TRACE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

03-19-2008

 

New Midwest Genealogy Center to open June 1, 2008

 

            Begin making plans now to visit historic Independence , Missouri for the June opening of the new Midwest Genealogy Center . The $8 million, 50,000 square foot facility, believed to be the largest public free standing genealogy library in America , will occupy 8 acres at 3401 S. Kiger Road in Independence . The Center will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Sundays and holidays the center will be closed

            Holdings will offer extensive microfilm and microfiche sources, including U. S. census records, Civil War histories, Native American records, biographical archives and Black family history records, and a large variety of state records for Missouri and other states. These include tax records, penitentiary records, military service records, passenger lists, records of antebellum southern plantations, genealogical periodicals, 60,000 titles of families genealogies, local and state histories and other vital records.

            The Center will also offer ample tables, computers and reader-printers for researchers, as well as lockers, a break area and limited food services for patrons who spend entire days exploring family history. Oversize parking spaces can accommodate RVs.

            Classes will be offered on topics ranging from beginning internet research to problems with maps or census records, as well as appointments for consultations with experts in specific foreign languages, such as German or Irish. All resources and classes are free, as are appointments with experts.

             For more information, call 816-252-7228 or go to www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/genlh/

            Other sources for family history buffs sit nearby. The Jackson County Genealogical Society Research Library, housed in the historic Truman Depot at 1111 W. Pacific, is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The collection at the depot focuses on Jackson County records and includes marriage licenses, deeds, wills, data from cemeteries, local obituaries and books. This library is free.

            Across the street at 318 W. Pacific, early diaries and journals, as well as modern books on the westward migration Santa Fe , California and Oregon Trails are available in the Merrill J. Mattes Research Library at the National Frontier Trails Museum . This is the largest public library in the nation focused on these trails. Appointments are suggested and may be made by calling 816-325-7575. The Library is also free and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

            Other local records, including photos, documents,  and family manuscripts records  are available at the Jackson County Historical Archives and research library, located in the historic Jackson County Court house on the Square, at 112 W. Lexington. The Archives also operates a book store on site. Days of operation are Monday through Friday and advance reservations to 816-252-7454 are requested. A $10 per visit fee is charged for non-members of the Jackson County Historical Society. 

            Less than five minutes away from the courthouse is the Family History Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 705 W. Walnut. In addition to many records on microfilm and microfiche, the collection of this center is not limited to those from the Midwest . There is no charge for patrons to use the facility, however a nominal fee is charged on requests for records to be sent from the Salt Lake City Family History Library, the largest of its kind in the world.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 816-461-0245 and more information is available at www.lds.org.

            After delving into your own personal history, take a break to explore Independence , Queen City of the Trails with its many heritage attractions. Visit Truman sites, Mormon heritage attractions, Civil War and frontier sites and historic restored Victorian mansions, or take a covered wagon historical tour of the city. For information on lodging, special events and attractions, call 816-325-7111 or toll free 800-748-7323 to request a current Visitors Guide or go to www.visitindependence.com.

 

 

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