GSSI will be holding a Holiday Open House for researchers to come and check out our archives room at our Cambria facility.  In June of last year we had outgrown the small room we were in and have now moved into a larger room which allows us more space for researchers.  Since then we have acquired all new chairs, more tables, a microfilm machine that was donated to us by the Williamson County Hisortical Society and a screen for small group programs.  This facility is normally only available for research purposes by appointment only but we welcome you to come and join us as we kick off the holiday season with this Open House.  

Local historian and author Darrel Dexter will be conducting a presentation on the campus of John A. Logan College in Carterville on Saturday, March 14th, This happes to be National Genealogy Day as well. Come join us on the campus in the Event Center Room F118.

 

Darrel is the author of several books, including Bondage in Egypt; Slavery in Southern Illinois and A Trot Down to Egypt; The Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Jonesboro, IL

"The One-Word Key to Solving Most Brick-Wall Problems in Genealogy."      Presented by Rick Allen

 

Have you been researching your family history but got stuck when you hit a brick wall? Don't give up! Join us for the program "The One-Word Key to Solving Most Brick-Wall Problems in Genealogy." During this presentation, Rick Allen will present ideas for junp-starting your research. After learning the one key word, we will spend time exploring suggested way you might apply its concepts to help knock down some of the brick walls in you own family tree.

 

Rick is currently a professional genealogist operating Backstory Bloodhound (www.backstorybloodhound.com). He researches regularly in southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. His favorite thing is to bust down a long-standing brick wall! After obtaining a Master's degree, Rick taught histroy at Southeast Missouri State University. He is currently a Director of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogist and was former director at GSSI and editor of the Saga of Southern Illinois. Now he spends most of his spare time tracing family histories and assisting with the preservation of historic records for future generations.

The Metropolis Public Library's roots run to the 19th century. The Metropolis Public Library serves as an institution where people young and old can gather information and broaden their minds. It also serves as a landmark in the City of Metropolis, a landmark filled with a rich past.

The beginning of the Library dates back to 1839 when William McBane, founder of the City of Metropolis, donated land to the city. The forerunners of the library wer the Women's Literary Club of Metropolis, better know today as the Metropolis Women's Club. They were the catalysts in arousing interest and beginning plans for a city library.

In 1892, plans were presented to Judge R.W. McCartney, who is credited with the library's founding. McCartney told the Women's Club that if the ladies got the books, he would provide a sutitable building for a public library.

In 1894, the Robert W. McCartney Music Hall at 116 E. Fourth St. was built and a portion of the building was set aside for a library. The people of the town responded when the library asked for materials. People brought books and small donations and soon the shelves were filled. 

Many members of the Women's Literary Club took turns by the month acting as librarians. After Robert W. McCartney's death, the operation of the library was turned over to the city council, which named the library the R.W. McCartney Public Library. For 20 years, the Music Hall served as a city library with F.A. Trousdale serving as president of the library board.

Our Featured guest speaker Lacy Thomas will present a program on the genealogical holdings at the Metropolis Public Library.

TBA

Featured researcher, Lisa Carnaghi & the Herrin History Room presents to us "In Bloody Williamson"

 

Please join us for the slideshow presentation on "In Bloody Williamson", based on the 1926 book by former sheriff George Galligan and in collaboration with his chief deputy Jack Wilkinson.

 

Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the day of the event and may also be purchased at the Williamson County Histrical Society and Museum at 105 S. Van Buren St., Marion, IL.

 

The Herrin History Room is located at 120 N. 13th St., Herrin, IL. inside the Herrin City Library.  For more information about upcoming events at the Herrin City Library, visit herrincitylibrary.org.