Family History Month

As part of October’s Family History Month, the library is offering a fun list of family tree related activities that you can take part in during your lunch break! Whether you have 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or even 1 hour, you just may discover something you never knew about your ancestors.

  1. Use ITPLD’s Ancestry to find information about your ancestors

Performing a search on Ancestry only requires an ITPLD library card. You can use either your own computer, device or the library’s computer for your research. Take advantage of Ancestry’s plethora of search options (census, military records, death certificates, etc) alongside the ease of searching. Simply choose your search option then enter your search query. For example, input your ancestor’s name and/or location in the query and then press “enter.” Also try using initials and nicknames. Your results may surprise you! 

2. Obtain an ancestor’s death certificate from an ITPLD database

During your lunch break you can both find and obtain a copy of your ancestor’s death certificate. To perform your search you will need to have an ITPLD card and a device with wifi. The ITPLD home webpage contains the database titled Heritage Hub which can help you locate the death certificate of your ancestor. To locate your family member, go to the database and then input the name of the deceased. If you have location information and/or date of death,  input that information  as well. 

3. Interview a relative

Your lunch break is perfect for a family conversation. You can make a family call, or even make an appointment at the library’s Study Room for a longer conversation. Your conversation with Aunt Judy might just become your favorite family story.

4. Use your ITPLD library for research

Come to the ITPLD library to tackle some of your research to-dos during your lunch break. The library has a local history and genealogy collection to peruse through, with books on many topics like DNA, one on one genealogy appointments, and even genealogy databases, which can be used in house or remotely).

5. Join a regional or local genealogy group

Join a regional or local genealogy group. For example, if you are interested in local or regional genealogy groups we would suggest looking at some of the following groups: American Association for State and Local History, Association of Professional Genealogists, Chicago Genealogical Society, DuPage County Genealogical Society, Illinois State Genealogical Society, Illinois State Historical Society, Kane County Genealogical Society, Lake County Genealogical Society, Zion Genealogical Society of Lake County. 

6. Search for your ancestors in the historical archives of the Chicago Tribune Historical

Did you know that ITPLD has the historical archives of the Chicago Tribune from 1849-1984? All you need to perform your search will be your ITPLD card and a device with wifi. So how do you search the archives? You can search via certain prompts: search for, date, decade, era, U.S. Presidency, and obituaries/death notices. You may discover something new!

7. Make a one-on-one appointment with an ITPLD genealogy staff member to research your family tree

Did you know that booking a one-on-one appointment in regards to genealogy research could be made at your local library? All you need to do is fill out this form here and provide some information about your research request, days, and times that you are available. A staff member will contact you within 5 business days to set up your appointment.