The popular Genealogy and Local History Fair will return to the Indiana State Library on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. EDT. This year's theme is “America 250: Researching Our Early American Ancestors." The fair will feature a full day of genealogy presentations and exhibitors.
Military historian and professional genealogist Michael Strauss will present “The Road to Independence: Defiance, Crises and Coming War.” In the decade before the Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the start of the American Revolutionary War, the forces that would make revolution necessary were already at work. Strauss will explore the events and tensions that carried the colonies to the breaking point while reviewing records that place families squarely within the prewar struggles.
Strauss will also present “In the Cause of Liberty: Voices from the Revolutionary War.” He will examine compiled military service records, pension files, state and federal bounty land warrants, local militia rolls and Continental Navy and Marine Corps records of those who served in the Revolutionary War. The lecture extends beyond the war itself and examines the national emergencies that followed.
Professional genealogical researcher, writer and speaker Anni Parsons will present “The Hunt for Patriots in Your Ancestry.” Parsons will detail how to trace a family tree back to the Revolutionary War and how to establish if one has Patriots or Loyalists in their lineage. Genealogy resources will be discussed and will be based on records in America during the colonial years.
Registration is not required but is preferred. Click here to register and to read more details about the presentations and speakers.
Parking validation will be available for attendees who park in the Senate Avenue parking garage directly across from the library and bring their ticket in for validation.
For questions, or to register as an exhibitor, please email the Genealogy Division of the Indiana State Library.