Calendar of Events › History & Genealogy
February 7, 2013
Reading the Great Lakes
Come explore the Lakes with us! We’ll read a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction, and nonfiction all taking place in the Great Lakes region–from Chicago to Cleveland. This book club will be led by our smart librarians and will take place the first Thursday of every month. Additional copies of the book are available to be checked out on Level 4 of the Main Library. December’s selection is Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson.
January 25, 2013
Genealogy Lock-In
Come to the Local History and Special Collections department for a free after-hours program just for genealogists! Learn how to use the microfilm reader/scanner/printer, save images, and take advantage of free copying and printing during the event. Use the time to search databases—we will have plenty of computers available or bring your own laptop and use the Library’s WiFi network. Bring your genealogy questions or Ancestry and Heritage Quest problems – volunteers will be on hand to assist. Network with other genealogists – you never know what you might find! Registration is required—visit www.grpl.org/register or call 988-5400.
January 22, 2013
Adult Computer Class: Basics of Ancestry.com
Ancestry is an online subscription genealogy database that is provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library free of charge. Ancestry has grown into a powerful database and can be of great benefit in your genealogical research. Learn some techniques to help you search. Basic computers skills are required for this class.
January 19, 2013
History Detectives
A day-long event made up of six programs exploring various aspects of Grand Rapids history. Presented by area historians and members of historical and cultural organizations, topics are varied and reflect the unique heritage of West Michigan. Topics include: Michigan’s Great Time Confusion; How Did Michigan Become the Tourist Empire of the Inland Seas; Saving John Ball Park’s Historic Legacy; An Early History of Women in the Michigan State Capitol; Inside a 1950s Black Barbershop; and Powers & Ball: The Family, Furniture and Factories.
January 3, 2013
Reading the Great Lakes
Come explore the Lakes with us! We’ll read a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction, and nonfiction all taking place in the Great Lakes region–from Chicago to Cleveland. This book club will be led by our smart librarians and will take place the first Thursday of every month. Additional copies of the book are available to be checked out on Level 4 of the Main Library. December’s selection is Reimagining Detroit by John Gallagher.
December 13, 2012
Adult Computer Class: Census Records Using Heritage Quest
Heritage Quest is an online research site for genealogists. Searchable databases include census, various books, PERSI, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, and the Freedman’s Bank files. This class will focus on searching census records. Basic computer skills are required for this course.
December 11, 2012
Detroit Breakdown—Madness in Old Detroit
D. E. Johnson, author of The Detroit Electric Scheme and Motor City Shakedown, will discuss his new book, Detroit Breakdown. In this latest book, Will Anderson and Elizabeth Hume are called to the vast Eloise Insane Asylum outside of Detroit, where Elizabeth’s cousin Paul is a patient, and now a murder suspect. Johnson will talk about Wayne County’s infamous Eloise Hospital, an insane asylum that once held 10,000 patients at a time, along with some of the historical curiosities he found while researching his latest book. A book signing will follow the presentation.
December 6, 2012
Reading the Great Lakes
Come explore the Lakes with us! We’ll read a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction, and nonfiction all taking place in the Great Lakes region–from Chicago to Cleveland. This book club will be led by our smart librarians and will take place the first Thursday of every month. Additional copies of the book are available to be checked out on Level 4 of the Main Library. December’s selection is Motor City Shakedown by D.E. Johnson.
December 1, 2012
Adult Computer Class: The LDS Church Library
The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah has the largest genealogical collection in the world. Five floors containing over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche, 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals and 3,725 electronic resources can be a little overwhelming. We will help you plan ahead to get the most out of your trip.
November 15, 2012
The Search for Westmoreland, Lake Michigan’s Treasure Shipwreck
On December 7, 1854, the Propeller Westmoreland foundered in deep water near Sleeping Bear Dunes, killing 17 of her crew and passengers. Soon after the steamer’s sinking, rumors began circulating of $10,000 in gold coins in her safe and 280 barrels of whiskey in her hold. For the next 150 years the Westmoreland was one of the most sought after shipwrecks in all of the Great Lakes. Author and shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson will explore the legend, history and discovery of the Lake Michigan treasure shipwreck.
This library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents.