O Cionnaith, 154).
The Ordnance Survey began in 1824 when Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, ordered Major Thomas Colby to undertake a comprehensive mapping of Ireland. Unlike previous English mapping projects in Ireland, which were often tied to land confiscation, this survey had a reformative purpose: to create an accurate foundation for tax reform, particularly the local tax known as "cess."
Under Colby's meticulous direction, the project evolved into something far more significant than just tax maps. The survey teams, composed of both military engineers and civilian staff (many being Irish-speaking Catholics), documented everything from major cities to the smallest townlands with scientific precision. This work resulted in the world's first large-scale national mapping project, producing highly detailed maps at a scale of 6 inches to one mile.
These maps offer genealogists several unique advantages:
1. Pre-Famine Documentation: They capture Ireland just before the devastating changes of the Great Famine (1845-1852), showing many communities and structures that later disappeared
2. Administrative Boundaries: Unlike previous maps, they precisely record townland boundaries - crucial for understanding local administration and land records
3. Cultural Heritage: The survey teams collected extensive information about local place names, traditions, and landmarks, much of which was preserved in accompanying documents like the Ordnance Survey Letters and Name Books
The Ordnance Survey maps are now readily accessible through multiple digital platforms. The Digital Archive of Ireland offers a comprehensive collection created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Ordnance Survey's inception. (https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200)
Additional Online Resources:
***GeoHive Hub (https://www.geohive.ie/): A free digital map viewer service with historical overlays. Scroll to the bottom and click “Irish Townloand and Historical Map Viewer”
***Tailte Eireann: Provides access to OSI's historic maps and data, including the Discovery Digital Series (https://bit.ly/3DWDLHX)
***UCD Digital Library: Houses a collection of 19th century OSI historical maps (https://digital.ucd.ie/view/ucdlib:40377)
***National Library of Scotland (1853-1917): Provides access to OSI one-inch to the mile maps (https://bit.ly/42jDEQJ)
These resources include maps from two crucial periods:
- 1837-1842 (6-inch scale)
- 1888-1913 (25-inch scale)
Research Tips:
***Use the overlay feature to compare historical and modern maps - this helps identify surviving structures and understand how the landscape has changed
***Pay attention to the precise documentation of churches, graveyards, schools, and other community buildings where records might exist
***Study neighboring townlands, as families often moved between adjacent areas
***Cross-reference the maps with Griffith's Valuation (1847-1864) to pinpoint ancestral properties
***Check both rural and urban areas - many Irish families moved between countryside and towns
Beyond the basic maps, researchers should also consult associated Ordnance Survey materials:
***OS Letters: Field notes containing detailed descriptions of parishes and local history
https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?f%5Breadonly_collection_ssim%5D%5B%5D=OS+Letters
***Name Books: Records of place name research, including Irish language versions and local pronunciation
https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?f%5Breadonly_collection_ssim%5D%5B%5D=OS+Name+Books&search_field=all_fields
***Memoirs: Detailed written accounts of parishes (primarily for northern counties) containing extensive information about local economy, living conditions, population, social conditions, and traditions, published as a 40-volume set by the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University Belfast. https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?f%5Breadonly_collection_ssim%5D%5B%5D=OS+Memoirs&search_field=all_fields
***Memoir Drawings: Detailed sketches of buildings and antiquities (particularly valuable for northern counties)
https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?q=drawings&search_field=all_fields
The Ordnance Survey maps laid the foundation for modern Irish cartography and continue to serve as an invaluable window into pre-Famine Ireland. Their accuracy and detail, born from Colby's exacting standards and the survey teams' dedication, make them an essential resource for anyone researching Irish family history.
Remember that while these maps are remarkably accurate, they represent a specific moment in time. Changes to boundaries, place names, and local features continued throughout the 19th century, so it's worth consulting maps from different periods to track these changes.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey, take a look at “The Origin of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey” by Finnian O Cionnaith.
O Cionnaith, Finnian. “The Origin of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey.” Dublin, Ireland: Four Courts Press, 2024. ACPL Call #: 941.5 Oc39or
***************************************
PERSI Gems: Reaching for a Rolling Pin
by Adam Barrone and Mike Hudson
***************************************
Heirlooms can be found in every corner of my kitchen. Among the oldest are a Wagner cast-iron skillet, copper-bottomed pans, an enamel water-bath canner, a hand mixer, a meat grinder, a flour sifter, and cookie cutters from Grandma Edith Barrone. My in-laws gifted us a cast-iron griddle, an aluminum roaster, amber glass serving trays, and a mechanical jar opener patented by Edlund in 1933. Mom gave us her wine glasses, an unmarked Wagner cast-iron Dutch oven she purchased from the Hillman China Company in the early 1970s, a teapot from her wedding set, numerous serving bowls, aluminum-handled kitchen knives, and a red Pyrex mixing bowl. My Grandma Edna Crothers, too, contributed to my kitchen with a set of 1970s Foley orange nylon utensils (only the dipper survives), a cedar recipe box, and a rolling pin.
