The Indiana State Library will once again host its popular Genealogy and Local History Fair in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 22. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s History Reference Room.

This year’s theme is “Family Drama: Researching Your Complicated and Unconventional Ancestors.” Presenters will use case studies to illustrate research techniques and contextualize family stories within the larger scope of history. Attendees will also be encouraged to visit the exhibition hall to collect information from genealogy and local history organizations and to shop the commercial vendors.

Daniel Hubbard will present “When a Life Becomes Myth” about an odd and dramatic family tale that showed a life slowly being converted to myth over generations. Hubbard will also present “Where the Murderers Roam,” concerning family stories that are far more important than they seem on the surface.

Additional presenters include Erin Moulton, who will present “Death of a Showman,” examining what happens when the subject of your genealogical research joins the carnival, moves across the country, reappears six years younger, marries a couple of times and then dies suddenly leaving a wave of confusion in his wake, and Robert Bowling, who will share his research concerning the history of grave robbing in central Indiana.

The program's presentations are eligible for up to four LEUs for Indiana library staff.

Click here to read more about the Genealogy and Local History Fair. Registration is not necessary to attend.

The Indiana State Library is located at 315 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis. Please contact the State Library's Genealogy Division via email or by calling 317-232-3689 with any questions.

Indiana State Library's website featured in annual list of the 75 Best State Websites for Genealogy

 Family Tree Magazine has announced the release of  its newly-revised and updated 75 Best State Websites for Genealogy list. The list highlights the best state-based resources for family historians to research their family tree.

The Indiana State Library's Genealogy Collection website has been chosen to be part of the list.

"We're proud of how this list highlights the great work being done by societies, archives and libraries around the country," said Family Tree Magazine editor Andrew Koch. "And entries for additional U.S. territories will hopefully help even more researchers find their ancestors."

The State Library's Genealogy Division website includes indexed marriages, death listings, biographies and newspapers. The Indiana Legacy collection indexes records at libraries, historical societies and genealogical societies, while Indiana Memory includes oral histories, city directories, photographs, newspapers, yearbooks and more. Additionally, users can find letters, diaries, photographs and family Bible records under Indiana State Library Digital Collections.

Click here to view the full list of websites. Click here to read Family Tree Magazine's complete press release.

‘Indiana’s Great Outdoors’ Statehood Day essay contest now accepting submissions

The Indiana Center for the Book is hosting an essay competition to commemorate Indiana’s 205th Statehood Day. This year’s theme is “Indiana’s Great Outdoors.” The Statehood Day Essay Contest takes place annually in the fall and is open to all Indiana fourth graders.

Essays should be well organized and reflective of the theme “Indiana’s Great Outdoors.” Judges will interpret the theme. Thematic ideas include: Why is nature important? How do you enjoy nature in Indiana? Why are water and other natural resources important? What outdoor recreational spots in Indiana are special to you? Why is nature important to a great state?

Winners of the essay contest will be honored on Friday, Dec. 10 in a ceremony that may be in-person or may be virtual. The winners will be expected to record their essays for a virtual ceremony. In-person ceremonies may take place at the Indiana Statehouse or other locations, pandemic permitting.

The first-place winner receives a CollegeChoice 529 deposit of $250, while the second, third and fourth-place winners receive CollegeChoice deposits of $150.

The essay contest rules are as follows:

- The competition is open to any Indiana fourth grade public, private or homeschooled student in the 2021-22 school year.

- A panel of judges, including Indiana State Library staff and volunteer educators, will choose the first, second, third and fourth place winners.

- Essays must range from 100 to 300 words; handwritten or typed and must be submitted with an entry form.

- Individual entries should use the 2021 individual entry form and class sets should use the 2021 group entry form. The following information should be included on each essay for class sets: student name, teacher name and school name.

- All entries may be mailed or emailed and must be received by Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.

- Mailed entry forms can be sent to: Indiana Center for the Book Indiana State Library 140 N. Senate Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204.

- Emailed entry forms can be sent to this email address as an attachment.

Click here for more information about the 2021 Statehood Day essay contest, including lesson plans for teachers, and to view the 2020 winning essays.

Please contact Suzanne Walker, Indiana Center for the Book director, with any questions.