Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Choosing a Genealogical Software Program

Many Family Tree Maker users may be looking for new genealogy software soon. The following webinar is by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Rhonda R. McClure discusses how to select the software that's right for you.



Monday, January 18, 2016

Chicago: The Wonder City




We have many books about the history of Chicago in the Genealogy & Local History Room but one of our more unique histories is Chicago: The Wonder City.

Written and published in 1893 by Eugen Seeger, this book highlights the city's achievements and promotes the Columbian Exhibition. Unlike some of our other Chicago histories, this book does not focus on biographies of wealthy Chicagoans but instead examines the city's rapid rise and it's place in United States history. There is a detailed section on the Chicago Fire, anarchists' plots and politics, and Seeger discusses Chicago's cultural life as well.
There are some great photos and illustrations of the city's architecture and some nice bits of historical trivia. A genealogist may be interested in Seeger's description of the waves of immigration to the city and how each ethnic group has contributed to the success of Chicago.

Overall, it's a great snapshot of Chicago in 1893.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Genealogy Research Day

Do you need individualized help with your research? Join us on Saturday, January 16 for our Genealogy Research Day. Learn new techniques, access our databases, utilize our print resources and let us help you break down your break walls.

Drop by the Technology Lab or the Genealogy & Local History Room any time between 1 and 4 PM. Volunteers and staff will be available to help you with your research.

Register online or call the Reference Desk at 847-729-7500.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Ancestry Class

Do you know the basics of searching on Ancestry but need to learn more advanced search techniques? Join us for a class Wednesday, January 13 at 2 PM. We'll learn about the various records and special collections on Ancestry and discover new search tips.  

Register online or call the Reference Desk at 847-729-7500.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Genealogy Do-Over



With the start of the new year, it's a good time to think about doing a Genealogy Do-Over. The concept is that you set aside all of your previous research and start over from scratch.

When most of us started compiling our family histories, we did't know or appreciate the importance of citing sources or fully analyzing evidence to prove facts. We gradually learn the process of how to properly conduct our genealogical research.

Perhaps your methods have improved and your current research is impeccable but what about all of your early work?  Instead of just reviewing all of your past research, why not start entirely over?

Blogger Thomas MacEntee created the Genealogy Do-Over in 2014. Last year, he blogged about the process and has written an ebook to help others start over. The Genealogy Do-Over blog also includes different research prompts for each month to help you get through a year of new research. And join the Facebook group for research help and to see how others are starting over.