Ancestry Research database now available at WPL
Westchester Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of Ancestry Library Edition, a Web-based reference tool distributed by ProQuest, that will allow you to start exploring your roots by searching a surname. Anyone can come into the library to dig into Ancestry Library Edition’s millions of records – as far back as the 1400s.
The library is responding to a growing interest in family history that’s captured not only the Duneland community, but America as a whole. A new nationwide survey shows 73% of Americans want to learn more about their roots. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed became interested after searching for a family surname online, pointing to the increasing popularity of Internet-based genealogy. Westchester Public Library is delighted to provide resources that are simple enough for beginners, yet provide deep and broad content sets that will help veteran genealogists advance their research.
Ancestry Library Edition is available at designated Genealogy and Research Workstation terminals in the Westchester Public Library’s Thomas Branch, Hageman Branch and at the Westchester Township History Museum. This service is also available on the library’s internet stations that are open to the public.
Once connected to Ancestry Library Edition, the database scans its vast selection of U.S. federal and state census data, birth, marriage, and death records, military records, Social Security death records, and immigration lists. It also includes an extensive collection of information from all over the world including images census records and civil registrations. The information you find are pieces of a puzzle that you’ll assemble. These records have “clues” to the past – places where ancestors lived, names of relatives, birth or death dates, etc – that lead to more information.
Thomas Library, located at 200 W. Indiana Ave., is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Hageman Library, located at 100 Francis St., Porter, is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 1-5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. The Westchester Township History Museum, located in the Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave., is open Wednesday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
Battles of the American Civil War
Battles of the American Civil War will continue at Westchester Public Library with a look at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Join Thomas Murphy in the Bertha Wood room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, March 25, with a repeat presentation on Saturday, March 28, from 10 am - noon. There is no registration required; attendance is free of charge.
General Burnside mounted a series of futile frontal assaults on Prospect Hill and Marye’s Heights that resulted in staggering Union casualties. Union generals C. Feger Jackson and George Bayard, as well as Confederate generals Thomas R.R. Cobb and Maxey Gregg were killed. After only two days, Burnside called off the offensive and re-crossed the Rappahannock River, ending the campaign.
History buff and Civil War enthusiast Thomas Murphy will present each program. Murphy is an RSVP volunteer and has presented a number of programs at the library.
For more information please call the Thomas branch at 926-7696.
Easter Egg Hunt at Thomas Library
Children ages 2-6 are invited to join the Easter Egg Hunt in the Children’s Department at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, on April 4. The hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Stay for a craft of marbling paper using shaving cream and paint. We will then turn your creation into an Easter egg garland you can take home with you. No registration is necessary, and there is no charge to attend.
For more information please call the Thomas Children’s Department at (219) 926-7696.
Unnamed Guild of Gamers
The Unnamed Guild of Gamers will be hosting an event at Westchester Public Library. Those interested in gaming are welcome to gather in the Bertha Wood room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 29. There is no registration required; attendance is free of charge.
Adventurers, players and storytellers are invited to participate in an afternoon of tabletop events. Event will include a 5th Edition D&D campaign, with other games such as Settlers of Catan, and Pandemic available as well.
For more information please contact Jon at jon@wpl.lib.in.us
Indiana Birthday Book Poetry Contest
Calling all Porter County Poets!
In 2016, the State of Indiana will celebrate its 200th birthday. Westchester Public Library has been invited by The Board of Brick Street Poetry Inc. to participate in the Indiana Bicentennial Commission-approved Indiana “Birthday Book.” This published book will contain poetry from each of Indiana’s 92 counties. You can be a part our state’s celebration by crafting your best poem to celebrate life in Porter county for our state’s birthday.
Interested patrons that are Porter County residents may submit a poem that captures the spirit and history of our county. Three submissions will be chosen to submit to the Board of Brick Street Poetry and could be published. Submission requires the poet to be a current Porter County resident for at least a year or non-resident that was born here and/or lived in Porter County for at least 12 years. Poems may be up to 40 lines in any form, but the subject must be one that adequately represents Porter County. You may submit your poems in person via the Thomas Library Reference desk or via WPL website www.wpl.lib.in.us by April 27, 2015. Entry forms that are to be included with your submission are located at the Thomas Library branch or WPL website.
For more information please visit or call the Thomas Reference Department at 200 W. Indiana, Chesterton, (219) 926-7696.
Library Film Series to show Penguins of Madagascar
Come to Westchester Public Library to enjoy Penguins of Madagascar on Friday, March 27, at 6:30 pm. Meet at the Library Service Center, 100 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. No registration is necessary; attendance is free of charge.
The penguins from Madagascar get their own film in this DreamWorks Animation production. When a villainous octopus named Dave (voice of John Malkovich) hatches a plan to eliminate the penguins, Skipper (voice of Tom McGrath), Kowalski (voice of Chris Miller), Rico (John DiMaggio) and Private (Christopher Knights) must team with a clandestine animal organization known as North Wind to thwart the diabolical plan.
Enjoy complimentary popcorn while watching the movie.
Penguins of Madagascar, rated PG, has a running time of 92 minutes.
For more information, call the Audio-Visual Department at 926-7696.
Start Planting Your Veggies & Herbs Now at Hageman Library
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your garden! Join Lyndsay Ploehn, Purdue Extension Educator & Master Gardener, at Hageman Library, 100 Francis St., Porter, on Thursday, April 2 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, to get a head start on spring planting. Registration is required.
This presentation will include tips on how to plant seeds, and tend to young plants, so they are ready for your garden next month. Attendees will receive a free plant to the home, ready to grow in their garden.
Space is limited so please call or visit Hageman Library to sign up today!
For more information, contact Hageman Library, 926-9080.
Trivia Night at the Museum
In honor of Women’s History Month, Trivia Night at Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Ave., Chesterton, will focus on women in film. Bring your friends on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 pm. No registration is necessary, but space is limited so arrive early; refreshments will be served.
Did you know that in the 86-year history of the Oscars, only four women have been nominated for Best Director? Of those four, two have won. Do you know who those two are? Teams of 1-4 people will test their knowledge of women in film, and compete for a prize.
The Westchester Township History Museum is an educational and cultural service of Westchester Public Library, and is open to the public free of charge Wednesday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m., or by appointment. For more information please call the museum at 983-9715.