Exploring Federal Records. OGS member Rita Wallace will show us research in Federal Government Records go beyond military records. The discussion will include the many other record groups found at the National Archives you may never have thought to explore, such as court records, public laws for individuals in the early United States Statutes at Large. If your ancestor worked as a federal employee, you might be surprised at what is available.  

“Who Were the Settlers of the Old Ozarks?”    
Brooks Blevins will give a presentation titled “Who Were the Settlers of the Old Ozarks?” Using his new book, A History of the Ozarks, Volume 1: The Old Ozarks, as the launching point, Blevins will discuss settlement patterns in different parts of the Ozark region. Among the topics covered will be the ethnic and national origins of those who immigrated to the area between the 1790s and the beginning of the Civil War and the social institutions and lifeways they brought with them.  He is the Noel Boyd Professor of Ozarks Studies at Missouri State University. He is a seventh-generation Ozarker and the author or editor of eight books.

Join Local History and Genealogy Manager, Brian Grubbs, to learn how to read and analyze historical letters, and gain a better understanding of how they can help piece together your family history.  This class offers two hands-on activities for participants.  Using excerpts from Superman comics, you will piece together the Kent family genealogy in a fun and educational activity, and later, you will put your skills to the test in analyzing Civil War letters.     

Library Symposium sponsored by the Library Center History and Genealogy Department

Additional information will be in the Bookends and on the website:  thelibrary.org

Where were materials for local genealogical research located in Springfield’s Carnegie Library over the years?  What is the mission of the Ozarks Genealogical Society when it was formed over 50 years ago in September 1969?  How did the partnership with the OGS expand research in genealogy?  Join Local History Associate John Rutherford for a history of the partnership between The Library and OGS

11:05 after the program, Eva Pelky, branch manager will give a tour of the historic Midtown Carnegie Library.  Note there is a coffee shop at Midtown - Cookies will be provided by OGS.

Field Trip to Lawrence County – Mt. Vernon, Missouri

Plan to meet at 8:30 am at the Library Center.  We will carpool to the site.  Of course, some may prefer to drive on their own.  We should arrive between 9:15 - 9:30.  We will be given a brief tour and explanation about the historical society and show where research records can be found.  This would give everyone about two hours of research - 9:30 - 11:30.

Then we break and go to lunch.  Watch for updates. 

 As World War I was coming to a close a new enemy threatened the country.  We will discuss what happened in the Ozarks and throughout the country with the onslaught of the illness that is thought to have taken between 50 and 100 million lives worldwide and sickened one-third of the earth’s population.  Known interchangeably as Grip, La Grippe and the Spanish Lady, death by influenza during the pandemic may be challenging to trace.  We will look at some unusual sources that might help you to find out how the deadliest epidemic the world has experienced affected your family.

Michelle L. Spencer, a Christian County Missouri native, has researched her family history for more than thirty years. She has written and spoken extensively on the military, history and other issues including an August 2018 presentation on Spanish Influenza and WWI at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. While much of her research has focused on the Midwest, recent research included the TV show Who Do You Think You Are?     Speaker was recommended by Patti Hobbs.  Michelle spoke at the World War I Museum in Kansas City.  There is a YouTube video

 

“Writing about a tragic house fire that occurred 60 years ago can be a challenge. Attempting to research the event, knowing that none of the survivors are still alive, is an even bigger challenge. And when those survivors are all deceased relatives, look out! Join author Tim Ritter for a lively multimedia presentation about encountering brick walls in research, learning to sift through family legends in search of the truth, and taking chances that ultimately lead to incredible discoveries and connections to the past.”  

OGS normally has a Research Trip each year.  For 2019 members are encouraged to attend the National Genealogical Society Conference (NGS) in St. Charles, Missouri.  Check out the website: www.conference.ngsgenealogy.org   Watch for more updates.  Each person attending is responsible for their own registration and for booking a hotel.  Notify Gail Mitchell of your plans.