Report from the field: The Allen County Library Trip

The Genealogy Center at Allen County Public Library

Last month, CGS led a research trip to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It ran concurrently with the annual meeting of the Federal of Genealogical Societies. This year for the first time the trip was restricted to intermediate-level researchers. Everyone worked independently but there was a lot of networking and helping one another.

Led by CGS past president Jane Lindsey, the trip yielded some new discoveries for participants. Lavinia Schwarz, current researcher for the Cresap Family Association, was able to extend one of her long-neglected early female ancestors’ lines.  Kate Black was visiting the library for the first time and was so excited with the records available to her there. Wendy Polivka, Pat Smith, Sandy Fryer, Linda Darby, Alison Shedd, Kath Merilo, and Diana Edwards all were taking advantage of the unique resources at this library, the largest public genealogical library in the country. It holds more than 513,000 rolls of microfilm and 55,000 compiled genealogy volumes, as well as privately published family histories, an impressive collection of state and territorial censuses, and much more.

The gang: Diana Edwards, Pat Smith, Lavinia Schwarz, Kath Merilo, Wendy Polivka, Linda Darby, Alison Shedd, Sandy Fryer. Not shown: Kate Black. Photo: Jane Lindsey

We had dinner together every night. (Jane Lindsey notes, “Since my last trip there about eight years ago, the restaurants available have greatly improved!”) Regular breakfasts together at the hotel also provided more time for networking, and on Sunday morning we all gathered to brainstorm until the library opened at noon.

Trip leader and "mother hen" Jane Lindsey hoists a glass after a hard day of research

August is thunderstorm season in Indiana. Two members had flights delayed by a day due to the weather, and we had a few storms while we were in the library, too. Fortunately we didn’t have to go out in them!

For more than 10 years, CGS has organized research trips to this invaluable repository. We trust the tradition will continue.

Copyright © 2018 by California Genealogical Society

Last chance to join the trip to Allen County Public Library

Curt Witcher and Jane Lindsey at the ACPL in 2015

Only a few spaces are left for our August 16-22 trip to the amazing Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Deadline to sign up is June 15!

For more than 10 years, CGS has organized research trips to ACPL, the largest public genealogical library in the country. You can browse the ACPL website to get a sense of what it has to offer. The library offers access to over 513,000 rolls of microfilm and 55,000 compiled genealogy volumes, privately published family histories, an impressive collection of state and territorial censuses, and many other unique resources. It’s an invaluable repository for genealogists, and for those with family roots in Indiana, it's one of a kind.

This year, past president Jane Knowles Lindsey leads intermediate-level researchers in a new format: participants will do independent research but have the opportunity to network with others during the week.

This year’s trip runs concurrently with the annual conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. We have hotel rooms set aside for CGS members who wish to go to just the conference.

But the deadline to reserve your spot or hotel room is fast approaching! Contact Jane Lindsey by June 15 to confirm.

Copyright © 2018 by California Genealogical Society

Allen County Public Library

California Genealogical Society
Research Trip to Ft. Wayne, Indiana

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Copyright © 2015 by California Genealogical Society

DON’T MISS THE ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (ACPL) TRIP October 4-11, 2015!

By Jane Knowles Lindsey

Curt Witcher and Jane Knowles Lindsey
Photo by Kathryn Doyle

Genealogists of all levels often don't realize the AMAZING collection of material held at ACPL. Yes, it is heavy on the mid-west, but attendees in the past have found invaluable tax lists, privately published genealogies and more. 

In addition to the one-of-a-kind books obtained from their unique publishing program, ACPL has ALL the references in PERSI. For a description of this amazing resource, take a look at the Family Search wiki.  

If the PERSI information doesn’t pique your interest, you might want to look at the ACPL website.  It will take you to many valuable links that can be used in the library, and some even at home. Be sure to look at the pathfinders tab and library catalog.

If you are lucky enough to have Indiana families, there are countless resources available to further your research. 

Jeff has reserved fantastic rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott. He also arranged to have Harold Henderson, CG, provide lectures and guidance. If you haven’t met Harold yet, you are in for a real treat!      

For more information you can also look at CGS blog postings  about past trips all the way back to 2007!    

Having lead this trip several times, I can highly recommend this research adventure.  You will not be disappointed. Register soon on Eventbrite. 

