Uncover new ways to dig into your family history with this one-day genealogy conference! Learn from local and regional experts how to utilize research tools to aid your search.

There will be four sessions and a tour of the Monroe County History Center library archives during the conference.

10:15- 11:30 – Introduction to African American Genealogy – Monroe County Public Library

Join expert researcher Carretha Dulin Hale as she provides tips and tools for finding your black ancestors. An officer with Indiana African American Genealogy Group, Hale is the author of From Slavery to Statehood: A Family History in the Creek Nation.  Ages 18+. Register on the MCPL website.

11:30-12:30 – Lunch

Attendees will be on their own to explore the eateries of downtown Bloomington.

12:45-1:45 – House History How To – Monroe County History Center

Architecture and neighborhood research helps genealogists connect places to family history. In this session Conor Herterich, Historic Preservation Program Manager with the City of Bloomington’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Dept will teach you strategies for researching architecture including individual houses, commercial property, and neighborhoods. He’ll show you how to research non-traditional community resources to uncover your house’s history.

2:00 -3:00 – Getting Started with DNA – Monroe County History Center

Discover hidden clues and hints in your DNA to help you solve your family history puzzles. Nan Harvey, Genealogist with Nancestors Genetic Genealogy Guidance will share information on the different types of DNA tests currently available on the market and how different types of test results can be used in genealogy research.

3:15 – 4:15 – Using the Monroe County History Center for Genealogy Research – Monroe County History Center

Megan MacDonald, History Center Research Librarian, and Monroe County Genealogist, and a panel of Research Library genealogy volunteers will show you how to use a variety of records and resources housed at the Monroe County History Center to aid your genealogy research. Expand your outline of names and dates by digging into the historical archives to find your family stories.

4:15 – 5:00 – Research Library Open House – Monroe County History Center