Be Aware! Be Wary! Email Scams Can Make it to Your Inbox

originally posted: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 12:37 pm. Edited to add additional information.

We just wanted to share a quick reminder. When viewing your email, always be aware and be wary of those emails. Sometimes scams can get past built-in email provider protections.

If something seems unusual, hover your mouse pointer over the sender name (or what of it that shows), a pop-up should appear that shows you the full email address. BUT even this can sometimes seem correct but not be.

Ask yourself: Is this something that this known contact would actually do. In this case, send an electronic invitation. The subject may say something like: SPECIALLY INVITED BY..." but it might be worded differently by now. If this is not something this person would normally do, do not open the email and most importantly do not follow the directions.

Instead contact that person by sending them an email asking did they send this suspect email. Don't just hit the reply button to that suspect email. Physically initiate a fresh email to this person using their known email to verify is this something the person sent.

Delete suspect emails and/or mark them as spam.

For more information, see this FTC Consumer Alert. 

Did you follow the directions? Let everyone in your Contacts/Address Book know that you did not send that email. That they should just delete it or send it to spam. If they did open it before you warned them, they should do the same to those in their contacts/address book.

And, run some malware protection software. One such service is www.malewarebytes.com. The company has an article on this scam. It also offers some free tools. 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Take Action! Act to Help Save Access to OUR Records at NARA's Chicago's Facility!

We received this urgent message this week. Genealogy members and readers please take action.

 

"American Flag" by JeepersMedia is
licensed under CC BY 2.0. Altered: cropped

Stop the Closure of the Chicago National Archives!!

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has announced plans to close its Chicago facility and the Chicago Federal Records Center at 7358 S. Pulaski Road, alongside offices in San Bruno, CA, and Seattle, WA.

NARA claims this closure is a cost-cutting measure to reduce operating expenses and its real estate portfolio. However, they have provided no archival rationale, no plan for how public access will be maintained, and no consideration for the heavy toll this move takes on the public and NARA staff.

We need to act now. Demand that NARA and our elected officials halt this closure, reject the disinvestment of our cultural institutions, and protect public access to our history—especially as we approach the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Why This Matters

• Irreplaceable Public Records: The Chicago facility houses more than 140,000 cubic feet of historically significant federal records spanning six Great Lakes states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. These include Bureau of Indian Affairs records, Chinese Exclusion Act case files, Great Lakes maritime records, naturalization files, and the Trial of the Chicago 7 transcripts.
• Deep Connections to Local History: These archives directly complement regional repositories. For example, the facility holds dozens of federal court cases related to the Pullman Strike of 1894 (connecting to the Illinois Labor History Archives and Pullman National Historical Site); Bureau of Indian Affairs records detailing relationships with Indigenous communities (supplementing the Newberry Library and American Indian Center); and maritime records tracking ship movements and major events, including the 1919 murder of Eugene Williams in Lake Michigan that sparked the Chicago Race Riot.
• Most Records Are Not Online: Only a tiny fraction of these archives are digitized. NARA’s online portal is notoriously unreliable. If this facility closes, records will be packed onto pallets and shipped out of the region, forcing future researchers to travel cross-country or forgo these vital sources altogether.
• Loss of Vital, Lifeline Services: Everyday citizens rely on this facility to access naturalization papers to prove citizenship status, locate federal court records, research family genealogy, track military service history, and trace ancestors who attended government Indigenous boarding schools.
• Erasure of Expertise and Job Losses: The closure eliminates the livelihoods of 17 dedicated local staff members, including 11 union workers represented by AFGE Council 260. These professionals have spent careers developing deep institutional knowledge of regional history and uncatalogued collections. This expertise cannot be packed into a box and shipped away; once these professionals are displaced, that knowledge is lost forever.

Take Action Now

1. Contact Your Congressional Representatives

Call or write to your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Demand that they intervene to halt the closure and push for robust federal funding to keep regional archives open and fully staffed.