Jane 

Curt Witcher and Nancy Peterson
Photo by Kathryn Doyle 

Copyright © 2015 by California Genealogical Society and Library

Find Your Family at the Allen County Public Library

by Jeffrey Vaillant

The California Genealogical Society and Jeffrey Vaillant will guide you on the trip of a lifetime at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne Indiana from October 4-11, 2015.

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Research Tour 2013

Fort Wayne, Indiana Research Tour

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

August 11-18, 2013

Join CGS President, Jeffrey Vaillant for the sixth California Genealogical Society research tour to the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Whether you have visited before or this is your first time, you will enjoy your week at the best public genealogy library in the United States.

Jeff will provide individualized attention in Ft. Wayne to help you with your research problems. Planning meetings can be arranged by phone or in person prior to the trip.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Seven days, double occupancy, at the Marriott Courtyard Fort Wayne
• Free shuttle service to and from airport
• Two group dinners (Monday and Saturday)
• Breakfasts each morning
• Library orientation and a lecture, TBA

Register online.

Space is limited to fifteen participants. For full information, please download the tour flier. Questions? Email Jeffrey Vaillant.

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is the home of PERSI (PERiodical Source Index), searchable on Ancestry.com or HeritageQuest. ACPL has over 513,000 rolls of microfilm and 55,000 compiled genealogy volumes, an impressive collection of state and territorial censuses, and many other resources unique to this library. Be sure to browse the Genealogy Center's online databases and search the library's online catalog.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Report from the 2011 Allen County Public Library Research Tour

This year's tour to Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana was led by CGS Vice-President Jeffrey Vaillant who sent this report:

The pressure is on to be back in 2013 when the Federation of Genealogical Societies holds its annual conference in Fort Wayne! That was one of many nuggets gathered during the week at the Allen County Public Library.

It was a great week for research with everyone devouring the stacks of information available in book form or in microfilm. We all agreed that the microfilm room itself could hold ice cream solid for days!

It was a great group of people – Cathy Gowdy, Nancy Peterson, Mary Lee Sammis, Patricia Smith and Duncan Tanner – who fanned out in the library hunting down new information and genealogical clues. Mary Lee thoroughly investigated the 50,000 family history books looking for her families. Cathy fed Mary Lee information as well as seeking her own. Nancy walked the book stacks with state and county histories finding in one Minnesota county history THE naturalization account with the local German town which had been eluding discovery. Duncan hunted down clues for his grandfather and Pat was the energizer bunny moving around at a frantic pace.

Nancy Peterson presented Curt Wicher with a copy of her second edition of Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research

There were many highlights of the time in Fort Wayne. Everyone agreed that the Wednesday night dinner with Curt Witcher was one of the best. He broke bread with us for two hours and talked about being at the Genealogical Department for 25+ years, the type of staff he hires (they are very very helpful), the challenges of being in a public library, the policies about collecting materials and what he foresees. [Hint: Subscribe to the Genealogy Gems from the ACPL.]

The next day Curt took us into the “basement” to see and ask questions about the archives.org scanning efforts taking place at the Library. There is excellent work being done to scan a multitude of records including the original New York Times newspapers from the 1860s!

Gastronomically we ate our way through Fort Wayne from Cindy’s Diner (only seats 15 at a time) to J.K. O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House for three dinners! Of course we did the Dash-In as well as the 13th floor Window Garden Café – the view of Fort Wayne from the 13th floor can be stated in one word: Flat! The Toscani Pizzeria, the 816 Pint & Slice together with the Loaf n’Ladle and even Dunkin Donuts at the Library got visits. Another highlight was the 1905 Pfeiffer House and Wayne Street Soda Shop. All of these were within a few blocks of the library and the weather cooperated by being in the low 80’s with reasonable humidity.

Another highlight was a good old fashion Midwestern thunder and lightning storm or the fireworks Saturday night after the Tincaps baseball game. A little something for everyone was provided.

The Courtyard by Marriott was a hit. As one participant stated “I have never stayed in a hotel with such fast, seamless internet…multiple public terminals and “Word” to boot. Staff is extraordinarily friendly.” There was a Starbucks onsite for all the breakfast needs so we ate our way through their offerings.

It was my good fortune to be with five completely self-starters. It was a wonderful way to “break” me into my first trip. My thanks to all the people for a great seven days at the ACPL and Fort Wayne. See you in 2013.

