September 2006

Genealogy Gems:

News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 31, September 30, 2006 In this issue:

In Memoriam--Ryan Taylor

The Move--An Exciting Future

Giving a Boost to your Polish Research

Early American Newspaper Collection

Federal Direct Tax of 1798--Update

Countdown to Conference 2007

Family History Month at ACPL

Family History Month Calendar

Preservation Tip of the Month

Hotel of the Month

Area Calendar of Events

ACPL Librarians on Tour

Driving Directions to the Library

Parking at the Library

Queries for the Department

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In Memoriam--Ryan Taylor

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Most all of this e-zine was completed before the terrible news of this past week--it would have been nearly impossible to publish this issue if it had not been. Early in the week, library staff learned that our friend and colleague Ryan Taylor was missing from his business engagement in Toronto, Canada where he was filming for an upcoming genealogy series. As the painful hours of waiting progressed through the week, we learned that a body matching his physical description had been found and was in the Niagara County coroner’s office. As of this writing, the coroner is waiting for dental and other records to make a positive identification. Ryan’s resume is most extensive, and has been detailed in part on many genealogical websites already. In addition to all his remarkable accomplishments, Ryan will also be remembered at this library for his English and Canadian research expertise, his willingness to help anyone solve any genealogical research challenge, and his unique and very infectious laughter. One couldn’t help but laugh with him. To his great credit, Ryan ushered in a new era of enhanced bibliographic records for genealogy and local history materials here at the Allen County Public Library. He continually focused on what would be best for our library customers, what would make an item most quickly and easily found by the greatest number of individuals--reminding us all of why we are here. It is so very hard to say goodbye to such an individual.

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The Move--An Exciting Future by Curt B. Witcher

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Over the past month, I had a couple of opportunities to be in the newly renovated and expanded Main Library. It is nothing short of fantastically, amazingly impressive! Indeed, each time I come away from that building I am increasingly impressed with how the physical space is coming together, how the plans and decisions of many over several years are bearing tremendous fruit, and how the physical space so nicely complements the programs and services our department and the entire library system will be offering in the coming years. The word I hear most often in describing the new building is truly appropriate: AWESOME! Make sure you mark a couple of very important dates on your calendars. The Historical Genealogy Department will be open for business this year through 6 pm on December 23, 2006. At 6 pm that day we will close, and immediately after the Christmas holiday break we will begin moving our tremendous resources to our new space at 900 Library Plaza. The library will have a grand opening on Saturday, January 27, 2007--and it promises to be grand indeed! Family History Month, beginning in just hours, is the perfect time to make time for your family history activities! Whether you are trying to get started, wanting to get started again, or have been researching for years, Family History Month at the Allen County Public Library offers something for you. A complete listing of programs can be found in this newsletter. I look forward to seeing many of you this coming month!

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Giving a Boost to Your Polish Research by Don Litzer

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While the Genealogy Center’s collection for North America and the British Isles is enormous and deservedly renowned, don’t forget that it also contains valuable resources for finding your Polish ancestors. If you’re starting out, gain a foothold with general research guides such as Rosemary Chorzempa’s Polish Roots (929 C45p) and Daniel Schlyter’s Essentials in Polish Genealogical Research (929 Sch8e). Do you have a document written in a foreign language, and you don’t yet know its significance? Judith R. Frazin’s A Translation Guide to 19th-Century Polish-Language Civil-Registration Documents (943.8 F86t), Jonathan Shea’s and William F. Hoffman’s Following the Paper Trail: A Multilingual Translation Guide (929 Sh3f) and Shea’s In Their Words: Translation Guide to Polish, German, Latin & Russian Documents (929 Sh3in) may unlock those secrets. The department’s extensive periodical collection includes titles that focus on communities of Polish ethnic origin, including journals at a national level like the Polish Genealogical Society of America’s Rodziny (929.19 P759a), and regional publications such as the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan’s Polish Eaglet (977.4 P759ea) and News From the Wilno Heritage Society from Renfrew County, Ontario. You can browse through issues of the magazines or, through the PERSI index, identify articles of particular interest to you. In a place like Poland, whose history is enormously complex, becoming conversant with maps and atlases is not optional, but essential. A range of materials, from the Times Atlas of the World (912 T48t), to Magosci’s Historical Atlas of Central Europe (911.43 M17h 2002), to Polska Atlas Samochodowy—Polish Road Atlas (943.8 P76p) will help you put your ancestors in an historical, political, and geographic context. If you have a place name, Stanisław Litak’s The Latin Church in the Polish Commonwealth in 1772 (943.8 L34), a gazetteer of parish names cross-referenced to a series of maps, may help you identify ancestral locations. Because Poland’s territory was divided between Prussia/Germany, Austria/Austria-Hungary, and Russia from the late 18th century until after World War I, research materials for those countries may be valuable. For example, maps and gazetteers such as the 1:100,000 scale Karte des Deutschen Reiches--Maps of the German Empire (on microfilm), and the multi-volume passenger list compendium Migration From the Russian Empire (929.19 M588) include information about persons once Polish and places once and presently in Poland. What’s in a name? William F. Hoffman’s Polish Surnames: Origins and Meanings (943.8 H76pa) may provide useful insight. Hoffman and George W. Helon’s First Names of the Polish Commonwealth: Origins & Meanings (929.4 H675f) gives you an idea of how Polish given names were transformed in a multitude of ways outside of Poland. You can even check Leszczyc’s Herby Szlachty Polskiej (929.809438 L56h) and Herbarz Polski (929.809438 S695h) as to whether your Polish surname has a possible noble connection. Janina Hoskins’ Polish Genealogy & Heraldry—An Introduction to Research (929 H787p) includes an extensive bibliography to resources located here and abroad. A quality genealogical research project is built on a firm foundation that supports the framework of the names you accumulate—a foundation built on a familiarity with the history, geography and other circumstances in which your forebears lived. For genealogists with Polish ancestry, the Genealogy Center can be of great help in laying that groundwork, and invites you to avail yourself of its resources.

