Midwestern Roots 2005: Family History and Genealogy Conference
Indianapolis - Some of the nation's leading genealogy professionals will
present at Midwestern Roots 2005: Family History and Genealogy Conference,
August 18-20 in Indianapolis.
Midwestern Roots, co-sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society and the
Indiana Genealogical Society, will feature over 30 presentations covering
topics ranging from finding female ancestors, census substitutes, family
food traditions and German SS records to baptismal records, preserving
family papers, genetics and more.
Optional pre-conference activities on Thursday, August 18, range from tours
of the William Henry Smith Memorial Library, the Indiana State Library and
the Indiana State Archives to writing workshops on preparing family
histories for publication, computer labs on genealogy resources available on
the internet and a workshop designed for library staff and volunteers who
answer questions from genealogy patrons. The Genealogy Division of the
Indiana State Library and the Indiana History Center Smith Library also will
stay open late for extended research hours.
Other activities include a lively panel discussion bringing together
genealogists and historians to answer the question, "History and Genealogy:
Why Not Both?" The evening will begin with a dessert reception at the
Indiana History Center followed by a discussion with nationally-renowned
historical genealogists Elizabeth Shown Mills and Curt B. Witcher, Indiana
historian James H. Madison and migration historian Marianne S. Wokeck, who
will explore how these fields can enrich each other, from uncovering the
slightest detail of one life to seeing human history more clearly because of
that life.
On Friday, August 19, the conference will begin with the opening session by
Mills. Mills will explain the standards and processes all researchers need
to apply when using family history and genealogical sources. Friday will
conclude with a banquet and Mills will give a presentation that encourages
taking what is learned about ancestors and conveying it to descendants.
On Saturday morning, Madison will begin the day by considering the various
migration streams that settled the Midwest and show how their origins,
timing and cultural features helped make the region a distinctive part of
the nation.
Other notable national speakers include genealogists John S. Humphrey, Diane
Gagel, Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, Tony Burroughs and Kandie Adkinson.
The Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana Genealogical Society will
offer six scholarships for individuals to attend the conference. The
scholarship application can be found at
www.indianahistory.org/midwesternroots
Additional conference information, registration forms and exhibitor
information can be found at
www.indianahistory.org/midwesternroots or by
calling (317) 232-1882. Hotel reservations can be made by calling the
Indianapolis Marriott East at (317) 352-1231 or (800) 228-9290. Indicate
association with Midwestern Roots 2005 upon making reservations to receive
the special $92/night room rate. Room reservations must be made by August
1.
The Indiana Genealogical Society promotes genealogical and historical
research and education. Annual membership benefits include six issues of
the IGS Newsletter; quarterly issues of the Indiana Genealogist with a
cumulative index; discounts on IGS publications, workshop and conference
registrations; opportunities to volunteer in genealogy related projects;
access to free Query submissions, Speaker's Bureau, Researcher's List,
Librarian Scholarship, Chapter Grants and special service recognition
awards. (
www.indgensoc.org)
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's storyteller,
connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and
disseminating Indiana history. The independent, nonprofit organization also
publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; provides youth,
adult and family programming; assists local historical groups throughout the
state; and maintains one of the world's largest collection of material on
the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest. The Indiana Historical Society
is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States, and one of
the largest with more than 10,000 members. (
www.indianahistory.org)