– Jeff Vaillant

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Jeffrey Vaillant's Top Ten Reasons to Go to the Allen County Public Library

Here are Jeff's ten reasons you should sign up for the CGSL tour to the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

1. Six days of uninterrupted research!
2. A leader to help you with your research problems (Jeffrey Vaillant).
3. Talk non-stop genealogy to other participants to help solve problems.
4. Fantastic resources for the Midwest and other parts of the country. Search the Genealogy Center catalog at: http://smartcat.acpl.lib.in.us/?skin=genealogy.
5. Open stacks – the new library opened in February 2007.
6. A lecture by Curt Witcher, Manager, Historical Genealogy Department, Allen County Public Library.
7. ACPL is the creator of PERSI – the Periodical Source Index. You can do all your periodical research and all periodicals are there to use. (You can search PERSI at CGS or on HeritageQuest).
8. Unique resources due to their book binding service.
9. Great accommodations at the Courtyard Marriott, one and one-half blocks from library.
10. You chose this one:

• Get away from the kids
• Don’t have to cook
• Pick your own schedule
• See the TinCaps minor league baseball team
• Visit an auto museum
• Learn the tune to "Back Home in Indiana."

Download the registration flier or register online.


Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Fort Wayne, Indiana Research Tour August 21-28, 2011

Fort Wayne, Indiana Research Tour
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
August 21-28, 2011

Join Director Jeffrey Vaillant for the fifth California Genealogical Society research tour to the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Whether you have visited before or this is your first time, you will enjoy your week at the best public genealogy library in the United States.

Jeff will provide individualized attention in Ft. Wayne to help you with your research problems. Planning meetings can be arranged by phone or in person prior to the trip.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Seven days, double occupancy, at the Marriott Courtyard Fort Wayne 
• Free shuttle service to and from airport
• Two group dinners (Monday and Saturday)
• Breakfasts included

Library orientation and a lecture, TBA

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is the home of PERSI (PERiodical Source Index), searchable on Ancestry.com or HeritageQuest. ACPL has over 513,000 rolls of microfilm and 55,000 compiled genealogy volumes, an impressive collection of state and territorial censuses, and many other resources unique to this library. Be sure to browse the Genealogy Center's online databases and search the library's online catalog.

Space is limited to fifteen participants. For full information, please download the registration flier.


Photographs by Kathryn M. Doyle, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 8/20/2009.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Found in Fort Wayne

Ten members of the California Genealogical Society met at America's crossroads for the biennial CGS Research week at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This year's group included members Carole Brisson, Kathryn Doyle, Sandy Fryer, Jane Hufft, Mary Mettler, Frankie Rhodes, Jim Robinson, Pat Smith and Kate VanDemark, led by Jane Knowles Lindsey.

Sandy Fryer and Jane Hufft.

On Wednesday I wordlessly posted several photograph of our week in the library, including some of Curt Witcher, Genealogy Center Manager, who generously gave us a personal tour of the facility and an excellent private lecture on military resources.

Pat Smith, Jane Lindsey and Carol Brisson

All in all we were a pretty driven group - entering the library at 9:00 a.m. when it opened and staying until the last closing announcement at 9:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.) The exception was mealtimes.

Jim Robinson and Mary Mettler.

Unfortunately, the concession that ran the in-house cafe on the main floor of the library (which served great soup and sandwiches two years ago) has been replaced by Dunkin' Donuts. That meant more time out at restaurants and less library time and consequently, a bit more fun (as you can see by this collection of photographs.)

Pat, Kathryn, Jim and Frankie Rhodes.

This year's group was a little smaller so we ate together as a group several times during the week. New friendships were formed and former connections were rekindled.

Frankie, Kate, Jim, Kathryn and Jane Hufft.

As always, a special dinner celebration was held on the last night and everyone shared some of their special finds. Here's a quick list of some of the week's highlights:

Pat Smith proved Thomsen Clark who was named in her sister-in-law's will. Pat found her in Indiana in the 1880 census.

Jane Knowles Lindsey and Pat Smith did some work on the Judge Project - the latest of the society's group research undertakings. Jane was tracking Alonzo Kelly of Iowa. She found his widow and four children in Arkansas in 1900.

Sandy Fryer made a wonderful discovery using PERSI – the PERiodical Source Index. She learned that her ggg-grandfather, Martin Burris, died instantly after being shot by "Mr. Frost" during a dispute over a cow in Wayne County, Kentucky.

