KHCPL Will Be Closed Sunday, April 1

All library locations will be closed Sunday, April 1 for Easter.  Visit the library and the Genealogy and Local History Department online at www.KHCPL.org. 

Reminder: Researching Your Female Ancestors

Don't forget that Tuesday, March 27 the Genealogy and Local History Department will offer the program "Researching Your Female Ancestors" presented by Marcia Ford, retired Genealogy Librarian.  The program will be from 6 to 8 pm in Meeting Rooms A & B at KHCPL Main.  Join us in learning how to find those elusive female ancestors. Call 765.626.0839 for required registration because seating is limited.

Our Circulating Collection

Do you need information on DNA testing?  Maybe you want to look into the history of your house but don't know where to start.  Or, maybe you want to learn more about Ellis Island.  Take advantage of our Circulating Collection of genealogy books to meet your needs.  We have over 100 titles, mainly "How To" books that can be checked out on your KHCPL library card.  Come into the department to browse these books on the shelves located near the reference desk. 

Researching Your Female Ancestors

March is Women's History Month and in celebration, the Genealogy & Local History Department will offer a program on "Researching Your Female Ancestors".  The program will be held Tuesday, March 27, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in meeting rooms A & B at KHCPL Main.  Women are often difficult to trace because they were not allowed to own real estate in their name, to sign legal documents or to participate in government.  Also with name changes, they became our invisible ancestors.  Join us in learning how to find these elusive female ancestors.  For required registration, call the Genealogy & Local History Department at 765.626.0839.

Genealogy for Night Owls

Genealogy for Night Owls is a relaxed, after-hours research evening for adults of any experience level.  Friday, April 13 is the date of the next event and will be held from 5:30 p.m. until midnight.  Included in the evening's activities are a buffet dinner, snacks, door prizes and access to all of the genealogy collection and databases.  Register in the Genealogy and Local History Department, the cost is $15.00.

County Bounty

Most of our genealogical records can be found in counties where our ancestors resided.  Here are some interesting statistics about counties.

County names most commonly use:

1. Washington County - 31 states
2. Jefferson County - 26 states
3. Franklin County - 25 states
4. Jackson County 24 states
5. Lincoln County 24 states

States with the most counties:

1. Texas - 254 counties
2. Georgia - 159 counties
3. Kentucky - 120 counties
4. North Carolina - 100 counties
5. Virginia - 95 counties

State with the least counties:

1. Delaware - 3 counties
2. Hawaii - 5 counties
3. Rhode Island - 5 counties
4. Connecticut - 8 counties
5. New Hampshire - 10 counties

Howard County Genealogical Society Meeting

The Howard County Genealogical Society will meet Monday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A & B at KHCPL Main.  The speaker will be Marcia Ford, retired genealogy librarian.  The topic will be an "Introduction to Researching Your Female Ancestors".  The public is welcome and for more information call 765.626.0839.  Visit the Genealogy and Local History Department online at www.KHCPL.org.

Planning Your Research Trip

Spring and summer are great times to travel and visit the areas where your ancestors lived.  Here are some things to consider.  Check the local library's website to see what they have in the collection and online.  Check the days and hours the genealogy department is open.  Check department rules - do they allow food or beverages in the department?  Can resources be copied and if so what is the price per copy?  Can resources be scanned or photographed?  If they can, be sure to bring flash drives, a portable scanner and/or camera.  Ask if they have WiFi.  Be sure you bring information on the people you will be researching in either paper form or on your laptop.  Bring your GPS to find the library and any cemeteries or home addresses you want to visit in the area.  By planning ahead you are sure to have a productive trip.  Enjoy.

Genealogy Humor

• My family tree must have been used for firewood.
• My family coat of arms ties at the back. . . is that normal?
• A people without knowledge of their history is like a tree without its roots.
• So many ancestors - so little time!
• Shake your family tree and watch the nuts fall.