Archives Across America: Unlocking National 
and Midwest Genealogy Resources

Join us for a day of expert-led sessions exploring some of the most valuable genealogy resources across the United States and Midwest. Whether you're digging into military records, uncovering treasures at the Library of Congress, or tapping into Midwest repositories, this conference is packed with tips, strategies, and new discoveries for your family history research.

Presenter, Tina Beaird is the owner of Tamarack Genealogy and a Genealogy & Local History Librarian in the Chicagoland area. Tina holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science specializing in Archives/Preservation, and has won multiple grants for historic preservation and digitization projects.

Family History Resources from the Library of Congress

Whether you are researching in this glorious building or utilizing their amazing digital collections, The Library of Congress (LOC) offers something for every family historian. Tina will walk you through all of the different ways you can engage with the Library of Congress both through their digital resources and their dynamic social media presence, to advance your family history.

 Spirit of St. Louis—Military & Civilian Records at the National Personnel Records Center

The National Records Personnel Center in St. Louis has many records pertinent to your soldier's service. OMPFs, Official Military Personnel Files, monthly regimental rolls, hospital records, military court martials and graves registration service files all offer clues into your veteran's military experience. NPRC also houses civilian and government employment files as well. Was your grandfather in the Civilian Conservation Corps? Was your mother Postmaster? These records are available as well! Tina will describe the types of information to be found in these records and how you can access them in person.

 Military Records at the U.S. National Archives

Whether you are researching records at the National Archives in Washington D.C., the National Records Personnel Center in St. Louis, or regional archives like Great Lakes in Chicago, Tina has boots-on-the-ground experience in each location and offers tips and tricks for getting the most out of your research visit. 

 Unlocking the Treasures Within Midwest Archives and Repositories

The Midwest is blessed with a series of top-notch repositories, museums and archives. Tina will highlight some of types of materials available and the best places to research your Midwest ancestors including Allen County Public Library, Ohio History Connection, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Newberry Library, Mid-Continent Public Library and the Indiana Historical Society.

Join the conference at the IGS Library in the East Village of Des Moines or join on Zoom.

All sessions will be recorded and available to all registrants for a limited time after the conference.  

We are extending the library hours before the conference. We will be open Friday, October 18th until 7:00 pm.