My grandmothers, who grew up frugal during the Great Depression, would see the value in their kitchen tools being used more than a century after their births. Mom always appreciates seeing her old serving bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. My late mother-in-law would be utterly delighted to witness her son-in-law reach for her opener in a moment of surrender to a stuck jar lid.
The next time you reach for an heirloom in your kitchen, we hope you'll take a moment to savor the memories tethered to it. If you reach for grandmother's rolling pin, see it in her hands, hear her voice, smell her kitchen, touch the dough as she once did, and share her story with someone you love.
Reach, also, to the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), for all your rolling-pin research needs. Try a search here:
https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
Barbara Saperstone grandmother's rolling pins, artifacts photo, note, n.d., USA
Mishpacha (Jewish Genealogical Society, Wash. DC), Vol. 39, Issue 3 (Spr 2019)
Cub Scout Jamboree rolling pin throwing contest note, Ron Gardner memories, n.d.
Owsley County (KY) History and Genealogy Society News Letter, Sum 2009
Edel R. Hensley-June Graves rolling pins and dough bowls photo, n.d., TN
Pathways (Union County Historical Society, TN), Vol. 31, Issue 3 (Sep 2012)
Glass rolling pins, 1820s+
Seedling Patch (Lawrence County Historical and Genealogical Society, IN), Vol. 2, Issue 23 (Spr 2001)
Mary Alice Leverett Green remembers receiving a rolling pin, 1908-2001, AL
Southern Times (AL), Issue 126 (Oct 2007)
Rolling pins and pastry delights, Denise Juchli Daubert and the Roger A. Gueutal family, 1904s+
Relatively Speaking (Alberta Genealogical Society), Vol. 43, Issue 2 (May 2015)
Slabtown man sued for divorce, wife hit him on head with rolling pin, Valley Times item 1876
Armstrong County Pennsylvania Genealogy and Museum News, Spr 2014
Stroud brick and rolling pin competition
Innisfil (Ont.) Historical Review, 1967
Tinkham and Mielkie advertising rolling pin, company history note, pre-1919
Fairwater (WI) Historical Society Newsletter, Nov 2010
W. H. Upall and wife win rolling pin contest and 100 yard dash, 1932, OH
Pike Speaks (Pike Co. Genealogical Society, OH), Jun 2009
***************************************
Preservation Tips: Preserving Diaries & Journals
by Christina Clary
***************************************
Some of the best primary sources for learning about the day-to-day lives of ancestors are diaries and journals. They provide insight into their thoughts, personalities, and relationships with family and members of their community. Preserving them properly will keep them accessible so that future generations can view these unique resources.
The terms diary and journal are often used interchangeably. A diary is a chronological record of daily events and reactions to those events, while a journal is used more for reflections and musings. Both are priceless resources for understanding family members and ancestors.
Preserving a diary or journal is similar to preserving a book, the main difference being the handwriting. If the ink is bleeding through the pages or smudging, then interleaving the pages with archival tissue paper will help prevent the ink from damaging other pages.
Similarly, some pencil writing will smudge. In that case, also interleave with archival tissue paper and be sure to carefully handle the item so as to not cause further smudging that could obscure the writing or erase it from the page. Do not use a fixative spray on the item unless recommended by a conservator.
Diaries and journals should be stored individually in archival book boxes or four flap enclosures. Be sure to remove any bookmarks, flowers, or other mementos that may have been tucked in between pages. You can preserve these separately in archival envelopes and put them in the box with manuscript if there is room. Make sure to note where they were placed, as this could be significant. You can also take pictures of the placement of the items before removing them.
Transcribing and scanning a diary or journal is an important part of preservation. Doing so will decrease the amount they are handled and increase their longevity. This also gives you a chance to thoroughly read the manuscripts and extract important information. You can use a flatbed scanner to scan the pages. Be gentle with the manuscript and avoid damaging the spine if using a flatbed scanner. Taking pictures with your phone is also an option, although scanning is preferred.
For an example of preserved and digitized diaries, check out the William E. Warfield Diaries in our Community Album. Warfield was Fort Wayne’s first black real estate investor, among other things, and was one of the leading black citizens in the city in the early 20th century. He kept extensive daily diaries from 1909 up to his death in 1936. They include the names of tenants, meetings with various people, and renovations to his properties. The diaries are an invaluable tool documenting the history of the African American community in Fort Wayne during this time period. You can view them online through the Genealogy Center’s website.