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Extra! Extra! – Early American Newspaper Collection By Roberta Ridley

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In the American colonies, freedom of the press was constantly at risk. The right to express opinions, to provide political information, and to share news of neighbors was often challenged. Within the Genealogy Center’s microtext collections, we have a wonderful assortment of early American newspapers. One such newspaper, the Maryland Gazette, began publication in Annapolis in 1727. Printing stopped and started several times, but fortunately, copies of these early issues remain available for researchers. The earlier issues consist of only two to four pages, containing international, national and, of course, the local news of the time. Local news consists of short notices and advertisements addressing employment opportunities, obituaries, land sales, indentured contracts and chattel sales, legal notices, services for hire, along with lost and found reward postings for runaway servants and slaves. A January 2, 1752 issue gives notice that, “in the Prison of Frederick County, Two Servant Men, viz. Christopher Martin, an Irishman, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, of a lively genteel Countenance, whose Cloathing is a blue double-breasted Coat, with white Metal Buttons, a red double-breasted Waistcoat, with Silver Twist, blue Breeches, light coloured Stockings, a brown Wig, old Shoes, and a good narrow brimm’d Hat: He says he belongs to Mr. Matthias Bordley of Cecil County, Maryland. The other named Edward Jones an Englishman, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high…says he belongs to Capt. Nathaniel Chew, Commander of the Ship Anna…and that he ran away from the said Chew about two or three Days after the Arrival of the said Ship.” The above referenced surnames appear thirtyeight years later in the first Federal census in 1790. Is there a connection? The obituary and brief history of 27 year-old, Mr. William Kilty, a printer, appears in the May 19, 1836 issue. Mr. Kilty is not listed in the 1830 census. Could the information in this article be the answer to someone’s search? Gleaning such standard, yet informative, tidbits from newspapers can be a lot more beneficial than some researchers may realize. The microfilmed Maryland Gazette, published from January 17, 1745 through December 12, 1839 is one great source for those researching in Maryland. Additional colonial newspapers for Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Gazette, can also be found in the microtext area and date from December 24, 1728 through October 11, 1815. The department also holds microfilm of the Virginia Gazette of Williamsburg, covering September, 1736 through December, 1780, with some gaps. A two volume Virginia Gazette Index is available at call number 975.5 C17v.

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The Federal Direct Tax of 1798 – Update

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Since last month’s issue of Genealogy Gems, the department has added a published transcript of some surviving direct tax records for present day West Virginia. House and slave tax schedules for Berkeley County, Virginia – now Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, West Virginia – did survive, and are available for consultation.

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Countdown to Conference 2007!