• Find your representative: www.house.gov/representatives
• Find your senators: www.senate.gov/senators

2. Message NARA Leadership

Tell NARA leadership that closing regional facilities directly undermines their mission to "promote public inquiry and strengthen democratic participation." Demand transparency regarding where these records are going and how they plan to maintain public access.

Physical Mailing Address: National Archives and Records Administration 8601 Adelphi Road College Park, MD 20740-6001

• Ed Forst, Acting Archivist of the United States (Head and chief administrator)
• Jay Trainer, Chief Operating Officer | Email: jay.trainer@nara.gov
• Chris Naylor, Executive for Research Services | Email: chris.naylor@nara.gov
• Corey Cooke, Acting Chief of Staff | Email: corey.cooke@nara.gov

3. Contact Congressional Oversight & Appropriations Committees

Because facility closures are driven by federal budget decisions and real estate assessments, reach out to the committees that control NARA’s policy and funding. Framed your letters around how closing this facility compromises government transparency, accountability, and local access. (Note: If you are a constituent of any of these Chairs or Ranking Members, highlight this clearly, and always copy your local representatives on the correspondence).

Operations & Policy Oversight

These committees monitor NARA’s management decisions and compliance with federal records laws.

• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC)
• Chair: Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)
• Ranking Member: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
• House Committee on Oversight and Accountability
• Chair: Representative James Comer (R-KY)
• Ranking Member: Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA)

Budget & Funding Oversight (Appropriations)

These subcommittees control NARA’s discretionary budget. Demand they allocate dedicated federal funding to keep regional branches open.

• Senate Committee on Appropriations (Subcommittee on FSGG)
• Full Committee Chair: Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
• FSGG Subcommittee Chair: Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN)
• FSGG Subcommittee Ranking Member: Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
• House Committee on Appropriations (Subcommittee on FSGG)
• Full Committee Chair: Representative Tom Cole (R-OK)
• FSGG Subcommittee Chair: Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH)
• FSGG Subcommittee Ranking Member: Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

Spread the Word

Share this alert with historians, genealogists, students, labor advocates, and community members. Our history belongs to the public, not in a locked warehouse across the country.

Please share any correspondence you receive to advocacy@chicagogenealogy.org .  Also, free to ask for any help to compose correspondence.  

Don’t let them bury our history. Fight the closure today!

 

This was originally posted by Barbara J. Mathews, CG® Emeritus, FASG who obtained it from the Chicago Genealogical Society.

 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

RootsMagic Users Update or Upgrade to Latest Version; Ancestry API Changes

Users of RootsMagic genealogy software might want to take note of a very recent change. Especially if you have your RootsMagic tree file synced to an Ancestry Member Tree.

Ancestry.com has officially completed its transition to a new API—the system RootsMagic uses to communicate with Ancestry trees. As of yesterday, the previous API has been turned off.

This change is designed to improve reliability and performance when uploading and downloading your tree data. However, it also means that older versions of RootsMagic are no longer able to connect to Ancestry.

If you are using RootsMagic 11:
Good news—the required update (version 11.2.0 or later) is completely free. Simply download and install the latest update to continue syncing with Ancestry.

If you are using RootsMagic 10 or earlier:
You will need to upgrade to RootsMagic 11 to maintain your connection with Ancestry. To help with this transition, the company is offering a limited-time $5 discount on the upgrade.

The RootsMagic 11 Ancestry Upgrade Special saves you $5 on the purchase of the software for new users or the upgrade of the software for owners of previous versions (10 or earlier.) This sale ends in about 8 days.

Besides the banner on the RootsMagic home page, there is a blog post explaining the situation. Essentially the advice is to upgrade/update to the latest version. Continuing to run the old software will just create greater disparity between your program's tree file and its associated Ancestry member tree because of the inability to sync. If you are not syncing your RootsMagic tree file and Ancestry Member Tree, it may seem like there is no urgency but running old software can sometimes get you stuck, especially if you are trying to work with others at a future date.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

PGSM May Meeting is Open to Public; Learn about Finding and Using Alien Registrations for 20th-Century US Immigrants

The Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan's May meeting is a webinar format that is open to the public. Hosted in partnership with the Polish Genealogy Society of Connecticut and the Northeast, the meeting takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Ryan Johnson will present Finding and Using Alien Registrations for 20th-Century U.S. Immigrants via Zoom. Invitations will be emailed to PGSM members.