William E. Warfield Diaries
http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/digital/collection/Warfield/id/7516/rec/8
***************************************
History Tidbits: Tarpon Springs, Florida--The Most Greek City in America
by Logan Knight
***************************************
Citizens of the United States can trace their origins to every nook and cranny of the planet. Students learn every day of the massive waves of migration that created our nation as it exists today. Surprising stories of a particular ethnicity in a specific area abound. Let us look at the story of the Greek-American community of Tarpon Springs, Florida.
The city of Tarpon Springs was founded roughly in 1876. Its name derives from the statement of one Mrs. Mary Boyer who, noticing the fish jumping out of the water, exclaimed “See the tarpon spring!” The fish in question was probably a mullet. Tarpon Springs remained a tiny sleepy town until the discovery of sponge beds off the coast. Sponges are immobile aquatic invertebrates that anchor themselves to the sea floor. Humans found out quickly how useful they are as cleaning tools. Just think of how you use a sponge to clean your sink or bathtub. Even though the vast majority used today are artificial, we still call them sponges in tribute. This usefulness has meant that sponge diving has always been a lucrative market. The town was on the cusp of riches but needed a way to get the industry off the floor.
A Greek immigrant provided the answer. John Corcoris was from the small community of Leonidio in the Peloponnese. He immigrated to New York City, where he worked as a sponge buyer. Corcoris came to Tarpon Springs in 1896 on business and realized what a potential windfall was just offshore. He partnered with local sponge fishermen to find modern ways to exploit the beds. They decided on importing large numbers of Greeks. Greeks had been diving for sponges for thousands of years. Even the English word “sponge” derives from ancient Greek. Corcoris went home to let divers know the rich pickings to be had off the coast of Florida. They arrived quickly, bringing expertise, techniques, and equipment. These Greeks would put on large rubber diving suits and descend to the ocean floor to harvest the sponges, like something out of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The immigrants turned Tarpon Springs into the largest sponge producer in the world.
The divers came from all over the Aegean, but most came from the islands of Kalymnos, Halki, Sumi, Hydra, Spetse, and Aegina. As they prospered, other Greeks came to provide goods and services for their countrymen. Greek churches, restaurants, coffeeshops, and other businesses sprouted up. By 1940, three quarters of the city was Greek or of Greek ancestry. While other American cities had bigger Greek populations, none came close to Tarpon Spring’s percentage.
All things must come to an end, and so it happened to the sponge beds of Tarpon Springs. In the late 1940’s, an algae bloom known as “Red Tide” destroyed much of the beds. This event, along with the rise of synthetic sponges, saw the collapse of the traditional sponge industry. Eventually the beds recovered, and there are still a few sponge fishermen plying their traditional trade.
Today, the biggest industry in Tarpon Springs is tourism, and much of that is generated by the picturesque Greek community. People come from all over to stroll down Dodecanese Avenue or Athens Street, enjoying some Greek coffee and baklava. At some point, the tourists will often take a cruise off shore, sailing above the sponge beds that created this vibrant Greek-American community over a century ago.
***************************************
Genealogy Center’s February 2025 Programs
***************************************
Join us for another month of free, virtual and in-person programs!
Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET “45th International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies Conference Information Program” with members of the NE Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society, national IAJGS leaders, and the Genealogy Center manager - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-2trjIoG9Jui9NHeIew0WvjuCRUFv7w#/registration
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “Recognizing Inaccurate and Misleading Genealogical Records, Citations, and Sources” with Bryan Mulcahey - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680398
Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “In-Person DNA & Genealogy Interest Group” with Sara Allen - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12679820
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET “Hidden Gems in the Polish Archives” with Jakub Czuprynski, a virtual program of the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqcOqoqTsiGtEpEmtPvBEbiWeGfgPqYu4k#/registration
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “Give Your Past a Future - An Introduction to WeAre.xyz” with Simon Davies - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12687468
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET “Who Needed it Anyway? Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census” with Sara Cochran, an Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana program, in-person in the Genealogy Center Discovery Center and online - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9EDAWUQYSq-U3qsqhO5gqQ#/registration
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “The Genealogy Proof Standard in Action: Finding the Parents and Siblings of a Civil War Ancestor” with Lindsey Harner - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680543
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “DecipherInk: Language Learning for Genealogists” with Taieno Kaiser - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680591
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “Who Walked These Streets? How to Build an Online Platform for Historic Neighborhood Research” with Elizabeth Hodges - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680502
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “Searching for the Smith’s: A Case Study” with Jessica Conklin - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680653
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “Tracing Lineages: Unearthing the Descendants of UVA's Builders with Dr. Shelley Murphy - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680766
Please register in advance for these engaging programs.
***************************************
Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
***************************************
Do you want to know what we have planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We offer email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
***************************************
Have you visited the Allen County Public Library’s online merchandise store? You really need to check it out--we think you will enjoy the offerings! There is a special Genealogy Center section of the store with some pretty cool items. Prepare for the spring conference season by ordering some Genealogy Center merch today! http://acpl.dkmlogo.online/shop/category/4726261?c=4726261 An added benefit is that your purchases support the Friends of the Allen County Public Library, and they in turn support the Genealogy Center.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Social Media
***************************************
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenealogyCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genealogycenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACPLGenealogy
Blog: http://www.genealogycenter.org/Community/Blog.aspx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askacpl
***************************************
Driving Directions to the Library
***************************************
Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 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 Center.
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 302. 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 312. 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 Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. 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 $90.
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. The meters take credit cards and charge at a rate of $1/hour. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. 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 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
***************************************
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.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. 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 Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to sspearswells [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line.
Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors
No. 251, January 31, 2025
In this issue:
*Beginning, Continuing, and Beginning Again: Discoveries in the Genealogy Center
*Exploring ArchiveGrid: The Genealogist’s Secret Weapon
*Beyond Boundaries: Using Ireland's Ordnance Survey Maps for Family History
*PERSI Gems: Reaching for a Rolling Pin
*Preservation Tips: Preserving Diaries & Journals
*History Tidbits: Tarpon Springs, Florida--The Most Greek City in America
*Genealogy Center’s February 2025 Programs
*Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
*Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
*Genealogy Center Social Media
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Genealogy Center Queries
*Publishing Note
***************************************
Beginning, Continuing, and Beginning Again: Discoveries in the Genealogy Center
by Curt B. Witcher
***************************************
This time of the year the Genealogy Center welcomes groups and individuals making time in these first weeks to start exploring their families’ histories, or continuing their exploration after the welcome interruption of the holidays, or perhaps actually beginning again after many years of simply not being able to find the time to do genealogy. Whatever the reason, the Genealogy Center can be a great playground for those looking to find their families’ stories. There are a significant number of reasons for that.
First, the Genealogy Center has nearly seventy-thousand compiled family histories in book form. Indeed, those tomes fill the shelves of the entire reading room on the west side of the Center. One can browse those shelves for main surnames of interest and, even better in many instances, one can search our online catalog by the surname of interest married to the word “family.” Examples would be Witcher family, Lee family, Jones family, and the like. When you find a resource of interest in our Genealogy Center “research” catalog (different from our main library catalog), glance or scroll down to the “subjects” section for the title. You may be quite amazed at the number of other families listed in the particular book that also covers your family of interest. Clicking on any one of the subjects under a given title will provide you with a new listing of all the books we have in our print collection under that new family name or geographic location. Both surname and geographic location are critical search elements we should consistently use.
One may also find additional family histories in our microtext catalog--a separate catalog for microfilm and microfiche. While this is not a particularly popular publishing medium today, there was a time when it was cheap, durable, and easily stored and transported. The Genealogy Center microtext catalog can be found at the following link. www.genealogycenter.info/search_microtext.php Some of the family histories are about a single family or small related group of families, e.g. Belknap-“Belknap Family Records;” some are grouped ethnically, e.g. Behrend-“Jewish Family Genealogies and Histories Roll #1;” and some are parts of collections, e.g. “Allred Material and Correspondence, Zabriskie Collection, Roll #7, Item 95” and “A Sketch of the Character of the Late Alexander Baron, M.D. (see South Carolinians Through the 19th Century, Sheet SCHS 55-109).”
If one wants to continue the quest to find surname-based information, the “Periodical Source Index,” or PERSI, definitely must be used. PERSI is the largest subject index to historical and genealogical magazines, newsletters, annuals and quarterlies in the world. More than three million subject entries are available in the database. It is freely accessible from the Genealogy Center website at the following link. www.genealogycenter.info/persi Simply click on the large blue “Surnames” button on the top of the seven search options in the middle of the webpage and start exploring.
A fourth place to look for surname information is on the Genealogy Center’s free databases website entitled “Family Resources.” www.genealogycenter.info/familydb.php You will find five buttons representing an alphabetical range of surnames from which you can select the one that matches your surname of interest. There are hundreds of thousands of pages and images organized by the main surname.
As mentioned previously in this column, in addition to searching under surnames of interest, many know how vitally important it is to also search under geographic locations of interest. The locations where our ancestors may have lived at any time during their lives have a wide variety of documents that evidence their lives and tell their stories. The engaging part of searching for geographically oriented materials in the Genealogy Center collection is that one deploys those same strategies as when looking for surname-oriented materials. First, explore the online catalog under the name of the place; second, search the microtext catalog under various narrower categories; third, use PERSI when there are more than one million location-based resources; and fourth, explore the free online database linked from our website.