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Those of you who were fortunate enough to attend the 2006 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in Boston no doubt appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed the variety of speakers and workshops and the selection of vendors offering their wares in the exhibit hall. For those of you who couldn’t attend the conference, take heart because the next conference is just eleven months away! The 2007 FGS/ACPL Conference, “Meeting at the Crossroads of America,” will be held right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 15th-18th at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. As with previous conferences, a talented assembly of speakers will share their expertise on numerous topics. Several workshops and presentations will cover effective society management practices. There will also be ample opportunities to explore and purchase the latest in genealogical software, books, magazines and all other things related to the field in the exhibit hall of the Grand Wayne Center. If so much first-rate genealogical education and shopping isn’t enough excitement packed into a four-day event, you’ll be happy to know of the Historical Genealogy Department’s plans to stay open for extended hours during the conference. You’ll now have loads of time before and after each day’s events to settle in for some serious family sleuthing. During the week of the conference the Historical Genealogy Department will be open regular hours Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; but on Wednesday the “Research Marathon” hours begin with the department opening at its regular time of 9 a.m. but staying open until midnight, and then opening on Thursday at 6 a.m. and closing at midnight! Extended hours will continue from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of the conference. Shall we now do the math? That’s eighty-one hours of hands-on research opportunities in one the largest genealogical libraries in the United States! Keep in mind that before visiting the library you can search the library’s book catalog at http://www.acpl.info for any items of interest, and now you can also search the department’s microtext catalog at http://friendsofallencounty.org/search_microtext.php. Knowing what you want to look at before arriving will definitely help you make the most of your time at the library. Any other questions you have about the Historical Genealogy Department, feel free to call us at 260- 421-1225 or email us at genealogy@acpl.info. Finally, don’t forget that in addition to all of the research time you’ll be spending in the library and all of the fascinating programs and workshops you’ll be attending during the conference, you’ll want to schedule a few hours of sleep. Or, maybe sleep will have to wait until after the conference! In any event, come rested, come prepared, but most of all come to enjoy the four days of learning and fun that will be next year’s conference.

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Family History Month Extravaganza!

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October is Family History Month! Mark your calendars! Here’s your reminder that the month-long celebration of programming in the Historical Genealogy Department is about to begin. From Sunday, October 1st with our own Steve Myers presenting “Irish History for the Genealogist” and on each day throughout the month, there will be programs devoted to a wide range of genealogy and history-related topics. For example, Rose Newton will present, “Unusual Death Records”, which covers locating death information and what it can tell you about your ancestors on Monday, October 16th. Marge Graham, recently appointed Allen County’s first County Genealogist by the Indiana Genealogical Society, will present two “Beginning Genealogy” programs, the first on Thursday, October 5th and the second on Sunday, October 22nd. Interested in how to save and store your family documents? You will want to attend Becky Schipper’s program on Saturday, October 28th to discover the best preservation methods. Do you have ancestors who once resided in the Buckeye State? On Sunday, October 29th, Amy Johnson Crow will discuss researching in Ohio. And remember that our Midnight Madness Extended Research Hours will take place Friday, October 27th from 6 p.m. until midnight! For a full list of program titles, dates, locations and times, see the Family History Month calendar at http://www.ACPL.Info/genealogy/2006FamilyHistoryMonth.pdf. Some programs require registration, so call us at 260-421-1225 or email us at Genealogy@ACPL.info to sign up. See you in October! There is also a Family History Month program listing immediately following this article.

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Family History Month Calendar, October 2006

