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P.O. Box 488
Normal, IL 61761

 

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Events

2006 Programs

Meetings Calendar

Other Illinois Events

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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The McLean County Museum of History
200 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL
2nd Floor Courtroom

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MAY 20, 2008, 7 p.m.
McLean County Museum of History 2nd floor Courtroom

PROGRAM:  Holdings of the Illinois State Archives
SPEAKER:  Karl R. Moore, Archivist

Karl Moore, Archivist and Supervisor of the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories  system of the Illinois State Archives will speak about the holdings.  The Archives are open for public research and has branches throughout the State known as IRAD. One branch is located here in Normal, at Illinois State University under the direction of Joann Rayfield.  The public is invited to attend this program.  

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JUNE 17, 2008, 7 p.m.
McLean County Museum of History 2nd floor Courtroom

PROGRAM:  Holdings of the Illinois State Historical Library
SPEAKER:  Dennis Suttles, Genealogy Librarian

Dennis Suttles, from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield will speak to us about the services and collections in the Illinois State Historical Library, where he is the Genealogy Librarian. The Historical Library is associated with the Lincoln Library.  Mr. Suttles, is also a Lincoln Papers researcher.  He was part of the team that searched the McLean County Courthouse and McLean County Historical Museum archive records for Lincoln documents. He previously presented a program about the team's findings. The Historical Library is open to the public for personal family research. This facility is a separate institution from the Illinois State Archives.  Springfield has valuable research facilities that are open to the public. We hope these topics and speakers will encourage us to use their facilities. Summer will be an excellent time to travel down I-55 to do some investigating.

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Other Illinois Events

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Recent MCGS Programs

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.

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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.

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February 19, 2008
Brick Walls and Break Throughs

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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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July 17, 2007
Hudson Cemetery
Speakers:  Al Rollins, Sexton, and Sue Keeran
Book Presentation: Judith Myers and William LaBounty
Hosted and meal catered by the Hudson Cemetery Association

The JULY meeting at the Hudson Town Hall and the Hudson Cemetery was a great success.  What a surprise for all the MCGS members who attended.  The Hudson Cemetery Committee and the Hudson Township treated us to a wonderful buffet supper, with homemade desserts.  150 persons attended the Social Meeting and the Cemetery Walk.  It was great fun getting acquainted with the Hudson people, hearing about the history of the Town and Cemetery, as well as the pioneers who first settled there.  The Cemetery is in grand condition and a new gate is proposed for the entry.  Judith Myers and Bill LaBounty presented the new Hudson Cemetery Book to Al Rollins, Cemetery Sexton.  Mike O’Grady, Hudson Township Supervisor, presented Judith with a plaque proclaiming July 17th, 2007 Honorary McLean County Genealogical Society Day in the Township of Hudson, County of McLean, in the State of Illinois.  In addition, a plaque was presented, to the McLean County Genealogical Society, recognizing the dedication and hard work the members and volunteers accomplished at the Cemetery.  A most wonderful evening was had by all who attended.  Everyone who attended extends a great big THANK YOU to the people of the Township of HUDSON.

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June 19, 2007
Wet or Dry?
McLean County Illinois During Prohibition 1920-1933
Co-sponsored with the McLean County Historical Society

Candace Summers, Education Program Coordinator for the McLean County Museum of History, presented her research project, "Wet or Dry?  McLean County, Illinois During Prohibition, 1920-1933.  Using various sources for her research, Candace found that even small communities were not immune to the effects of Prohibition and that the people of McLean County responded in similar ways to Prohibition as did others throughout the rest of the country.  This presentation provided an intimate view of the people in McLean County.

May 15, 2007
Forts and Block Houses of Early Illinois, circa 1812

Mr. William Wilson, of the Hills Fort Society, spoke about the Forts and Blockhouses of early Illinois, c. 1812.  One hundred sixty five sites have been located and hopefully these will be put into the National Registry of Historical Sites. Many sites are located in the former French Territory in Southern Illinois, a result of the early Fur and Indian trade, as well as the western movement of people into the new territories. 

March 20, 2007
The Hall and King Families in Ireland and America

Laura Wheaton, Director of Education, McLean County Museum of History, and Jean McCrossin, a Museum volunteer, shared stories of the interactions between the Hall and King families at the King Estate discovered during a research trip to Ireland in 2003. 

February 20, 2007
Abraham Lincoln in Bloomington

Mr. Fraker, Bloomington attorney and Lincoln researcher, presented a fascinating look at Abraham Lincoln's life and times in Bloomington.  Mr. Fraker has written several books on Lincoln's travels and cases in the surrounding communities and counties. 

January 16, 2007
McLean County Combined Indexed Atlases, 1856-1914

William P. LaBounty, Editor of the MCGS newsletter and the McLean County Historical Society's newsletter, presented this newly published book.  This beautiful edition is a cooperative project of MCGS and MCHS. 
Brochure and Order Form--Members
Brochure and Order Form--Non-Members

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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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