So, why do individuals break the winter doldrums by coming to the Genealogy Center? I think we just listed some very good reasons. Add to those very good reasons the significant number of licensed databases freely available in the Center (e.g. Ancestry, MyHeritage, Fold3, Newspapers.com, and so many more) and you have a dynamite opportunity to make discoveries, doing so with a knowledgeable staff who are ready to assist you.
***************************************
Exploring ArchiveGrid: The Genealogist’s Secret Weapon
by Kate McKenzie
***************************************
When exploring your family history, traditional resources like census records, birth certificates, and wills offer valuable insights. However, to uncover richer and more detailed stories about your ancestors, delving into archival materials such as personal letters, diaries, photographs, and local history collections is essential. This is where ArchiveGrid proves to be an invaluable resource for genealogists.
What is ArchiveGrid?
ArchiveGrid, accessible at https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/, is an online database that offers access to detailed archival collection descriptions held by libraries, museums, and historical societies worldwide. Managed by OCLC (the same organization behind WorldCat), it connects researchers to millions of items housed in over 1,000 institutions, ranging from university special collections to local archives.
Unlike some other genealogy platforms, ArchiveGrid doesn’t provide digitized records. Instead, it is geared toward helping you discover where specific collections are located, guiding you to institutions where you can access the physical materials or request digital copies. ArchiveGrid includes records from institutions that might not show up in other genealogy searches, such as small historical societies or obscure manuscript collections.
For example, if you’re searching for ancestors in a specific region, ArchiveGrid can lead you to the archives of local churches, schools, or historical societies that may hold unique records. Imagine finding your ancestor’s personal correspondence or a journal from the 1800s, or employment records. Such items bring stories to life, offering intimate glimpses into their daily lives, relationships, and struggles.
Genealogical research often involves contacting multiple repositories to find relevant materials. ArchiveGrid simplifies this process by allowing you to search many institutions at once, saving countless hours of research.
For instance, when I conducted a broad search for “railroad records,” I received over 19,000 results. Among these were the Laurinburg & Southern Railroad Company records (1920s-1990s) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Central Pacific Railway records (1861-1959) housed at the California State Railway Museum, and the Penn Central Transportation Company records (1835-1981) at the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library, along with many other fascinating collections. While this initial search was quite broad, you can refine your results by specifying a location, repository, or the name of a specific family or organization.
Next, I explored a repository - the Cincinnati History Library and Archives at the Cincinnati Museum Center, which revealed an impressive variety of collections. These included the Ainslie family papers (1826-1889, 1929), the Beverly Hills Supper Club Collection, the Bode Wagon Company collection, and the Carew Tower photoprint collection, among many others.
ArchiveGrid is a powerful yet often underutilized resource for genealogists. By linking researchers to archival collections around the globe, it helps open the door to the deeper, more vivid stories hidden within family history. Whether you're searching for occupational records, family papers, or other unique historical collections, ArchiveGrid helps you uncover the personal details that bring your ancestors' lives into focus.
***************************************
Beyond Boundaries: Using Ireland's Ordnance Survey Maps for Family History
by Elizabeth Hodges
***************************************
For Irish family history researchers, the Ordnance Survey (OS) maps represent a pivotal moment in Ireland's cartographic history - one that transformed how the country's landscape was documented and understood. Created between 1824 and 1846, these maps were part of what the “Freeman's Journal” called "this great national undertaking," offering unprecedented insight into pre-Famine Ireland (O Cionnaith, 154).
The Ordnance Survey began in 1824 when Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, ordered Major Thomas Colby to undertake a comprehensive mapping of Ireland. Unlike previous English mapping projects in Ireland, which were often tied to land confiscation, this survey had a reformative purpose: to create an accurate foundation for tax reform, particularly the local tax known as "cess."
Under Colby's meticulous direction, the project evolved into something far more significant than just tax maps. The survey teams, composed of both military engineers and civilian staff (many being Irish-speaking Catholics), documented everything from major cities to the smallest townlands with scientific precision. This work resulted in the world's first large-scale national mapping project, producing highly detailed maps at a scale of 6 inches to one mile.
