The Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center is offering 31 days of free programming in recognition of Family History Month throughout October. Family History Month is an annual tradition that highlights the importance of preserving and sharing family stories and memories. This month-long celebration will offer an array of engaging activities, educational workshops, and valuable resources designed to help individuals uncover their ancestral roots and connect with their family heritage.
“The Genealogy Center is dedicated to supporting individuals in their quest to pursue, preserve and present their families’ stories,” said Director of Special Collections and Genealogy Center Manager Curt Witcher. “Family History Month is a wonderful opportunity for us to provide valuable resources and create engaging experiences that help people discover and celebrate the power of their unique stories.”
The ACPL’s Genealogy Center is a world-class family research center and holds the status as the largest genealogy collection available in a public library. It is also the second-largest genealogy collection in the United States, housing millions of records from around the world. The staff are not only librarians, they are also trained genealogists with expertise in DNA analysis and research in African-American, Native-American, German, and Jewish communities. Their services are offered to all visitors free of charge. Beyond the staff, much of the collection and databases can only be accessed on site, making The Genealogy Center a key destination for family historians from around the world.
This October, the Genealogy Center will host a variety of events aimed at both new and experienced genealogists. All activities are free and open to the public. Most will be held at the Genealogy Center at the Main Library (900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne) unless otherwise indicated. There are a variety of in person and virtual options. Some notable activities include:
DNA Interest Group – Bring your questions, comments and DNA results to discuss. Thursday, October 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Beginner Genealogy Research – Learn tips and tricks to begin your family history journey. Saturday, October 5 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Discovering Your Story: Using the Genealogy Center – Explore free genealogy resources and uncover your family’s history. Monday, October 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dupont Branch (536 E. Dupont Rd.)
Walking Through History: A Walking Tour of the Kensington Blvd. Historic District –Discover the rich history of the Kensington Boulevard Historic District’s homes and residents using stories from current neighbors, historic maps, deeds, photographs, census records, and more. Saturday, October 12 from 10:30 to noon at 2222 Kensington Blvd.
Uncovering Your Home’s History: A Guide to House History Research – Learn how to research a house’s history, focusing on its former inhabitants, teaching valuable research techniques, and utilizing historical documents to construct a narrative of the past. Tuesday, October 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Little Turtle Branch (2201 Sherman Blvd.)
After Hours at the Genealogy Center – The Genealogy Center in downtown Fort Wayne will be open for extended hours giving researchers additional access to the Center’s librarians as well as its extensive collection of physical and digital resources that can only be found within the Library’s facility. Friday, October 25 from 6 to 9 p.m.
For a complete schedule of events, registration information, and additional details, please visit www.genealogycenter.org. Or contact The Genealogy Center via phone at 260-421-1225 or email at Genealogy@ACPL.Info.
About the Allen County Public Library
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 125 years. The ACPL consists of fourteen branches throughout Allen County, serving more than one million visitors per year. The ACPL’s collection includes more than 2.7 million items, with a circulation total of 4.2 million items borrowed annually. It also houses The Genealogy Center, the nation’s largest public genealogy research center, and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, consisting of more than 30,000 artifacts related to President Abraham Lincoln.
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