If you’ve been inspired to research your family tree, the Rock Island Library is offering three events that can help you branch out the details.
If you’ve been inspired to research your family tree, the Rock Island Library is offering three events that can help you branch out the details.
On Monday, July 1, the library offers another “Genealogy Tools of the Trade” program. The July topic covers how to use the library’s Heritage Hub subscription. This free tool is part of the library’s Newsbank suite of resources. HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers and funeral homes throughout the United States. Obituaries are a time-tested resource for finding out details about an ancestor’s life, names of relatives, and other data. The free event is offered at 2 pm at the Rock Island Public Library’s Downtown Community Room, 401 19th Street.
Later in July, The Rock Island Library will bring in two experts on more specific genealogy topics.
On Tuesday, July 23, Rock Island Public Library brings in genealogy librarian Amber Lowery, of Peoria, to talk about The DNA Option. When paper records fail, genetic genealogy can be a useful tool for breaking through a research “brick wall.” Lowery will discuss what DNA testing can reveal, the pros and cons of a multitude of service providers, and how to use the information you find. The free event takes place at 2 pm on July 23, also at the Downtown Library.
For those of Swedish descent, a national and international powerhouse of information is right in our own backyard. Jill Seaholm, head of genealogical services at the Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center will present at the Rock Island Downtown Library at 2 pm on Monday, July 29. The Swenson Center is located at Augustana College in Rock Island. As a leader in Swedish genealogy, the Swenson Center collects, preserves, and provides access to archival and library material, and promotes and initiates research into Swedish-American history, relations, and immigration. Learn how it can help you search for Swedish ancestors.
All three programs are free and open to the public.
For more information about library services and upcoming events, visit the library’s website, call 309-732-READ, or follow the Rock Island Library Facebook and Instagram social media sites.