These maps offer genealogists several unique advantages:
1. Pre-Famine Documentation: They capture Ireland just before the devastating changes of the Great Famine (1845-1852), showing many communities and structures that later disappeared
2. Administrative Boundaries: Unlike previous maps, they precisely record townland boundaries - crucial for understanding local administration and land records
3. Cultural Heritage: The survey teams collected extensive information about local place names, traditions, and landmarks, much of which was preserved in accompanying documents like the Ordnance Survey Letters and Name Books
The Ordnance Survey maps are now readily accessible through multiple digital platforms. The Digital Archive of Ireland offers a comprehensive collection created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Ordnance Survey's inception. (https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200)
Additional Online Resources:
***GeoHive Hub (https://www.geohive.ie/): A free digital map viewer service with historical overlays. Scroll to the bottom and click “Irish Townloand and Historical Map Viewer”
***Tailte Eireann: Provides access to OSI's historic maps and data, including the Discovery Digital Series (https://bit.ly/3DWDLHX)
***UCD Digital Library: Houses a collection of 19th century OSI historical maps (https://digital.ucd.ie/view/ucdlib:40377)
***National Library of Scotland (1853-1917): Provides access to OSI one-inch to the mile maps (https://bit.ly/42jDEQJ)
These resources include maps from two crucial periods:
- 1837-1842 (6-inch scale)
- 1888-1913 (25-inch scale)
Research Tips:
***Use the overlay feature to compare historical and modern maps - this helps identify surviving structures and understand how the landscape has changed
***Pay attention to the precise documentation of churches, graveyards, schools, and other community buildings where records might exist
***Study neighboring townlands, as families often moved between adjacent areas
***Cross-reference the maps with Griffith's Valuation (1847-1864) to pinpoint ancestral properties
***Check both rural and urban areas - many Irish families moved between countryside and towns
Beyond the basic maps, researchers should also consult associated Ordnance Survey materials:
***OS Letters: Field notes containing detailed descriptions of parishes and local history
https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?f%5Breadonly_collection_ssim%5D%5B%5D=OS+Letters
***Name Books: Records of place name research, including Irish language versions and local pronunciation
https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?f%5Breadonly_collection_ssim%5D%5B%5D=OS+Name+Books&search_field=all_fields
***Memoirs: Detailed written accounts of parishes (primarily for northern counties) containing extensive information about local economy, living conditions, population, social conditions, and traditions, published as a 40-volume set by the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University Belfast. https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?f%5Breadonly_collection_ssim%5D%5B%5D=OS+Memoirs&search_field=all_fields
***Memoir Drawings: Detailed sketches of buildings and antiquities (particularly valuable for northern counties)
https://dri.ie/os200/spotlight/os200/catalog?q=drawings&search_field=all_fields
The Ordnance Survey maps laid the foundation for modern Irish cartography and continue to serve as an invaluable window into pre-Famine Ireland. Their accuracy and detail, born from Colby's exacting standards and the survey teams' dedication, make them an essential resource for anyone researching Irish family history.
Remember that while these maps are remarkably accurate, they represent a specific moment in time. Changes to boundaries, place names, and local features continued throughout the 19th century, so it's worth consulting maps from different periods to track these changes.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey, take a look at “The Origin of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey” by Finnian O Cionnaith.
O Cionnaith, Finnian. “The Origin of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey.” Dublin, Ireland: Four Courts Press, 2024. ACPL Call #: 941.5 Oc39or
***************************************
PERSI Gems: Reaching for a Rolling Pin
by Adam Barrone and Mike Hudson
***************************************
Heirlooms can be found in every corner of my kitchen. Among the oldest are a Wagner cast-iron skillet, copper-bottomed pans, an enamel water-bath canner, a hand mixer, a meat grinder, a flour sifter, and cookie cutters from Grandma Edith Barrone. My in-laws gifted us a cast-iron griddle, an aluminum roaster, amber glass serving trays, and a mechanical jar opener patented by Edlund in 1933. Mom gave us her wine glasses, an unmarked Wagner cast-iron Dutch oven she purchased from the Hillman China Company in the early 1970s, a teapot from her wedding set, numerous serving bowls, aluminum-handled kitchen knives, and a red Pyrex mixing bowl. My Grandma Edna Crothers, too, contributed to my kitchen with a set of 1970s Foley orange nylon utensils (only the dipper survives), a cedar recipe box, and a rolling pin.
My grandmothers, who grew up frugal during the Great Depression, would see the value in their kitchen tools being used more than a century after their births. Mom always appreciates seeing her old serving bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. My late mother-in-law would be utterly delighted to witness her son-in-law reach for her opener in a moment of surrender to a stuck jar lid.
The next time you reach for an heirloom in your kitchen, we hope you'll take a moment to savor the memories tethered to it. If you reach for grandmother's rolling pin, see it in her hands, hear her voice, smell her kitchen, touch the dough as she once did, and share her story with someone you love.
Reach, also, to the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), for all your rolling-pin research needs. Try a search here:
https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
Barbara Saperstone grandmother's rolling pins, artifacts photo, note, n.d., USA
Mishpacha (Jewish Genealogical Society, Wash. DC), Vol. 39, Issue 3 (Spr 2019)
Cub Scout Jamboree rolling pin throwing contest note, Ron Gardner memories, n.d.
