Archives of Michigan offers virtual family history workshops for members

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 10/05/2020 12:14 PM EDT

Share or view as webpage  |  Update preferences
Exterior of the Michigan Library and Historical Center building

Archives of Michigan offers family history workshops this month for Michigan History Center members.

A woman looks through archival materials at a table.

October is Family History Month!

The Archives of Michigan, part of the Michigan History Center, is celebrating Family History Month by offering a weekly series of genealogy workshops free to existing and new members. These workshops, which take place on Wednesdays in October at 7 p.m., expand your skills and help you discover your family stories.

Archivists Kris Rzepczynski, Jill Arnold and Annakathryn Welch will speak on topics including naturalization records, probate records, the Michiganology research website and less traditional research records. Sessions will be available on demand for 60 days.

Sessions are free to current members and available for new or renewing members starting at the $50 individual membership level.

Already a member? Workshop information will be emailed to you automatically.

Membership benefits also include the center newsletter, sneak previews on new content and publications, the award-winning Archives of Michigan magazine TRACE, free admission to the Michigan History Museum, discounts at museum stores and the shop at Michiganology.org and free access to workshops or drop in sessions with archives and museum staff throughout the year.

Not a member of the Michigan History Center? Join today online or complete and mail our membership application. 

Questions about Michigan History Center membership? Contact Sheri Giffin, membership manager, at GiffinS@Michigan.gov or (517) 335-2591.

Workshop Schedule

An ink pen sits on a document that reads "Last Will and Testament."

Wills, Chills and Thrills: Discovering Probate Records

Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

Archivist Kris Rzepczynski provides an overview of probate records: the different types of records created (including wills, inventories, and calendars), the family history content to be discovered, and where to find them online and onsite.

Become a member and register now
A screen shot of the Michiganology.org homepage

Seeking Michigan Becomes Michiganology.org

Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

Archivist Jill Arnold discusses digital collections previously on SeekingMichigan.org that are now available on Michiganology.org. She will explain how to search the site and listen to your suggestions for how to improve this free resource.

Become a member and register now
An open ledger features a mug shot of a man and handwritten script

Now You See Them, Now You Don't: Corrections Records

Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

Archivist Annakathryn Welch will help researchers navigate prison records held by the Archives of Michigan to uncover information about their ancestors' past misdeeds, including getting started, and using prison records to find even more genealogy resources.

Become a member and register now
An open ledger features a photo of a man and handwritten script

Becoming American: Naturalization Records

Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

One of the most important records in family history research can be very difficult to locate. Archivist Kris Rzepczynski explores how to find naturalization records, the tools available to assist research, and successful strategies to locate citizenship records.

Become a member and register now

Was this email useful?

thumbs upthumbs down

The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories. Our 12 museums and historic sites across the state provide family-friendly places where people of all ages can have fun actively learning about their heritage and the history of Michigan seven days a week through exhibits, special events and diverse programming. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mhc.