Registration will be open to everyone at www.pgsm.org starting May 1. Pre-registration for this webinar meeting is required

Alien registration forms constitute an important federal immigration record series rich in genealogical details that was recently transferred from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to the National Archives Electronic Records Division. Join us to learn about why non-naturalized residents filed these forms just after the 1940 census and what information we might find in them about family members. We will then practice using a free database to identify and request these useful records.

Ryan Johnson, MAT, completed the National Genealogical Society's Advanced Skills in Genealogy Course and researches for clients in the Midwest. As the great-grandchild of eight 20th-century U.S. immigrants, he has special research interests in French Canada, Sweden, Italy, France, and the Baltic states.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

RootsTech 2026 Deals In Expo Hall -- Check Them Out Before They are Gone!

It's RootsTech 2026 time! Besides catching the latest learning sessions do not forget to check out the Virtual Expo Hall. That is where the sponsors (vendors) have their own pages and most of them are offering sales and discounts on their products.

But be aware, many of them end when RootsTech ends Saturday. Though some sales may extend longer. Make sure you know when the sales in which you are interested end so you don't lose out. We've tried to note sale end dates when we could find them.

Or click on the "Browse All Deals" below the Top Deals section to see even more deals all on one page. 

Memberships

There are a lot of societies in the Society Sponsor area. Some are giving discounts on memberships to their organizations. The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) aka American Ancestors has a $25 off discount on a membership with promo code RT26. Or just click the link on its expo page to be taken to its own website with the discount code entered. The discount price will show as you go through the purchase process.

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYGBS) has a $10 off membership with code ROOTS10.

Family Tree DNA

As you would guess there are DNA sales going on during RootsTech 2026. Check out Family Tree DNA's variety of tests and test bundles on sale by clicking the link that takes you to a special page of the FTDNA website. You can view a chart of the sale prices for tests, test bundles and upgrades in a PDF file. And then use the specialized code for the test, bundle or upgrade you want. The FamilyFinder autosomal DNA test is on sale for $29. Remember if you are upgrading or plan to add a test type to an existing test, you need to be signed into that particular test kit before placing the order. By the way there is a code to unlock a DNA uploaded test for free. These Family Tree DNA Promo Codes are good March 4-31, 2026.

Ancestry and AncestryDNA

There are a variety of things on sale from Ancestry. An autosomal DNA test is on sale for $29, regular price $99. Shipping is extra. You can get one month of ProTools for $5 instead of $10. There are 50% discounts on semi- and annual World Explorer and All-Access Memberships. There are discounts on its other websites (Fold3.com and Newspapers.com) as well as its new AncestryPreserve kits. Ancestry's sales end March 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MT.

23andMe

There is a 71% off sale at 23andMe. The Advanced Ancestry + Health: 23andMe+ Premium test which is regularly $199.00, has a RootsTech Discount bringing the price to $80. 

Family Tree Maker

Save up to 50% off at Software MacKiev. Family Tree Maker 2024 is regularly $80. It is $39.95 -- 50% off for the download. We have not spotted the sale end date for this sale so if you need it get it sooner rather than later. If you want a DVD or USB drive with that download, the discount is a bit less. The DVD+download is 45% off the regular price of $90 ($49.95 + $5.95 shipping and handling.) The USB drive+download is 40% off the regular price of $100 ($59.95 + $5.95 shipping and handling.)

The Companion Guide printed book is regularly $40, on sale for just $29.95 which is 25% off.

For the plug-ins at the MacKiev store, Family Book Creator 2024 is one sale for $39.95, which is 30% off the $60 regular price. Charting Companion 8 is regularly $50 and for this sale it is 20% off for new users so $39.95 and it is 40% off for existing users to upgrade so $29.95.

