In celebration of Family History Month (October 2026), we are offering a fun activity centered around connection on the 2nd floor of the library. You can “Make Your Own or Your Family’s Coat of Arms.” This activity will run throughout October.
Category: Genealogy
“Relatively Speaking” is a quarterly genealogy e-news that includes relevant articles and information, upcoming programs, new items to the collection and more. This is an archive of the newsletters.
Genealogy Volunteer Opportunities: Branch Out Beyond Your Family Tree
We’ve all hit those brick walls in our family trees. Sometimes you just need a break from your own family–the research that is. We wouldn’t suggest otherwise! If you’d like to keep spending your time on genealogy, there are a variety of fascinating and worthwhile projects you can help support.
Continue reading “Genealogy Volunteer Opportunities: Branch Out Beyond Your Family Tree”
New Year, New Looks
Sometimes a genealogy database is not enough, and you just need a helping hand from people that have been where you are now–and know how to take the next step.
Introduction to Spiritualism: A 19th Century Movement
The idea of communicating with the dead is not new, but the distinct modern movement called Spiritualism was popularized in the mid-19th century in America before expanding to Europe.
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Trace Family Lines to Help Solve Crimes
Genealogy can unlock your family history and help solve family mysteries. But did you know it is also being used to solve mysteries for law enforcement and to bring closure to families? Enter the emerging field of Investigative Genetic Genealogy.
Digital roots: unlocking your past with AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field that sparks heated debates. It stirs emotions-some people fear or despise it, while others embrace it eagerly. Some start using AI but get poor results and give up. However, viewing AI as a tool designed to make our lives easier is our new reality. Like most tools, effective utilization requires skill, practice and a thorough understanding of its capabilities and limitations.
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“Rooting” Out Library Databases
In 1996, the Ancestry website went online. Today, Ancestry has over 27 billion online records and is considered one of the largest and most popular resources for online genealogy research.
Spooky Roots
Illinois is home to numerous ghost stories, each spookier than the last. From Des Plaines, Illinois to the infamous Graceland Cemetery in Chicago—our phantasmal cousins are all around us. For our October newsletter, please enjoy the following collection of eerie ghost stories cemented in history, just in time for Halloween.
Tracing Roots: Ellis Island Explored
Ellis Island opened its doors as an immigration station on January 1, 1892. Until closing in 1954 this ‘Isle of Tears’ or ‘Golden Door’ to new world processed over 12 million immigrants.
Spring Ahead In Your Genealogy Research
Running into brick walls in research is remarkably common, but unendingly frustrating. Maps and city/telephone directories can be a great resource for getting past brick walls and learning a great deal that other records cannot offer.