Family History Day 2012

Last Saturday, October 6th, was Family History Day at the Main Library. This annual event is always a hit with local genealogists and provides "one-stop shopping" for members of the public who have an interest in family history.

Liz Stratton

Since 2012 is part of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War (1861-65), the theme for this year's talks was the Civil War.  HCGS Board Member, Liz Stratton, discussed "Researching Your Civil War Ancestor Online." Included were online sources and strategies for Civil War genealogy research, along with additional historical, photographic and military resources available online.  Liz's talk went way beyond "order your ancestor's Civil War pension file."  I don't think a person in attendance walked away without additional resources for their research arsenal.

The second part of the day provided patrons with the opportunity to "Ask the Experts." Representatives from a variety of area organizations were available to answer individual questions and share their expertise on a variety of topics.

Ask the Experts

The final speaker of the day was Mike Rhein representing the Cincinnati Civil War Roundtable. He discussed William Haines Lytle, Cincinnati's legendary military officer, Congressman and poet. As I had a gg-grandfather who served under William Lytle, I very much looked forward to hearing about this exceptionally brave leader who never shirked his responsibility to those he led. Lytle, who had been previously injured in battle in what is now West Virginia, was fatally shot at the Battle of Chicamauga. Soldiers from both the north and the south paid tribute to Lytle following his death, reciting his poetry around their campfires and preserving his body for its return to Cincinnati.  

Anyone familiar with Spring Grove Cemetery is undoubtedly aware of the monument marking the grave of this proud Cincinnatian. One of the panels on the memorial displays Col. Lytle leading his men in that final battle.

We Cincinnatians have a proud heritage. Thanks to the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County for helping us get in touch with our roots by bringing in experts on all aspects of our history.  I look forward to next year.

Submitted by: Kathy Reed

Celebrate Family History Month at the Public Library

*Co-Sponsored by the Hamilton County Genealogical Society

Saturday, October 6

Day with the Experts*
Main Library, Genealogy and Local History Department
Family History Month kickoff event features tours, classes, presentations, and free genealogy consultations with experts.

Tours—10:00 a.m. and Noon
Discover the Library’s top ranked and vast family history resources through a guided tour.

Researching Your Civil War Ancestor Online—11:00 a.m.
Join technology expert and professional genealogist Liz Stratton as she presents online sources and strategies for Civil War genealogy research, along with additional historical, photographic and military resources available on the web.

Individual Consultation with Experts—Noon–2:00 p.m.
Need assistance getting started or finding an elusive ancestor or record? Twenty experts with specializations including African American, German, and Irish genealogy as well as land records, maps, and newspapers share their expertise.

General William Haines Lytle—2 p.m.
Mike Rhein of the Cincinnati Civil War Roundtable presents the life of Cincinnati’s legendary military officer, Congressmen and poet.  

Saturday, October 27

Genealogy Lock-In*—6:30–11:30 p.m.
Registration is required
Join fellow genealogists for after-hours research at the Main Library.

During the lock-in, HCGS Tech Programs will have a series of 'Taste of Tech' programs in the Computer Lab. Each program will be 10-15 minutes long. Topics include:  Creating Genealogical Bookmarks, Google+ for Genealogists, Introduction to Family History Blogging, Name Search Strategies and Using the HCGS Google Calendar to Get Event Reminders. 

Introductory Genealogy at Branch Libraries
October 8     Symmes Township Branch—7:00 p.m.*
October 15   Covedale Branch—6:00 p.m.*
October 20   Groesbeck Branch—2:00 p.m.
October 22   Miami Township Branch—6:00 p.m.*

Main Library
800 Vine Street
(513) 369-6900
www.CincinnatiLibrary.org

Information provided by Chris Smith, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.