The Public Services Division of the Indiana State Library has an exciting public programming lineup in store for you this year and it begins this month! Come join us during any of the following events and keep your eyes open for new and updated programming information throughout the year.
“U.S. 250 Trivia Game”
Tuesday, April 14
Gather your team and join us on your lunch break for a lively game of U.S. 250 trivia to celebrate 250 years of American Independence. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team. Sponsored by the Indiana State Library Foundation. The winning team will also receive tickets that can be redeemed for general admission at any of the Indiana State Museum’s 12 historical sites, generously donated by the Indiana State Museum. The admission tickets do not include access to special programs with additional fees or the IMAX Theater in Indianapolis. Register your team here!
Genealogy for Night Owls
Thursday, May 21
The Indiana State Library is once again hosting its popular Genealogy for Night Owls event. The after-hours research event will take place between 5-8 p.m. at the State Library and will feature a library tour, a presentation on unique items in the library’s collections and Ask-an-Expert sessions with representatives from various local historical, genealogical and lineage organizations.
The schedule is as follows:
- 5:10 p.m. – Library tour
- 5:30 p.m. – Presentation – “Unique Items from the Library Collections”
- 5:45 p.m. – Ask-an-Expert sessions begin
- 7 p.m. – Ask-an-Expert sessions end
- 8 p.m. – Program conclusion
The tour and Ask-an-Expert sessions are optional. Attendees may spend the entire evening conducting their own research if they prefer. The Ask-an-Expert sessions are 15 minutes in length. Attendees should have questions prepared in advance. The library tour is roughly 20 minutes in length and will cover materials available for genealogy researchers at the Indiana State Library.
Genealogy Division librarians will be on hand to answer questions about the collection. They will also answer research and reference questions and assist in locating materials. The second floor microfilm area will be open and staffed by librarians from the Indiana Division. The Rare Books and Manuscripts and Reference Divisions will not be open during Genealogy for Night Owls. Librarians will not be able to retrieve manuscript collections during this event.
Registration is free and required. Click here to register.
“Lunch and Learn: Help with Statistical Research”
Tuesday, June 9
Presented by Katharine Springer, director, Indiana State Data Center. Join us for an informative Lunch and Learn session on using public federal and state data for statistical research. You will learn new sources and tips for finding, using and citing the latest data for upcoming research, projects or reports. Register here!
“Unlock Your Family’s DNA Story”
Saturday, June 13
The Indiana State Library’s Summer Lecture Series is back again this year, with lectures scheduled on our open Saturdays! We’ll kick the series off with a DNA workshop presented by Angela Guntz. Ready to take your genealogy research to the next level? Join us as we help you understand your DNA results, break through DNA mysteries, and connect the dots in your family history like never before. This workshop will consist of three one-hour sessions:
- “Understanding the DNA Testing Landscape”
Not all DNA tests are created equal. In this session, you’ll get a clear, approachable overview of autosomal, Y‑DNA and mtDNA testing, along with guidance on which test best supports your research goals. We’ll also compare today’s leading testing companies – 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage – so you know exactly what each platform offers and how to make the most of their tools and databases. - “Solving Mystery Matches You Can’t Easily Place”
Every genealogist encounters DNA matches that don’t quite fit… yet. Learn step‑by‑step strategies to analyze and organize these puzzling connections using proven techniques like clustering and targeted research. By the end of this session, you’ll feel confident tackling even your most confusing matches and turning uncertainty into insight. - “Breaking Through Brick Walls: A DNA Case Study”
Stuck on a missing ancestor? Facing an unknown parentage question? You’re not alone – and DNA can help. Walk through a real‑world case study that illustrates how to form a strong research question, design an effective DNA testing plan and interpret your results with confidence. You’ll see exactly how DNA evidence is gathered, analyzed, and documented using the Genealogical Proof Standard, giving you a roadmap you can apply to your own research challenges.
“A History of the Indiana State Prison”
Saturday, July 11
Authors of the book “A History of the Indiana State Prison (1860-1910),” Dr. William Hinkle, Drew Lazzara and Charles Penfold, will join us to discuss their book, a comprehensive academic study covering the first 50 years of the Michigan City facility.
“Combining Land and Probate Records to Get the Full Story”
Saturday, Aug. 8
For the final summer lecture, we’ll hear from John Barr, professional genealogist and sole proprietor of Old Northwest Genealogy, as he presents “Combining Land and Probate Records to Get the Full Story.”
“Lunch and Learn: Hosted Digital Collections and Indiana Memory”
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Presented by Chris Marshall, digital collections coordinator at the Indiana State Library. Description and more information coming soon.
“Constitution Day Trivia”
Tuesday, Sept. 15
This event is free and open to the public. Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 15 to celebrate Constitution Day with a lunchtime trivia showdown! Join the Indiana State Library for a fun and fast-paced trivia game focused on the U.S. Constitution, American history and civics. Participants will test their knowledge and compete with friends and coworkers! Whether participants are history buffs or just in it for fun, this event is a great way to honor the founding document of our Nation. Registration is required. The program will take place in the History Reference Room at the Indiana State Library. Participants can join a team or gather their own dream team and register together. Registration coming soon!
We hope to see you soon!
This blog post was written by Stephanie Asberry, deputy director of public and statewide services at the Indiana State Library.