By Tina Lyons, FGS 2013 Publicity Chair

Genealogists love visiting Fort Wayne. The Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center is home to the second largest genealogy collection in the United States. A trip to Fort Wayne can help genealogists find their ancestors in Indiana, across the United States and even in other countries.

Genealogists from around the United States (and beyond) will descend on Fort Wayne August 21-24 for the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. Registrants will attend lectures by the nation’s leading family history experts, socialize during luncheons and special evening events, and research their family roots at ACPL.

Most of the conference lecture sessions will be at the Grand Wayne Center. The FGS Opening Social will be at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory on Wednesday, August 21. On Friday, August 23, ACPL and the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will host “Journey through the Generations with Our Veterans” at the library. ACPL will also be offering extended research hours at The Genealogy Center throughout the conference.

Nationally-known speakers will present more than 160 lectures on a wide range of family history topics during the conference’s four days. Conference tracks include genetics, technology, online resources, migration, Midwest research, African American genealogy, European research and military records. Whether you are just beginning to research your family or have been researching for decades, you are sure to learn something new.

The exhibit hall at the Grand Wayne Center is free and open to the public. It will feature genealogy companies highlighting the latest software, books, databases and gadgets to help attendees find their families and tell their families’ stories. Genealogical and historical societies from across the country will also be in the exhibit hall to show what they have to offer.

Stop by the FGS Conference website to learn more. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @FGSconference. We hope to see you in Fort Wayne in August!

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Having been recently laid off, I am always looking for cheap or low-cost activities. Surprisingly, it is rather easy to be entertained on a budget. Here are a few of my favorite budget-friendly activities:

• The Allen County Public Library, Main Branch:  While you have to be an Allen County resident to check out materials, there is still plenty to do and see. Browse through some books while taking in the hustle and bustle of the Great Hall. If you have children, be sure to check out the impressive fish tank in Children’s Services. If you have a few hours, or days to kill, make time for the The Genealogy Center. This place boasts 332,000 printed volumes and 362,000 records of archival nature on microfilm and microfiche. These stats make the Genealogy Center at ACPL the largest collection of genealogy and local history materials in a public library in the US. It is the second largest collection of its kind in North America.

• Farmer’s Markets: Remember, it’s always free to browse! The Southside Farmer’s Market market, Fort Wayne’s oldest farmers market, features 100 stands with locally grown fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted items, antiques, fresh baked goods, eggs, and hormone-free pork and chicken. Be sure to catch it before the season ends in December. Another option is the Fort Wayne Farmer’s Market, an indoor market at Parkview Field’s Lincoln Financial Event Center. This one runs on the first Saturday of each month from October 2012 through May 2013. This market offers items from 25 local farm, food, artisans and crafts vendors, including local produce, baked goods, with food and non-food products.

• Hit the Movies: Starplex Cinemas makes going to the movies more accessible for all budgets. Catch some of the summer’s blockbusters at a reduced price. Pricing is $3.00 for all shows $2.00 all day Tuesdays and for senior citizens.

• Take in some Art: A trip to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art is a must for anyone who appreciates art. Here you can take in American art history from the late eighteenth century through today in the galleries of the Permanent Collection. Insider’s Tip: Admission is free on Thursdays and Sundays!

See, it’s fairly easy to have a good time without spending a small fortune. What are some of your favorite wallet friendly activities?

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Budget-conscious visitors can find plenty to do in the Summit City at no cost. Here are a few wallet-friendly options:

• Summer is a great time to get active. Ride or walk on Fort Wayne’s trail system. Fort Wayne is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 60-mile trail system and rivers welcome guests for a weekend of fun and adventure.

The trails are a great (and free) way to see Fort Wayne in a new way, and get some exercise.

• Are you a history buff and have a few hours to spare? The Allen County is a draw for those who want to research their roots. The Genealogy Center at the main branch of Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne contains more than 332,000 printed volumes and 362,000 records of archival nature on microfilm and microfiche.These stats make the Genealogy Center at ACPL the largest collection of genealogy and local history materials in a public library in the US. It is the second largest collection of its kind in North America.

• Jefferson Pointe is more than just about shopping. The lifestyle center offers toddler programs and live music on Fridays in the summer.  Of course window shopping is always free!

