ACPL’s Genealogy Center Hosts National Genealogical Society Conference Sessions & Extends Hours for Conference Visitors

 The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) will host numerous conference sessions and offer extended research hours in its renowned Genealogy Center during the upcoming National Genealogical Society Conference, taking place May 26–30, 2026.

Hosted by the National Genealogical Society, the annual conference brings together more than 700 family historians, researchers, vendors and genealogists of all experience levels for a week of educational sessions, workshops, and networking. The conference is designed to assist family historians of all experience levels and interests in discovering and documenting their families’ stories, advancing genealogical research skills, promoting the preservation of family history, and connecting individuals with resources and experts in the field.

The Genealogy Center’s extended hours provide additional opportunities for genealogists and family historians to explore one of the largest genealogy collections in the United States and benefit from the expertise of the staff. The Genealogy Center's expanded hours are listed below.

• Tuesday, May 26: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

• Wednesday, May 27: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

• Thursday, May 28: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

• Friday, May 29: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

• Saturday, May 30: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

As a key partner and host site, ACPL plays a central role in the conference experience. The Genealogy Center is widely recognized as a premier resource for family history research, offering extensive collections of historical documents, specialized databases, and expert staff. Conference attendees are encouraged to take full advantage of the Center’s resources when attending the conference.

In addition to extended hours, Genealogy Center staff will offer guided tours of the Center’s vast collections and research tools, practical guidance on navigating print and electronic resources and uncovering one’s families’ stories. Whether participants are seasoned genealogists or just beginning their journey, the tours are designed to help visitors make meaningful discoveries during their conference stay.

“The Genealogy Center is an essential destination for anyone researching their family history,” said Curt Witcher, ACPL Director of Special Collections. “We’re proud to welcome National Genealogical Society Conference attendees to Fort Wayne and look forward to crafting amazing experiences through our collections, services, and expanded hours.”

For more information about the conference, visit the National Genealogical Society Conference website as well as contact the Genealogy Center. For details about the Genealogy Center and available resources, visit acpl.lib.in.us.