Family Book Creator 2024

On its own website, Family Book Creator is advertised 33% off with Promo Code RootsTech2026. This sale goes to mid-March 2026. A private license for Windows or Mac is $59.95 which would make the sale price about $40.17 for the download. 

RootsMagic 11

Though not as good a deal if you are in-person at RootsTech, the rest of us can save a little too. Save from Home: Save $5 on RootsMagic 11—just $34.95 for new users or $24.95 for existing users. Visit rootsmagic.com to claim your discount. This offer runs through Friday, March 13, 2026. See the claim your discount banner at the top of the RootsMagic website homepage.

Vivid-Pix

Vivid-Pix sales for RootsTech 2026 are on its sale page for the event. The coupon code is RT2026. This sale is good until March 30, 2026.

ArkivDigital

There is a 3 month special subscription pricing to ArkivDigital for those with Swedish ancestry.

Finland's Family History Association

Finland's Family History Association is giving free access during RootsTech. See that link in the Expo Hall for details.

So take a look there is a lot there. 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

RootsTech 2026 Starts Tomorrow! and Runs March 5 to March 7

RootsTech 2026 Starts Tomorrow!

RootsTech 2026 -- the genealogy and technology conference takes place March 5 to March 7, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, but it also has an online component as well for those unable to attend in-person.

And technically there are a few sessions this evening because you know somewhere in the world the sun rises and a new day begins well before our day does.

 

Participation in RootsTech 2026 Online requires registration and the cost is ... FREE! Participating online gives you access to 200+ online sessions in over 26 languages; the ability to join keynote sessions live from where ever you are that day with internet connection; the ability to chat with other online participants; and access to syllabi and class handouts.

Use your free user account for FamilySearch.org to sign-in at the RootsTech website before you register. Or if you are already logged into FamilySearch.org and bring up a tab/window with RootsTech.org in the same browser it recognizes that you are already logged in.

Once you are registered, you can create a schedule for yourself for each day of the conference. And, even if you can't attend every session each day, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed after the conference ends. Note that some sessions will be only available after the conference for a few months before they are removed. But the vast majority will stay up for later viewing.

And DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE VIRTUAL EXPO HALL. This is where the vendors have their RootsTech specials/sales noted. Some even have live or pre-recorded mini-sessions detailing their products.

Have fun!

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MCPL Local History & Genealogy Programming of Interest -- Join Them!

Our favorite library has a variety of programs of its own each month. Be sure to check its Library Events Calendar to see what might interest you. Here are some coming highlights.

 

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm, Meeting Room BC
Telling Your Stories, Finding Your Roots

Please join us as Omer Jean Winborn and Cheryl Garnett, president and vice president of the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society, share their journeys with family history, offer guidance, and provide resources to support African American genealogy.

Winborn and Garnett are dedicated to making it easier for African Americans in their community to uncover their family roots through a blend of genetic genealogy and traditional, boots-on-the-ground research. They are also the co-founders of the Washtenaw County African American Genealogy Society.

Come prepared with questions—or your brick walls—and Winborn and Garnett will be ready to offer assistance.

This two-hour program will begin with a one-hour presentation, followed by an hour dedicated to research questions.

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1 pm - 2 pm, Meeting Room A
And There I Take My Stand: Women's Suffrage in Michigan with Katherine R. Willson

This 60-minute presentation traces the long fight for women’s voting rights, setting the stage with the major civil rights barriers women faced and the national timeline that shaped the movement. From there, we turn our focus to Michigan, highlighting the state’s pivotal events, local advocates, and hard-won milestones.

Along the way, we explore online and offline sources that help us dig deeper into this history on our own. A four-page handout is provided, and we’ll wrap up with time for general Q&A.

This will be a hybrid event, with the speaker presenting remotely.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

 

New Hours for the Local History and Genealogy Room at Mount Clemens Public Library Start March 1, 2026

ATTENTION:  All the Genealogists and Historians who use the Mount Clemens Public Library's Local History and Genealogy Room. The room's hours will be changing as of March 1, 2026. But note that the library's hours will not change.

