C A L E N D A R  O F  E V E N T S

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Upcoming 2008 Programs

For 2008 we are planning several interesting and informative programs.
You are invited!  Please check back often for new entries.
To inquire about future events or to suggest a program topic or speaker,
please contact Eleanor Mede at 309-454-2688.

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Other Illinois Events

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Recent MCGS Programs

July 15, 2008, 6 p.m.
Funks Grove, IL

The Society traveled to Funks Grove, Illinois to visit the Church and Chapel in the Trees, the Cemetery, and had a brown bag supper at the pavilion. Eric Funk, a descendant of Isaac Funk, spoke about the Funk Family History.

June 17, 2008
Genealogical Holdings of the Illinois State Historical Library

Dennis Suttles, Lincoln Papers researcher, gave a great overview of the services and collections at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.  Mr. Suttles is Genealogy Librarian at the Illinois State Historical Library, which is now associated with the Lincoln Library. The Historical Library is open to the public for personal family research. This facility is a separate institution from the Illinois State Archives.  Summer is an excellent time to travel down I-55 to do some investigating.

May 20, 2008, 7 p.m.
Holdings of the Illinois State Archives

Karl Moore, Archivist and Supervisor of the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories  system of the Illinois State Archives spoke about the holdings.  The Archives are open for public research and has branches throughout the State known as IRAD. One branch is located in Normal, at Illinois State University under the direction of Joann Rayfield.  The Archives are genealogy friendly and Mr. Moore encourages researchers to visit often. 

April 15, 2008
Genetics and DNA

In April, Alan Katz spoke to the society about genetics, and DNA.  This was an especially interesting topic, since DNA is now being used to prove if a person is related to a specific family group.  National Geographic is conducting a Worldwide DNA study to trace migrating groups of people around the globe.  Nadine Reining supplied the delicious treats and drinks for the evening’s refreshment table.  We thank her very much for the large assortment of goodies and the pretty table setting.

March 18, 2008
Genealogical and Local History Resources at
the Champaign County Historical Archives

Anke Voss, Director of the Champaign County Historical Archives at the Urbana Free Library in Urbana, IL was the speaker. The Urbana Free Library is the depository for the Champaign County Records beginning 1830/36 to the present. Included are Vital Records, Marriage and Divorce Records, Guardianship, Naturalization, Criminal and Courts Records, the Coroner Certificates, Land and Probate Records and many more.  Also available are films of newspapers published in Champaign County and records of businesses and corporations, maps and funeral home records. Many individual and family records are held there and the Library has access to the information held at the University of Illinois Libraries.

February 19, 2008
Brick Walls and Break Throughs

January 15, 2008

Candace Summers, Education Director for the McLean County Historical Museum, presented the program the MCHS has developed to help young school age children begin researching their own histories. Candace can be reached at the Museum for information on this program.  The program was well received and proved helpful to adults as well. Thank you to Pat Perkins for providing the delicious homemade goodies we all enjoyed at the social table.

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2008 Meeting Dates

Unless otherwise noted, all general meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
on the second floor of the McLean County Museum of History.
 

Board of Directors January 6 February 12 March 11 April 8 May 13 June 10 July 8 August 12 September 9 October 9 November 14 December 9

General Membership & Public January 15 February 19 March 18 April 15 May 20 June 17 July 15 August--no meeting September 16 October 16 November 21 December--no meeting

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