Calendar of Events › History & Genealogy
November 3, 2012
Adult Computer Class: Using the Flip-Pal Portable Scanner
The Flip-Pal portable scanner has revolutionized the way that genealogists organize their research. This portable scanner can assist in scanning documents in the field. Learn more about this versatile device and how it can change the way you conduct research.
November 1, 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. November’s selection is Once Upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell.
October 31, 2012 – November 4, 2012
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos
Dìa de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors family and friends who have passed on. Loved ones come together to build altars that celebrate the life and memory of the dead. The day is a time of celebration and joy, filled with talk and memories of those who have died. The library will host over 20 altars built by local residents who want to share the memory of their family and friends. Every altar is unique and taken together to create a fascinating portrait of what the citizens of Grand Rapids hold close to them. An explanation of each altar will be provided. A take-home craft activity will be available for children. Light refreshments will be served.
October 30, 2012
Adult Computer Class: Using Genealogy Software to Start Your Research
Participants will learn what it takes to conduct genealogical research through an understanding of genealogy database software, and techniques for locating and organizing family history information. Several key online databases will be explored to illustrate the usefulness of the data.
October 25, 2012
Ghosthunting Michigan
Author Helen Pattskyn has explored some of Michigan’s most haunted locations, from the Whitney in downtown Detroit to the Point Iroquois Lighthouse. Her interest in the paranormal combined with her background in library science makes for a well-researched ghost hunter. Join her for a discussion about ghosts, ghost hunting, and Michigan’s haunted history.
October 6, 2012
Introduction to findagrave.com
Findagrave.com is an emerging reference that contains over 84 million cemetery, grave and burial records. Learn more about this resource and how to use it to aid in genealogical research.
October 5, 2012
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 have a limited number 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.
October 4, 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. October’s selection is The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach.
October 1, 2012 – October 31, 2012
Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Exhibit
In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low started the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, GA after learning about the Scouting movement in Great Britain. 100 years later, there are Girl Scout troops all over the country. Locally, the first Girl Scout troop in Grand Rapids was started in 1914. Today, nearly 11,000 girls in 30 counties in Michigan ages 5-17 participate in programs that promote public service, environmental leadership, technology and innovation, healthy living and the voice of girls. Partnering with Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, this exhibit examines the history of Girl Scouts in Michigan.
September 18, 2012
Adult Computer Class: Introduction to Genealogy
Participants will learn an overview of the genealogical research process, including information on genealogical resources, organizing and storing data and disseminating information.
This library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents.