Grant County Historical Society

10/16/2026

10/14/2026

REGISTER to participate in the History Center Genealogy "Lock-in" Conference via MPL's website calendar, which you will see highlighted in blue on the calendar.
It is this Friday, Oct 16 from 9:00am-4:45 in MPL meeting room B. Free

Clues From the Past Genealogy Lock-in
Marion Public Library
October 16, 2026


9 – 9:30
Registration and refreshments
9:30 – 10:45
Building Your Digital Family History Archive
11:00 – 12:00
Cluster Research or Discovering You’re Related to the Whole
Block
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch
1:15 – 2:15
Beyond the Family Tree: An Introduction to Oral History for
Genealogy
2:30 – 3:30
Researching Your Revolutionary War Soldier: A Case Study
3:45 – 4:45 Gen Z+ Genealogy: Getting the Younger Generation Interested
In Genealogy Research


SESSION Descriptions:
1. Building Your Digital Family History Archive
EvaAnne Johnson, Genealogy & Locak History Librarian at Wilmette Public Library
While we are researching our family tree, we often collect a lot of digital files - from downloaded records and emailed documents to scanned photographs and mobile screenshots. What should we do with all these digital files, and how can we keep them organized? This presentation will cover the basics of digital preservation and outline practical steps for creating a well-structured Digital Family History Archive to safeguard your genealogy work.

2. Cluster Research, or Discovering You’re Related to the Whole Block
Jessica M Trotter, Genealogy Presenter and Researcher
As Aristotle noted, “Man is by nature a social animal” -he has family, society, and throughout history he has moved with them. This session includes tips, tricks, and examples of how researching the neighborhood and other associates of your ancestors can further your own research.

3. Beyond the Family Tree: An Introduction to Oral History for Genealogy
Adrienne Cain Darough, MLS, CA Assistant Director & Clinical Associate Professor, Institute for Oral History
Genealogy often begins with documents, but it becomes powerful through storytelling. This presentation explores the fundamentals of oral history and how intentional interviewing can uncover context, culture, and connections that traditional records may miss. Learn how to plan, conduct, and preserve meaningful family interviews.

4. Researching Your Revolutionary War Soldier: A Case Study
Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA, President & CEO of Heritage Books
A Revolutionary War ancestor can be a goldmine of information if you know where to look. This lecture aims to examine types of service, compiled military service records, pension applications, settled accounts, and where other documents can be found using a step-bystep methodology in a case study.

5. Gen Z+ Genealogy: Getting the Younger Generation Interested in Genealogy Research
Carl Smith, MLIS, Manager of the Family History Research Center at the Claton Library Campus
Do you have a passion for family history but are worried about who carries the genealogical torch after you? Join in for a special presentation on Gen Z + Genealogy- where we’ll discuss tips and tricks on how to foster understanding, communication, and participation
with the younger generations, and ideas to better market genealogy to different age groups in ways that can increase interest in the topic all around.

Send a message to learn more

10/12/2026

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

FAQs: To help answer some of the questions we have been getting, we’ve put together a FAQ list. Please read and share with others!

Q: Will shuttles be available?
A: Yes and we highly recommend them. Please read our full shuttling post for all the things you need to know.

Q: Will I be charged for parking?
A: Mississinewa 1812 does not charge the public for parking or using the shuttles.

Q: What stores can I buy tickets at this year?
A: For the 2026 event, all ticket sales are online with the exception of tickets purchased at the gate.

Q: My ticket says Friday but I want to come a different day. Can I do that?
A: Yes! Tickets are good for all 3 days with the exception of school day tickets.

Q: Can I wear a costume to the event?
A: Anyone wishing to attend the event in reenactment clothing must pre-register so we may ensure historical accuracy. Registration is still open but you will be charged a late fee. Unregistered reenactors may be turned away at the gate.

Q: Will the event close if it rains?
A: The show must go on - rain or shine! We would only close in the event of severe weather.

Q: Is handicap parking available?
A: Handicap parking will be available on a first-come first-served basis. We highly recommend shuttles as an alternative as they do drop off at the ticket gate.

Q: Do vendors accept payments via card?
A: Some do, but there is no guarantee they will have good reception. Please bring cash as a precaution.

Q: Can I fly my drone at the event?
A: Only pre-authorized drones are permitted during our event. Please do not bring your drone, as law enforcement will be monitoring any such activity.

Q: Am I allowed to bring my golf cart?
A: Golf carts are not permitted in the event space but may be parked in our parking lot!

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Pets are not permitted within the event space, with the exception of service animals.

Q: My question is not listed here. Where can I find more information?
A: Please visit our website at www.mississinewa1812.org or review all of our previous posts as they contain TONS of valuable information.

09/13/2026

Grant County Historical Society is happy to share Upland Historical Society’s Smithsonian exhibit which will be on view until October 4, 2026.

What are your plans for Labor Day weekend? Come to the Community Building and cool off with a cool exhibit!

Upland Community Building
403 W Washington St.
Upland, IN 46989

09/12/2026

Mark your calendars for a free Grant County Historical Society Program Wednesday, October 21 at 6:15pm at Marion Public Library, meeting room B.