By Ann G., Crossroads Discovery Center Assistant Manager
I love genealogy! It makes history personal and come alive. It is no longer dry facts but a four-times great-grandparent grieving for children lost to diphtheria or wondering what an ancestor thought when he joined the military to fight off the British in the War of 1812. I enjoy the research, piecing together the clues I find in the historic records. If you already have a genealogy interest, or just thinking about getting started, please register and join us Saturday, October 10 at the Noblesville Library for the third Family History Day!
Conference Schedule
12:45 PM
Check-in will begin.
1:00 PM
Keynote Presentation from Family History Day 2025
Our keynote speaker will kick things off.
Genealogy Inspiration
Lori Samuelson – Genealogy At Heart
Stuck on a brick wall? Looking for fresh ways to uncover family stories and connect with your past? Join professional genealogist, author, and educator Lori L. Samuelson of Genealogy at Heart for an engaging program filled with creative approaches to family history research. Discover how surname studies, storytelling projects, blogging, family history writing, research spreadsheets, timelines, volunteer opportunities, and even art, food, and family activities can lead to unexpected discoveries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher, you’ll leave with practical ideas to help you break through research challenges, preserve family stories, and make genealogy more meaningful and enjoyable. This presentation is packed with real-life examples, helpful resources, and inspiration to help you connect, communicate, and create through family history.
2:00 PM
Choose from these sessions:
Researching Newspapers Outside of Newspapers.com
Amber Oldenburg – One Branch at a Time Genealogy
The availability of digitized newspapers continues to grow each day. This presentation will showcase sites that make newspapers available to researchers for free or very little cost, such as Advantage Archives and Chronicling America, as well as the resources for newspaper research available at local FamilySearch Centers and archives. Attendees will walk away armed with a wide array of resources to begin tracing their family history in newspapers.
Using Land and Probate Records to Create Your FAN Club
John Barr – Old Northwest Genealogy
- Using Land and Probate Records to create a list of family, associates, and neighbors that can add context and proof to your lineage research.
- How to compile a FAN Club from Land and different probate records.
- What your FAN Club is and who it might consist of.
- Land and Probate documents that may add to your FAN Club.
- How to use your FAN Club to advance your research.
- Example of creating and using a FAN Club from land and probate records.
3:00 PM
Exhibit Hall from Family History Day 2025
Break
Visit with representatives from local historical and genealogical/lineage societies. Including:
- Hamilton County Historical Society
- Indiana African American Genealogy Group
- Indiana State Daughters of the American Revolution
- Indiana State Library
- Jonathon Jennings Daughters of the American Revolution
3:45 PM
Choose from these sessions:
Accessing Tools and Records from the National Archives for Family History
Ryan Johnson – RJJ Genealogy
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), holds records relevant to a diverse range of family history research goals. Join us to learn about the importance of knowing what NARA offers and how to start finding your ancestors and their entourage in federal records.
Prize winner from Family History Day 2025
From Feet to Flight: (Im)migrating to the Midwest
Amy Vedra – Director Reference Services, Indiana Historical Society
Discover the journeys of families moving to the Midwest, exploring challenges, experiences, and factors shaping their arrival through personal accounts and historical insights.
Some lucky attendees will win our door prizes thanks to MyHeritage, FindMyPast, Family Tree Webinars, and FamilySearch.Org.
Have questions? Call the Crossroads Discovery Center at 317-773-1384.
Please register and join us Saturday, October 10 to discover your history (registration required).