Owsley County (KY) History and Genealogy Society News Letter, Sum 2009
Edel R. Hensley-June Graves rolling pins and dough bowls photo, n.d., TN
Pathways (Union County Historical Society, TN), Vol. 31, Issue 3 (Sep 2012)
Glass rolling pins, 1820s+
Seedling Patch (Lawrence County Historical and Genealogical Society, IN), Vol. 2, Issue 23 (Spr 2001)
Mary Alice Leverett Green remembers receiving a rolling pin, 1908-2001, AL
Southern Times (AL), Issue 126 (Oct 2007)
Rolling pins and pastry delights, Denise Juchli Daubert and the Roger A. Gueutal family, 1904s+
Relatively Speaking (Alberta Genealogical Society), Vol. 43, Issue 2 (May 2015)
Slabtown man sued for divorce, wife hit him on head with rolling pin, Valley Times item 1876
Armstrong County Pennsylvania Genealogy and Museum News, Spr 2014
Stroud brick and rolling pin competition
Innisfil (Ont.) Historical Review, 1967
Tinkham and Mielkie advertising rolling pin, company history note, pre-1919
Fairwater (WI) Historical Society Newsletter, Nov 2010
W. H. Upall and wife win rolling pin contest and 100 yard dash, 1932, OH
Pike Speaks (Pike Co. Genealogical Society, OH), Jun 2009
***************************************
Preservation Tips: Preserving Diaries & Journals
by Christina Clary
***************************************
Some of the best primary sources for learning about the day-to-day lives of ancestors are diaries and journals. They provide insight into their thoughts, personalities, and relationships with family and members of their community. Preserving them properly will keep them accessible so that future generations can view these unique resources.
The terms diary and journal are often used interchangeably. A diary is a chronological record of daily events and reactions to those events, while a journal is used more for reflections and musings. Both are priceless resources for understanding family members and ancestors.
Preserving a diary or journal is similar to preserving a book, the main difference being the handwriting. If the ink is bleeding through the pages or smudging, then interleaving the pages with archival tissue paper will help prevent the ink from damaging other pages.
Similarly, some pencil writing will smudge. In that case, also interleave with archival tissue paper and be sure to carefully handle the item so as to not cause further smudging that could obscure the writing or erase it from the page. Do not use a fixative spray on the item unless recommended by a conservator.
Diaries and journals should be stored individually in archival book boxes or four flap enclosures. Be sure to remove any bookmarks, flowers, or other mementos that may have been tucked in between pages. You can preserve these separately in archival envelopes and put them in the box with manuscript if there is room. Make sure to note where they were placed, as this could be significant. You can also take pictures of the placement of the items before removing them.
Transcribing and scanning a diary or journal is an important part of preservation. Doing so will decrease the amount they are handled and increase their longevity. This also gives you a chance to thoroughly read the manuscripts and extract important information. You can use a flatbed scanner to scan the pages. Be gentle with the manuscript and avoid damaging the spine if using a flatbed scanner. Taking pictures with your phone is also an option, although scanning is preferred.
For an example of preserved and digitized diaries, check out the William E. Warfield Diaries in our Community Album. Warfield was Fort Wayne’s first black real estate investor, among other things, and was one of the leading black citizens in the city in the early 20th century. He kept extensive daily diaries from 1909 up to his death in 1936. They include the names of tenants, meetings with various people, and renovations to his properties. The diaries are an invaluable tool documenting the history of the African American community in Fort Wayne during this time period. You can view them online through the Genealogy Center’s website.
William E. Warfield Diaries
http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/digital/collection/Warfield/id/7516/rec/8
***************************************
History Tidbits: Tarpon Springs, Florida--The Most Greek City in America
by Logan Knight
***************************************
Citizens of the United States can trace their origins to every nook and cranny of the planet. Students learn every day of the massive waves of migration that created our nation as it exists today. Surprising stories of a particular ethnicity in a specific area abound. Let us look at the story of the Greek-American community of Tarpon Springs, Florida.
The city of Tarpon Springs was founded roughly in 1876. Its name derives from the statement of one Mrs. Mary Boyer who, noticing the fish jumping out of the water, exclaimed “See the tarpon spring!” The fish in question was probably a mullet. Tarpon Springs remained a tiny sleepy town until the discovery of sponge beds off the coast. Sponges are immobile aquatic invertebrates that anchor themselves to the sea floor. Humans found out quickly how useful they are as cleaning tools. Just think of how you use a sponge to clean your sink or bathtub. Even though the vast majority used today are artificial, we still call them sponges in tribute. This usefulness has meant that sponge diving has always been a lucrative market. The town was on the cusp of riches but needed a way to get the industry off the floor.