Starting March 1, 2026:

Monday 10 am - 6 pm

Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm

Wednesday 12 pm - 6 pm

Thursday 10 am - 6 pm

Friday 10 am - 5 pm

Saturday is by appointment only

Note that for Saturday appointments you need to arrange these by end of day Wednesday of that week. To book an appointment, email localhistory@mtclib.org or call 586-469-6200 ext. 6.

The change in the Local History & Genealogy Room hours will not negatively impact the timing of our 2nd Wednesday of the month Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meetings which run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. because the library's hours are not changing.

The reduction in LH&G Room hours was based on several things including room usage trends. 

Also, if you simply want to use the various database offerings available (like Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, or the FamilySearch Affiliate access) while in the library, you can access these with your own devices from anywhere in the library -- upstairs or downstairs.

 

 

Lastly, if you really need to access the FamilySearch Affiliate resources, MCGG has learned that many of the Suburban Library Cooperative libraries are now also FamilySearch Affiliate locations. Some of these libraries have longer hours and even hours on Sundays. So you have some alternative ways to solve those desperate research urges when you encounter locked digitized microfilm.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Annual George Washington Birthday Event at Washington Historical Museum Feb. 22

The Washington Historical Museum, located at 58230 Van Dyke (north of 26 Mile Road), will be open on Sunday, February 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. The historical society will host its annual George Washington Birthday Event.

Visitors can tour the museum exhibits and view the 27 finalist entries for the 2026 Ron Gordon Memorial George Washington Art Contest. Refreshments and cherry desserts will be served. 

This event is free and all are welcome. 

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, 294 years ago. Recently, Presidents Day has been celebrated as a combination of Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's (February 12, 1809) birthdays. 

For more information, call 586-786-5304 (answering machine at the museum), check the Greater Washington Area Historical Society Facebook Page, or go to their website: www.washhistsoc.org. 

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Friends of Ray Township Library & Historical Society Meets Thursday, November 13 at 4 p.m.

Friends of the Ray Township Library and Historical Society is meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 4 p.m.

The Society is looking ahead to 2026 and celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

It is exploring new partnerships and collaborations with local organizations and groups to preserve our local historic sites, collect and record history, and improve access to the public. 

The Procter Cemetery Restoration project is one example of preserving a historic site while recording basic information about the early settlers and residents that shaped our community. With the help of the community, we'd like to expand the project to research the individuals in our cemeteries from the earliest burials in 1827 to those recently deceased. Everyone is encouraged to join us to discuss the project at our meeting this Thursday. If you can't attend, send us an email so we can inform you about future meetings and events.
 
The Holiday DeLights Silent Auction will be held in the Ray Township Public Library from Nov 18th - Dec 10th. We are currently accepting donations of items for our baskets to be displayed and auctioned off in the Library. Proceeds benefit the Procter Cemetery Restoration project.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

PGSM November 15 Webinar on Translating, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents using AI

The Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan's next webinar will be Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET.

The topic is "Translating, Transcribing, and Summarizing Documents Using AI," presented by Thomas MacEntee. 

This webinar is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. PGSM members will receive an invitation. Registration for non-members will open November 1 on the PGSM website.

Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. This presentation will cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.

The presentation includes information on what artificial intelligence is and how it works; transcription; summarization; translation; and the best AI platforms. Tips and tricks and a resource list will also be provided.
 

See you at our favorite library!
LE

2026 Calendar to Benefit Ray, Greater Washington and Romeo Areas Societies

The Historical Societies of Romeo, Ray and Washington Townships are pleased to announce the release of their 2026 calendar titled, “A Legacy of Service…To Country and Community.”

 

The calendar is a collaborative effort between the Friends of the Ray Township Library & Historical Society, the Greater Washington Area Historical Society, and the Romeo Historical Society, featuring historical images of local military groups, fire departments, and community organizations honoring their service while celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.

Calendars can be purchased for $10.00 at various locations including, the Ray Township Public Library, Romeo Arts & Archives Museum, Washington Historical Museum, Ray Township Offices, Washington Township Offices, Jarvis Accounting and Tax Service, Jarzyna Farms Fine Meats and Deli, K. O. Music Studio, Raven Oaks Farm, Romeo Family Restaurant, and Town Hall Antiques. 