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Sunday, October 1, 2006: “Irish History for the Genealogist,” Steve Myers, 2 - 3 pm Board Room, 3rd Floor, Main Library. Learn about Irish historical events of greatest interest to those who are trying to document and understand the lives of their ancestors in Ireland. Monday, October 2, 2006: “Using Heritage Quest Online,” Elaine Kuhn 10 - 11 am, Room 330, Main Library. This presentation will cover searching and printing from Heritage Quest Online, which includes federal censuses, Revolutionary War pension files, books, Freedman's Bank information, and the Periodical Source Index. Tuesday October 3, 2006: Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana Presents Shirley Hodges: “Research Facilities in the Great Lakes Area,” 9:30 – 11:30 am, Room 244, Main Library. This lecture is intended to familiarize the researcher with both the lesser-known and better-known research facilities in the Great Lakes area. Many times researchers miss the treasures in their own back yard because they are not familiar with their location or how easy it is to use the collection. For ticket info call 421-1225. Tuesday October 3, 2006: Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana Presents Shirley Hodges: “There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills: Did Your Ancestor Go West?” 1:30 – 3:30 pm, Room 244, Main Library. Many of our ancestors went west during the Gold Rush. This lecture helps us to understand the times in which they lived as they found great adversity, freedom, and perhaps wealth, and learn what was involved in the quest for gold through the letters, diaries, manuscripts and old newspapers. For ticket info call 421-1225. Wednesday October 4, 2006: Daughters of the American Revolution “Research Assistance for Membership,” 9 am – 7 pm, Genealogy Department, Main Library. DAR members provide assistance to anyone interested in research to join the Society. Thursday October 5, 2006: “Beginning Genealogy,” Marge Graham, 2 – 4pm, Room 244, Main Library. Organizational tools and proven methods to get you started on the right track to successful searching. Friday October 6, 2006: “Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog,” Don Litzer, 10 – 11 am, Room 330, Main Library. Find more genealogical resources through expert use of the online catalog. This talk includes instruction in searching by place and family name. Saturday October 7, 2006: “Preserving Your Family History Through Scrapbooking,” Dena Williamson, 2 – 3 pm, Room 244, Main Library. This PowerPoint presentation is for anyone interested in the process of scrapbooking and its importance in preserving your research, with techniques and tips for preserving those treasured memories, photographs, documents, and more. Sunday October 8, 2006: “PERSI Online with Ancestry & Heritage Quest,” Curt Witcher, 2 – 3 pm, Room 244, Main Library. The “PERiodical Source Index (PERSI)” is a vital tool for locating relevant data in genealogical and historical periodicals. Learn how to effectively use both the HeritageQuest and Ancestry.com versions of PERSI. Monday, October 9, 2006: “Not Just Ancestry -- Learning About Genealogy and the Internet,” Don Litzer, 2 – 3 pm, Room 330, Main Library. Capture the Internet’s full potential for your genealogy— how to hunt for data and contact others who can help you succeed. Even if you’re a beginner at computers or genealogy, learn a strategy to make your online research worthwhile. Tuesday October 10, 2006: “Immigration and Naturalization Research,” Marge Graham, 7 – 8 pm, Room 244, Main Library. This presentation will discuss locating an ancestor’s arrival using new online databases, looking at standard and unusual sources, and linking the naturalization process to your ancestor’s immigration. Was he really naturalized? Wednesday October 11, 2006: Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana Meeting: Janet Westendorf of the Allen County Board of Health, "Updates with Vital Records: Genealogy in the Department of Health." 7 pm, Aboite Branch Library. Thursday October 12, 2006: “Using Ancestry.com,” Delia Bourne, 10 - 11 am, Room 330, Main Library. This talk will provide search instructions and tips for Ancestry’s many databases, such as census and passenger records, and the historic newspaper collection. Friday October 13, 2006: “What’s in a German Place Name,” Don Litzer, 10 - 11 am, Room 244, Main Library. You have the name of a place in Germany from where your ancestors came—now what? Learn about spelling aids, gazetteers, maps, and sources to identify your ancestral location and find records about people who lived there. Saturday October 14, 2006: “Application Process Workshop,” Daughters of the American Revolution, 9:30 - 11 am, Room 244, Main Library. DAR Chapter members will provide information on the application process for joining the DAR. Stay for the DAR Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter meeting at 1pm, also in Room 244. Sunday October 15, 2006: “The Early Years of Fort Wayne Television,” Richard (Dick) Florea, 2 – 3 pm, Room 