• Discover a Fort Wayne icon, Hyde Bros Booksellers. Located just north of downtown Fort Wayne on the east side of the street at 1428 Wells, it is one of the largest bookstores in Indiana. Specialties include history, literature, nature, Indiana, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, sports, humor, travel, religion, and the social sciences.

• Fort Wayne is fortunate to have a quality art museum downtown–the Fort Wayne Art Museum.  This contemporary art museum offers works from permanent collections and national traveling exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy activities including workshops, lectures, guided tours. Additionally, the museum store has unique selections of original art, jewelry and gifts. Visitors can enjoy free admission Thursdays and Sundays.

With the reasonable cost of living, Fort Wayne is an choice easy for someone watching expenses. Who doesn’t love saving a little green?

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Experience an important part of Fort Wayne’s Native American heritage through Miami Indian Heritage Days.

This cultural celebration kicks off Saturday, May 5 at the Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne.  Sponsored by the History Center, Miami Indian Heritage Days programs are held from 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month, May through November.

Miami Indian Heritage Days are a great way to learn about the pastimes of Fort Wayne's first inhabitants.

What can visitors expect? The event promises local artists, performers, and representatives from the Miami Indians and other Native American groups demonstrating aspects of their heritage.

• “Medicine Woman Drum” will be featured May 5 beginning at 1 p.m. The group’s performances demonstrate the importance of drumming, singing and dancing in Miami society.
• On June 2, Erik Vosteen will present traditional Great Lakes weaponry, including hand and throwing weapons as well as the atlatl.
• July 7 is the bi-centennial celebration of Miami Chief Little Turtle’s death. A memorial herb medicine wheel will be created on that day and artifacts belonging to Little Turtle will be on display.
• The August 4 program by Katrina Mitten will feature Native American bead work.
• September 1, Dani Tippman presents “Miami Harvest” on edible and usable plants and materials.
• M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indian Alliance of Miami Indians) will present programs on October 6 about wikiami building and cattail matting.
• November 3-4 is Traders Days. Vendors, craftsmen and artists sell quality Native American items including fine art, gourd work, beading, carved wood pieces, corn husk dolls, Christmas ornaments, Native American shields, jewelry, clothing, feather work, homemade baked goods and more.
• Traders Days events are free to the public and are open Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Admission for each Saturday event is $7 adults and $5 students and seniors. History Center members and children ages 5 and under are free. Admission also includes the opportunity to visit the Chief Richardville House.

For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website.

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If you enjoy studying your family’s lineage, you do not want to miss the Indiana Genealogical Society Annual Pre-Conference and Conference to be held at the Allen County Public Library April 27 and 28!

The IGS Pre-Conference is Friday, April 27, 2012 from 9:00am – 6:00pm and will give attendees research time in the library. Topics of the day will include:

• Indiana County Genealogists Show N’ Tell
• Social Media for Our Societies
• Ask the Experts Panel

Pre-conference registration only:
Pre-registration – $5
Registration at the door – $7

The IGS Conference takes place at the nation's largest public genealogy library - right here in Fort Wayne!

The IGS Annual Conference is Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 9:00am – 6:00pm. Debra S. Mieszala is the featured speaker.  Debra is a Certified Genealogist specializing in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest. She does genealogical research for the military to help locate family members of service members missing in past wars, and formerly did adoption-related research as a Confidential Intermediary in Illinois. A national-level lecturer and author, she has taught at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and been published in the “NGS Magazine,” “The Digital Genealogist,” and “OnBoard!” Her talks will include:

• Lessons from a Snoop: Collaterals and Associates
• Bringing Our Soldiers Home
• Digging Through Documents Word By Word
• Patently Unique: Locating Patent Records, Online and Off
• Second features:
• What’s New with FamilySearch with Michael Hall from FamilySearch
• Finding Indiana Records and Research in FamilySearch with Michael Hall
• Becoming an Expert on Using Ancestry with ACPL librarian, Melissa Shimkus
• Writing a Book Using Family Tree Maker and Microsoft Word with Curtis Sylvester, President of the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana

Registration:
IGS members – $30
Non-members – $40
Registration at the door – $45

For more information, visit them online.

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