Proceeds will benefit the Society in each community where the calendar is sold including the Procter Cemetery Restoration project and the Washington Historical Museum’s electrical upgrade project. The Societies wish to thank all the sponsors whose support covered the costs of printing the calendars ensuring all proceeds benefit historical preservation projects.

Contact the Societies for more information. Friends of the Ray Township Library and Historical Society at RayLibrary.org/RayHistory, Info@RayHistory.org, and 586-749-7130. Greater Washington Area Historical Society at WashHistSoc.org, WashingtonMuseum@gmail.com, and 586-786-5304. Romeo Historical Society at RomeoHistoricalSociety.org and 586-752-4111.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

AncestryDNA Custom Match Clusters Released Tuesday, October 21

Late this Summer those AncestryDNA users with the extra AncestryDNA Pro Tools received the DNA Clusters tool. We announced the roll out in our July 4th post. There is an Ancestry Blog post on the release here.

Yesterday, October 21, Ancestry released the Custom Clusters aspect of the DNA Clusters tool. You can read about it and how to utilize it in yesterday's Ancestry Blog post. Or in a Support Topics post on Custom Match Clusters. 

DNA Clusters visually presents your matches so you can see these matches as a group showing how they relate to each other -- which match matches which matches. These cluster groups can often be identified by the test taker's grandparent lines and you are able to view these clusters by the test taker's Parent 1 and Parent 2 sides (or Maternal Side and Paternal Side if identified) or view both sides together. The matches range from 65 to 1300 centiMorgans (cM).

Custom Clusters allows the user to focus clustering around a certain match of interest. Up to four "sidekick" matches that are shared matches with your chosen match of interest. You can also customize the centiMorgan range to reflect your expected relationship level with the matches.

If you have the AncestryDNA Pro Tools, play around with the Custom Match Clusters. It will probably be a few days or a week before how-to videos start appearing to clearly explain and show how to use the tool effectively.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Good News! MCPL's Local History & Genealogy Local Indexes are Back Up!

updated: This post was updated again October 23, 2025, at 11:02 a.m. A correction was made to the index's update content and brief instructions were added.
updated: This post was originally made, October 21, 2025, at 3:41 p.m. A correction was made to the index's update content on October 22, 2025, in the evening.

We have Good News for Macomb County Genealogy Researchers. 

The Mount Clemens Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Department Local Indexes are back up and running on the library's website.

You will find the Indexes under the Local History Resources under the Local History & Genealogy under Areas of Service. Or use the link to the Indexes page here. 

If you encounter a "refused to connect" error or an unhappy digital page face ...

 

... just refresh your browser page (that arrow in a circle just to the right of the back and forth page arrows) as that seems to fix the burp. (It is a large database index.)

 

The search interface is simple with just two options: Given Name and Surname. You do not have to fill both in -- just entering a surname works.

 

If you want to print the results list, just use your mouse or touchpad to highlight/select all of the results list and then print selection or print selection to PDF or after highlighting/selecting all of the results list copy/paste it into a word processing document.

The Obituary Index does not include additions made after the last time the index database was available on the library's prior website. At this time, the best practice to use the index is to search by Surname only to make sure you get a complete list of results.

Some minor issues are in the process of being resolved but users should be able to get what they need from the index. 

The actual newspapers can be found on microfilm in the Local History & Genealogy Room or some of them can be found digitally on the Digital Michigan Newspapers Portal. We have a post on how to find the digitized newspapers here. 

 

Good luck searching! 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Washington Historical Museum Hosts Program on Erie Canal on Oct. 26 @ 2pm

The Washington Historical Museum located at 58230 Van Dyke north of 26 Mile Road, will host a program on the Erie Canal at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26.

Patricia Hallman will talk about the canal that brought thousands of people and commercial goods from New England states to the Midwest. A groundbreaking event for the Erie Canal was held on July 4, 1817, in Rome, New York and the project was completed from Albany to Buffalo on October 26, 1825, two hundred years ago.

