State archives rep to lead research sessions
For the amateur genealogist, there's no greater thrill than tracking down a long-lost cousin or finding a hidden offshoot of the family tree.
To help sleuths track down their ancestors' historical records, the Butler County Genealogical Society has invited Jonathan Stayer, the head of the reference section at the Pennsylvania State Archives, for a daylong event Saturday at the Butler Public Library.
Following registration and breakfast, Stayer will conduct three sessions covering the use of state land records and military records in genealogical searches and what to do when researchers reach a brick wall.
“Brick wall is a genealogist's term. Brick wall means you have gone as far as you can, and you can't figure out where to go with your search next,” said Luanne Eisler, Butler Library genealogist and program director for the society.
“I think she is giving me much more credit,” said Stayer. “I will try to help people, but I don't have any special knack any more than anyone else does.”
Nonetheless, Eisler expects nearly 50 people, mostly genealogists and amateur historians to attend.
“There are usually one or two reluctant spouses who are dragged along as well,” said Stayer, who has traveled to Butler before to address the society at its meetings.
“Stayer will discuss what types of resources are available in the state archives and how people can access them,” said Eisler.
For instance, Stayer said, the state archives hold the records of Pennsylvanians involved in wars from the French and Indian War through Vietnam.
Stayer said the state archives is the official repository for permanently valuable records of state government and some county and municipal government records as well.
“We also collect nongovernment papers from individuals, companies and organizations that have statewide importance,” said Stayer.He added the archives can hold about 85,000 cubic feet of materials and is now between 75,000 and 80,000 cubic feet filled.However, Stayer said the conversion of paper records to digital media may prevent the archives from every facing capacity.It is not an unmixed blessing, however.“Electronic records are probably the greatest challenge to the archival profession right now,” said Stayer. “Electronic data is very transitory. It can be lost very easily with the flick of a mouse.“The software continually changes and the hardware. You are constantly trying to save things to the next type of software or platform or whatever,” Stayer said.Still, Eisler said interest in genealogy is increasing.Eisler said the popularity of amateur genealogy has waxed and waned over the years.“Right now, it's pretty well waxed, ”said Eisler. “Once you start with a question, just forget it. You are hooked. Genealogy is a hobby very few people can abandon.“It's much more prevalent than it was in the past. The biggest impetus was the show 'Roots.' It created interest in it,” said Eisler.These days TV shows such as “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Genealogy Road Show” keep viewers entertained, she said.“Very few people actually stop,” said Eisler. “In the United States, people are happy to get the family back to its origins.“I blame it on my fifth-grade teacher,” said Eisler. “She said 'Go home and tell me what kind of blood you have,' meaning ethnicity. I never thought of that before.“That was 57 years ago, and I'm still doing this,” she said.
WHAT: Butler Genealogical Society presents “A Day with Jonathan Stayer,” head of the reference section at the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg. Stayer will give two presentations on using land records and military records in genealogical research and provide individual consultations.WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. SaturdayWHERE: Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St.INFO: Call Luanne Eisler at 724-287-1715 or e-mail lu.eisler@butlerlibrary.info