Mary Mettler found the maiden name – Whitney – of Mary, seventeenth century wife of Ephraim Pierce of Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Jane Hufft was thrilled to find Volumes 1 and 2 of Etched in Stone: Newburyport, Massachusetts Cemeteries by Noreen Cook Pramberg. For some reason the Family History Library in Salt Lake City has one volume and NEHGS in Boston has the other. Jane insists that "Both volumes are essential!" She also told me several times that she should could easily spend another week – she was finding so much.

Carole Brisson found "some good stuff" using two volumes on the New England RAWSON family.

Frankie Rhodes made progress tracking her great-grandfather, Ezra Nichols and his wife Margaret Downs. She found them on a passenger list and located information from 1886 in a Sacramento newspaper.

Jim Robinson got organized and worked with Jane on his JUDY (Tschudi) application to the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

All of us on the last night.

If you have never been on a group research tour, it's something you should seriously consider. Lots of genealogy was discussed during these meals. When a group gets together like this ideas keep flowing even after the library has closed.


Photographs courtesy of Carol Webb Brisson, Jane Knowles Lindsey and Kathryn Doyle, August 2009, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Allen County Public Library Tour
August 16 - 23, 2009

Photographs courtesy of Jane Knowles Lindsey and Kathryn Doyle, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Allen County Public Library Research Tour 2009

August 16-23, 2009
Fort Wayne, Indiana

The fourth CGS Research Tour to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, takes place August 16-23, 2009. Join CGS President Jane Lindsey for a week-long trip to the best public genealogy library in the United States.

Whether you have visited before, or this is your first time, you will benefit from Jane's individualized attention to your research goals. Pre-planning meetings can be arranged by phone or in person prior to the trip.

Space is limited to fifteen participants. To ensure the minimum tour requirement of ten participants is met, a $200 deposit is required by June 15, 2009. The trip will be canceled if we do not have the minimum, so please E-mail Jane Lindsey as soon as possible, if you are interested in attending. Download the tour brochure from the society website. The registration flier was also distributed in the January issue of the CGS News.

Photograph of the interior of the library is from the Allen County Public Library website.

Fort Wayne in August

President Jane Lindsey led a third CGS sponsored research trip to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 19-26, 2007. This year's trip was especially well timed to follow the FGS Conference which was held August 15-18. And while many attendees (Dick Eastman estimated the total to be about 1500) raced to the library to try and cram in some research time before, between and after conference sessions, we from CGS were smugly relaxed with the knowledge that we would be there for a whole week after the crowds had left. (Okay, so actually we did sneak in occasionally - the temptation was just too great and they opened the library at 6:00 am!)

The conference was my first and was as fun, informative and exhausting as I had expected. One of the high points was hearing Christopher Haley, nephew of "Roots" author Alex Haley and Research Administrator of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland at the Maryland State Archives.


Even better was Chris's interview of our prez for Roots Television in the Exhibit Hall. Jane used the forum to tell viewers about some of the exciting changes we have made this year, including our long-anticipated online catalog.


Hmmm - it's daylight and we're not in the library. It must be Sunday - the library was closed but it was not a day of rest for us. Here we are in the dining room of the LaSalle Bed & Breakfast gearing up for our week of research.

This was the first CGS trip to the Allen County Public Library since the renovation project was completed. The library is a gem from its space-age pods where the littlest readers can curl up with a picture book to the state-of-the-art televison studio available to Allen County residents at no charge. Of course we only saw these things on the tour since we would go straight to the 2nd floor to the genealogy department and stay til closing with only a short break for lunch.

Jim Robinson is a CGS member and serves as 1st Vice-President of the Marin County Genealogical Society. His parents and grandparents were Indiana natives so his roots are deep there and he was able have Sunday dinner with ten ROBINSON third cousins.


One very special treat was a private lecture by Curt Witcher on "Fingerprinting Our Families: Using Ancestral Origins/Ethnicity As a Genealogical Research Key." Curt is the Manager of the ACPL Genealogy Department and author of the GenealogyGems Mailing List. He provided a comprehensive hand-out with reference suggestions for context which can be just the thing to help us over our brick walls. Jane arranged the talk for us which is typical of the kind of scrupulous attention she pays to the details on these research trips.

Here we all are on the last night - Jane always organizes a closing dinner so we can celebrate our finds. Starting at front left (around the table) are Sandy, Carol, Jane, Kathryn, Lorna, Lavinia, Gail, Jim and Pat. Thank you, Jane for another successful research trip.

Photographs courtesy of Jane Lindsey.