The museum will also be open from 1 to 4 p.m. for visitors to tour exhibits about military, school, scouting, and local history. For more information, go to www.washhistsoc.org, the Greater Washington Area Historical Society Facebook Page, email washingtonmuseum@gmail.com, or call 586-786-5304 (answering machine).

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Mount Clemens Public Library Fall Open House & Friend's Craft Show, Sat. Oct. 11

Our favorite library, Mount Clemens Public Library, is having a Fall Open House and Friend's Craft Show this Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The library is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Fall Open House runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Craft Show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy local craft vendors at the Friends of the Mount Clemens Public Library's Craft Show, live music by Lance Steinhafel, and pumpkin painting. Make sure to add a leaf to our Local History room's family tree before you leave!

 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

MCGG Volunteers Help Patrons with their Research; MCPL Local History & Genealogy Room Volunteer Schedule

For those interested, the following schedule is when our MCGG Volunteers are volunteering in the Mount Clemens Public Library's Local History and Genealogy Room. Days and times were adjusted based on the newer business hours of the library.

MCGG Volunteers are in the room:

Mondays
10 am to 3 pm 

Tuesdays
10 am to 3 pm
4 pm to 6 pm 

Wednesdays
4 pm to 8 pm 

Thursdays
10 am to 3 pm
3 pm to 6 pm 

Fridays
12 pm to 5 pm

Saturdays
Volunteers rotate each Saturday during the school year.

 

As a reminder, the library's business hours during the school year are:

Sunday Closed

Monday 10 am to 8 pm

Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm

Wednesday 12 pm to 8 pm

Thursday 10 am to 6 pm

Friday 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday 10 am to 2 pm (closed during the Summer)

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Are You a Mt. Clemens Bather Alumni?

Are you a Mount Clemens High School Alumni?

Are interested in sharing your high school experiences and memories? If yes, consider adding them to the Mount Clemens Public Library's Oral History Collection.

If you are interested in being interviewed for the oral history project, please email localhistory@mtclib.org to set up an appointment.
 

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

RootsTech 2026 Registration is Now Open

 Registration for RootsTech 2026 opened up today.

The genealogy and technology conference takes place March 5 to March 7, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, but it also has an online component as well for those unable to attend in-person.

Participation in RootsTech 2026 in Salt Lake City requires registration and costs $129 US for a 3-Day Pass with Early Bird pricing of $99 or $79 US for a 1-Day Pass with Early Bird pricing of $69. Transportation to Salt Lake City, food and lodging are not included which means you are responsible to arrange those parts separately. Participating in-person you have the opportunity to choose from 250+ exclusive sessions only available in Salt Lake City; 120+ exhibitors/sponsors in the Expo Hall, and a variety of other experiences from being there in-person.

Participation in RootsTech 2026 Online requires registration and the cost is ... FREE! Participating online gives you access to 200+ online sessions in over 26 languages; the ability to join keynote sessions live from where ever you are that day with internet connection; the ability to chat with other online participants; and access to syllabi and class handouts.

There is a preview of some of the class sessions for RootTech 2026 online as well as an overview of some of the many speakers.

Use your free user account to FamilySearch.org to sign-in at the RootsTech website before you register.

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2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar is May 9-10; Registration is Open

Registration for the Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar on May 9 to 10, 2025, is now open.

Every year the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown. The seminar is hosting Kelvin L. Meyers, who will be joining the seminar onsite in Lansing and via Zoom.

The Archives of Michigan is pleased to continue offering this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. In addition, the Archives of Michigan will offer the following additions to this year’s seminar:

• A free pre-seminar session on military records on Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. (For online access, please register separately).
• A continental breakfast for onsite attendees on both Friday and Saturday at no additional charge.
• Lunch for onsite attendees on both Friday and Saturday at no additional charge.
• Extended research hours in the Archives of Michigan reading room.
• Recordings of seminar sessions available to registrants for 30 days following the event.

The seminar registration Fee is $55. Register now for the 2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar!

