Contact: Maridith Geuder
A June 12 event at Mississippi State will provide amateur genealogists with information ranging from handwriting analysis to computer genealogy.
The sixth annual Regional Genealogical Fair is sponsored by the University Libraries, in collaboration with the genealogical societies of Clay, Choctaw, and Oktibbeha counties. The 9:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. program takes place at Mitchell Memorial Library.
While free to all, attendance at the multi-session event will be limited to the first 90 registrants. Persons registering by June 9 also may reserve an $8 boxed lunch.
"The fair has grown each year, and we have elected to limit registration to allow participants to get the most out of their attendance," said Lynne Mueller, MSU reference librarian.
After beginning in West Point in 1999, the program relocated to MSU the following year. "Since the beginning, it has drawn an increasing number of participants from Mississippi and surrounding states," Mueller explained.
Mueller said the emphasis of this year's sessions "is basic skills, including effective computer search techniques, records organization and conservation, and the reading of old handwriting often found in the records."
In addition, participants will tour the library's genealogical resources, view a special collections exhibit, exchange family information, and conduct hands-on research.
Specific sessions include:
--Handwriting analyses, led by Esther Pippen of the Clay County Genealogical Society;
--Computer genealogy, by Edwin Ellis of Starkville.
--Conservation of documents and photographs, by MSU archivist Mattie Sink.
--Organizing research, by Mueller.
Also, Marcia Phyfer of the Clay County society will lead a discussion among all participants on membership development, program and project planning, publication and Web site management, and other local concerns.
"The genealogy fair has developed into an exciting event that seems to get better each year," said Frances Coleman, dean of the MSU Libraries. "We are pleased to again serve as host."
To pre-register and reserve lunches, contact the library at Lynne Mueller or (662) 325-7679. Mail may be addressed to Special Collections Department, Mitchell Memorial Library, P. O. Box 5408, Mississippi State, MS 39762.