A Greek immigrant provided the answer. John Corcoris was from the small community of Leonidio in the Peloponnese. He immigrated to New York City, where he worked as a sponge buyer. Corcoris came to Tarpon Springs in 1896 on business and realized what a potential windfall was just offshore. He partnered with local sponge fishermen to find modern ways to exploit the beds. They decided on importing large numbers of Greeks. Greeks had been diving for sponges for thousands of years. Even the English word “sponge” derives from ancient Greek. Corcoris went home to let divers know the rich pickings to be had off the coast of Florida. They arrived quickly, bringing expertise, techniques, and equipment. These Greeks would put on large rubber diving suits and descend to the ocean floor to harvest the sponges, like something out of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The immigrants turned Tarpon Springs into the largest sponge producer in the world.
The divers came from all over the Aegean, but most came from the islands of Kalymnos, Halki, Sumi, Hydra, Spetse, and Aegina. As they prospered, other Greeks came to provide goods and services for their countrymen. Greek churches, restaurants, coffeeshops, and other businesses sprouted up. By 1940, three quarters of the city was Greek or of Greek ancestry. While other American cities had bigger Greek populations, none came close to Tarpon Spring’s percentage.
All things must come to an end, and so it happened to the sponge beds of Tarpon Springs. In the late 1940’s, an algae bloom known as “Red Tide” destroyed much of the beds. This event, along with the rise of synthetic sponges, saw the collapse of the traditional sponge industry. Eventually the beds recovered, and there are still a few sponge fishermen plying their traditional trade.
Today, the biggest industry in Tarpon Springs is tourism, and much of that is generated by the picturesque Greek community. People come from all over to stroll down Dodecanese Avenue or Athens Street, enjoying some Greek coffee and baklava. At some point, the tourists will often take a cruise off shore, sailing above the sponge beds that created this vibrant Greek-American community over a century ago.
***************************************
Genealogy Center’s February 2025 Programs
***************************************
Join us for another month of free, virtual and in-person programs!
Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET “45th International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies Conference Information Program” with members of the NE Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society, national IAJGS leaders, and the Genealogy Center manager - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-2trjIoG9Jui9NHeIew0WvjuCRUFv7w#/registration
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “Recognizing Inaccurate and Misleading Genealogical Records, Citations, and Sources” with Bryan Mulcahey - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680398
Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “In-Person DNA & Genealogy Interest Group” with Sara Allen - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12679820
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET “Hidden Gems in the Polish Archives” with Jakub Czuprynski, a virtual program of the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqcOqoqTsiGtEpEmtPvBEbiWeGfgPqYu4k#/registration
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “Give Your Past a Future - An Introduction to WeAre.xyz” with Simon Davies - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12687468
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET “Who Needed it Anyway? Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census” with Sara Cochran, an Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana program, in-person in the Genealogy Center Discovery Center and online - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9EDAWUQYSq-U3qsqhO5gqQ#/registration
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “The Genealogy Proof Standard in Action: Finding the Parents and Siblings of a Civil War Ancestor” with Lindsey Harner - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680543
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “DecipherInk: Language Learning for Genealogists” with Taieno Kaiser - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680591
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “Who Walked These Streets? How to Build an Online Platform for Historic Neighborhood Research” with Elizabeth Hodges - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680502
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET “Searching for the Smith’s: A Case Study” with Jessica Conklin - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680653
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ET “Tracing Lineages: Unearthing the Descendants of UVA's Builders with Dr. Shelley Murphy - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680766
Please register in advance for these engaging programs.
***************************************
Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
***************************************
Do you want to know what we have planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We offer email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
***************************************
Have you visited the Allen County Public Library’s online merchandise store? You really need to check it out--we think you will enjoy the offerings! There is a special Genealogy Center section of the store with some pretty cool items. Prepare for the spring conference season by ordering some Genealogy Center merch today! http://acpl.dkmlogo.online/shop/category/4726261?c=4726261 An added benefit is that your purchases support the Friends of the Allen County Public Library, and they in turn support the Genealogy Center.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Social Media
***************************************
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenealogyCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genealogycenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACPLGenealogy
Blog: http://www.genealogycenter.org/Community/Blog.aspx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askacpl
***************************************
Driving Directions to the Library
***************************************
Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 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 Center.
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 302. 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 312. 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 Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. 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 $90.
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. The meters take credit cards and charge at a rate of $1/hour. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. 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 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
***************************************
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.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. 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 Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to sspearswells [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line.
Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors
- (no other messages in thread)
Results generated by Tiger Technologies Web hosting using MHonArc.