244, Main Library. Mr. Florea will be remembering the people and programming in the 1950s and 1960s. Monday, October 16, 2006: “Unusual Death Records,” Rose Newton, 7 – 8 pm, Room 244, Main Library. In the costume of a Victorian lady in mourning, Rose Newton discusses locating death records in unusual places and what you could learn about your ancestors. Tuesday October 17, 2006: “Using Ancestry.com,” Delia Bourne, 10 - 11 am, Room 330, Main Library. This talk will provide search instructions and tips for Ancestry’s many databases, such as census and passenger records, and the historic newspaper collection. Tuesday October 17, 2006: “Immigration and Naturalization Research,” Marge Graham, 7 – 8 pm, Room 244, Main Library. This presentation will discuss locating an ancestor’s arrival using new online databases, looking at standard and unusual sources, and linking the naturalization process to your ancestor’s immigration. Was he really naturalized? Wednesday October 18, 2006: Allen County Genealogical of Indiana Society Computer Interest Group Meeting, 7 pm, Aboite Branch Library. The speaker will be Ruth Camarata. Thursday October 19, 2006: “Using Heritage Quest Online,” Elaine Kuhn 2 – 3 pm, Room 330, Main Library. This presentation will cover searching and printing from Heritage Quest Online, which includes federal censuses, Revolutionary War pension files, books, Freedman's Bank information, and the Periodical Source Index. Friday October 20, 2006: “Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog,” Don Litzer 10 - 11 am, Room 330, Main Library. Find more genealogical resources through expert use of the online catalog. This talk includes instruction in searching by place and family name. Saturday October 21: “Picturing Your Past: Scrapbooking Workshop,” Dena Williamson, 2 – 4 pm, Room 244, Main Library. In this hands-on workshop, you will create a 2-page scrapbooking layout to which you will be able to add pictures. Supplies will be provided by the library. Registration is required as the number of participants is limited. Sunday October 22, 2006: “Beginning Genealogy,” Marge Graham, 2 – 4 pm, Room 244, Main Library. Organizational tools and proven methods to get you started on the right track to successful searching. Monday October 23, 2006: “Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog,” Staff, 10 - 11 am, Room 330, Main Library. Find more genealogical resources through expert use of the online catalog. This talk includes instruction in searching by place and family name. Tuesday October 24, 2006: “Image Restoration,” Kay Spears, 10 – 11:30 am, Room 330, Main Library. Working with photographs that have been scanned, learn how to correct fading and yellowing, remove dirt, and add feathering and color to photos. Tuesday October 24, 2006: “Creating Family History Documents,” Kay Spears, 2 – 3:30 pm, Room 330, Main Library. Learn how to navigate through Microsoft Word to create a book on your family, including pedigree charts, text wrapping, and word art. Wednesday October 25, 2006: “Online Resources for Civil War Research,” Curt Witcher, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Room 244, Main Library. Learn some of the best sites and search strategies for finding historical and genealogical information on this most researched of American wars. Thursday October 26, 2006: “Using Ancestry.com,” Delia Bourne, 2 – 3 pm, Room 330, Main Library. This talk will provide search instructions and tips for Ancestry’s many databases, such as census and passenger records, and the historic newspaper collection. Friday October 27, 2006: “Midnight Madness Extended Research Hours,” 6 pm – Midnight, Historical Genealogy Department. When the library closes at 6 pm this day, the Genealogy Department will remain open until midnight for six more hours of research, education, and genealogical fun! Saturday October 28, 2006: “Preserving Family Treasures,” Rebecca Schipper, 2 – 3 pm, Room 317, Main Library. This talk will cover the care and storage of paper, textiles, photographs, computer disks, audio and video tapes. Sunday October 29, 2006: “Buckeye Beginnings: An Introduction to Ohio Research,” Amy Johnson Crow, 2 – 3 pm, Room 244, Main Library. Ohio was an original gateway to the West. Learn about records, repositories and research strategies in the Buckeye State. Monday October 30, 2006: “Genealogy Snapshots: Digital Photography for Genealogists” Jeanne Stump, 2 – 3 pm, Board Room, 3rd floor, Main Library. Explore the many ways a digital camera can be used in genealogical research, including buying a digital camera and accessories, and photographing gravestones, microfilm, old documents, and photos. And just for fun, check out some great heirlooms and family history gifts for the family. Tuesday October 31, 2006: “Lindenwood Cemetery History,” John Beatty, 2 - 3 pm, Room 244, Main Library. This talk will cover the history of this important cemetery as part of the "rural cemetery movement" in nineteenth century America, beginning with the cemetery's founding in 1859 and touching on important milestone events to the present.