Friday, May 9, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Continental breakfast (onsite only)
Join us early for a complimentary continental breakfast. Stay for the pre-seminar or get in a few extra hours of research before the seminar starts.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended open hours at the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)
The Archives of Michigan's reading room will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dive into research before and after the seminar.

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pre-seminar Session: Military Records at the Archives of Michigan (separate registration, hybrid)
Interested in learning more about military records at the Archives of Michigan? Join us for this pre-seminar offering. The presentation will be open to the public as well as seminar attendees.

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Seminar Registration
Lunch provided by the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)

1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Session 1. Welcome and Remarks
Mark Harvey, State Archivist and Judy Nimer Muhn, Genealogical Council

1:40 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Session 2. Seeking A Higher Source: The Resources of Faith Communities (hybrid)
Judy Nimer Muhn, Michigan Genealogical Council
Key events in our ancestors’ lives were often documented in the faith communities in which they worshiped. Exploring the records and their importance across faith communities, Judy will provide information on the types of records, locations of archives and access to records, and the key ways that these records can enrich your family’s history.

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Session 3. Dealing with Record Loss: Fire, Flood, or Theft, Strategies to Overcome the Loss (hybrid)
Kelvin L. Meyers, Featured speaker
We all face it: record loss. Whether the courthouse burned, the clerk tossed them, the relative, autograph hunter, lawyer or surveyor took them, they succumbed to heat, humidity, insects or fading ink or war or distance from the courthouse which was a barrier to their creation – the records that we want – the records that could answer our questions aren’t there. The solution: In many cases it’s possible to overcome the problem, but it requires diligence, perseverance, and willingness to look beyond the obvious.

4:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Session 4a. New Updates to Michiganology (hybrid)
There are many exciting changes on Michiganology! Archives of Michigan staff will highlight these updates and share information about future improvements coming this summer.

Session 4b. Behind-the-scenes tour of the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)
Are you curious about where records are kept in the archives? Join staff at the Archives of Michigan for a behind-the-scenes look of the archives and its holdings. 

 

Saturday, May 10, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Seminar registration and continental breakfast (onsite only)

8:50 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Session 5. Digitizing Michigan’s Probate Records (hybrid)
Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan
This session will explore the Archives of Michigan’s efforts to digitize historic probate records from across the state, including a project overview, current status, future counties, and an exciting update on Wayne County records. Attendees will also see how to navigate the FamilySearch web site and search in the online collections there.

10:10 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
Session 6. The Hand That Rocked the Cradle Could Rule the World (hybrid)
Kelvin L. Meyers, Featured speaker
Half the people on your pedigree chart are female and may be the most difficult to identify. Identifying female ancestors is a challenge for all genealogists. She changes her name when she gets married and identifying her parents may become time-consuming. With the basic knowledge of sources created about and by women, and how to locate these sources, finding the females in your family may not be so hard after all.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 7. “City Directory Under the Counter”: Exploring an Underutilized Resource (hybrid)
Jessica Trotter, Researcher & blogger
City directories are an amazing resource to track urban dwellers between the Census years, but many researchers do not realize the fabulous range of information about communities that can potentially be gleaned from them.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch provided by the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Session 8. My Ancestor in Court (hybrid)
Kelvin L. Meyers, Featured speaker
From the County Court to the Supreme Court, court records may hold clues and answers to questions that you have about your ancestor. Suits in equity, trespass to try title, a suit brought by next friend, what do these terms mean and what can you learn from these suits? Case studies will be used to illustrate the types of records found and their use in solving problems.

2:50 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Session 9. Resources for Researching Michigan’s Roots (hybrid)
Matt Pacer, Library of Michigan
The roots of Michigan’s heritage often intersect with the migration of people coming from other states and foreign countries. Explore the origin points for the settlers that transitioned Michigan through the founding of the United States, the acquisition of the Northwest Territory, the organization of the Michigan Territory, and the decades following statehood. Discover online resources that retrace Michigan’s story back to its earlier roots.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended open hours at the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)
The reading room will remain open until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

For speaker bios, see the seminar webpage.

 

See you at our favorite library!
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