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Preservation Tip of the Month by Becky Schipper

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ACPL’s Preservation Technician Becky Schipper offers advice on conserving your documents: Choosing a Conservator Hiring a conservator can be an expensive treatment option. Check with a local museum or university library in your area for reputable conservators. You may also request the pamphlet "Guidelines for Selecting a Conservator" from the American Institute for Conservation and Artistic Works (AIC http://aic.stanford.edu/) Correction to last month’s tip: note change to URL www.heritagepreservation.org

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HOTEL OF THE MONTH

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Each issue we will feature a local hotel, for visitors from out-of-town. Courtyard by Marriott, Fort Wayne 1619 West Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne IN 46818 phone: 260 489 1500 fax 260 489 3273 Courtyard by Marriott is designed for business travelers, who are said to be more discriminating and to have specific needs. They feature luxury bedding, and a separate tub and shower. There is a complimentary high speed internet connection. Located an easy fifteen-minute drive from the library, the hotel is in a neighborhood of hotels, restaurants and shops. This is a good choice for those bringing a group to the library: it features meeting rooms which you can use. Keep in mind that the Genealogy Center can supply speakers for after-dinner or evening sessions for your members.

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AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI) 30th anniversary year Refreshments at 6:30, meeting at 7:00. Questions: contact Katie Bloom kathrynabloom@verizon.net Wednesday October 11, Aboite branch: Janet Westendorf, Director of the Vital Records Department of the Allen County Board of Health will talk to us about "Updates with Vital Records: Genealogy in the Department of Health." Computer Users Group Questions? Contact Marge Graham, gramar57@aol.com or 672-2585. October 18, 2006, Aboite branch, ACPL, 5630 Coventry Lane, 7 p.m. Ruth Camarata will present her experiences compiling a family history using Family Tree Maker, what worked well and what pitfalls she encountered. Her manuscript, the Solomons & Carlsons of Northwest Indiana, is now available in the Genealogy Center. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) First Wednesday of each month in the Genealogy Department 9am – 7pm. Expert help from members of the DAR in becoming a member of that organization

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ACPL LIBRARIANS ON TOUR

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Curt Witcher October 14: Central New York Genealogical Society Seminar, Syracuse, NY, “Mining the Motherlode, Using Genealogical Periodicals,” “Effective Use of the Allen County Public Library’s Historical Genealogy Department,” “Using Military Records for Genealogical Research,” “Using Church Records for Genealogical Research.” October 18: 4pm, Indiana University, Neal-Marshall Grand Hall, Bloomington, IN, “Why Genealogy?” (A panel discussion of the importance of family history and the resources used to engage in the research.) October 21: Tri-State Genealogy Society Fall Seminar, Evansville, IN: “The Road Not Taken: Mega Internet Sites of Genealogists Off the Beaten Path,” “Using Government Documents for Genealogical Research,” “Researching Your Civil War Ancestor,” “Doing Effective Research in Libraries.” John Beatty October 17: 7pm, History Center, part of a panel, giving a short presentation on the British experience in Allen County. November 14: 7pm, at ACPL, part of a panel discussion on the Art of Writing Local History, with examples from the new Allen County history book. Sponsored by Reader’s Services. Don Litzer 28 October: Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County History Fair, “Not Just Ancestry: Learning about Genealogy and the Internet” KEEP IN MIND: October is family history month, and ACPL genealogical librarians and other local genealogical professionals will be offering programs on many topics at the library.

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DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE LIBRARY

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Wondering how to get to the library? Our exciting transition location is 200 E. Berry, Fort Wayne, Indiana. We will be at this location until late 2006. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Department. To get directions from your exact location to 200 E. Berry, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&searchtab=ad dress&searchtype=address&address=200+E+Berry+St&city=Fort+Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802 -2706&search=++Search++&finditform=1 From the South Exit Interstate 69 at exit 102. Drive east on Jefferson Blvd. into downtown. Turn left on Barr Street to Berry Street. The library is located on the corner of Berry and Barr Streets. From the North Exit Interstate 69 at exit 112. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton, the library will be on your left when you cross Berry Street. From the West Using US 30: Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Road. Coming up to an angled street (State Street.) make an angled left turn. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Left on Wayne Street. When you cross Clinton, the library will be on your left on Wayne Street. Using US 24: After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South. From the East Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Turn right on Barr Street. Turn left on Berry Street. The library is on your left on Berry Street.

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PARKING AT THE LIBRARY

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Lot in front of the library, east side of the lot. Available for short-term library parking. Limited to one hour. There are handicapped parking spots near the door. Tippman Parking Garage Clinton and Wayne Streets. Across from the library, however the skybridge is NOT accessible. Hourly parking, $1.25 per hour up to a maximum of $5.00 per day. Park Place Lot Covered parking on Barr Street at Main Street. This lot is one block away from the library. Hourly parking Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. Street (metered) parking on Wayne Street and Berry Street. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. It is free to park on the street after 5pm and on the weekends. Visitor center/Grand Wayne center Covered parking at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5pm and 11pm.

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GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT QUERIES

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The Historical Genealogy Department hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee. If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy@ACPL.Info.

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PUBLISHING NOTE:

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This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Historical Genealogy Department, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause. To subscribe to Genealogy Gems, simply use your browser to go to the website: www.FriendsOfAllenCounty.org. Scroll down toward the bottom of the first screen where it says, "Enter Your Email Address to Subscribe to "Genealogy Gems." Enter your email address in the yellow box and click on "Subscribe." You will be notified with a confirmation email. If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of GenealogyGems you just received or send an email to kspears@acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe ezine" in the subject line. Ryan Taylor, editor emeritus Curt Witcher, editor pro-tem