- Manager's Corner...
- New Program... Clayton Library Affiliate Program
- Genealogical Research Aids... Roots Television and Webinars – new programming…but what are they?
- Spotlight on… Tracing Native American ancestry
- Something looks different at the library... Clayton’s 3rd Annual Family History Book Sale
- A Look inside library operations... Introduction to the Community Education and Events Team
- Family History Month Classes: October Is Family History Month!
- Monthly class/mini-session schedule
- Additional Information about Clayton Library
- Attention HPL Customers:
We are more than just books.
Clayton Library is nationally known for its collection of research materials. The library is a destination for many from within the area and from far away. On just one day last week, the library was visited by people from Kansas, Arkansas, Oregon and Washington. How exciting is that? Two or so times a month, we have group visits from outside the area. Research is the reason why.
We would like to give you another reason to visit the Clayton Library – our programming. Libraries are so much more than books. Part of the Clayton Library and Houston Public Library’s mission is to offer engaging programming for education and entertainment. Twice a month we offer hour-long presentations on a research source, record group, database, services offered and other topics.
October is even more special. Family History Month was proposed by Senator Orin Hatch in 2001. This resolution named October of that year and years to come to celebrate the family. The library celebrates with increased programming, in fact we are offering more than 15 extra sessions to come and learn about such things as the following: a new source – PERSI: The Periodical Source Index; a series of records – Railroads and Migration; databases to which HPL subscribes, including Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest and Historical Newspapers; bring a brown bag lunch and share a video from RootsTelevision.com and a discussion and much more!
Interested in joining a lineage society? Well mark your calendar for 17 OCT 2009 for Lineage Day at the Library. Societies including the Cherokee National Historical Society, Colonial Dames of America, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Children of the American Revolution, Children of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Colonists, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Cincinnati, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Descendants of San Jacinto, First Families of Louisiana, Huguenot Society of America, Jamestowne Society, Mayflower Descendants, National Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, National Society Magna Charta, National Society of New England Women, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Republic of Texas, United States Daughters of 1812, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War have all been invited to participate. Come and speak with representatives on Saturday 17 OCT 10am – 4pm.
Clayton library is more than just books. Another exciting program of the library is the FamilySearch (LDS) microfilm affiliate program. Yes, you can now rent Family History Library microfilm and microfiche here at Clayton. We are an official Affiliate site which mean you can rent film on permanent rental status if you so choose. The film remains here at the library indefinitely. This is a benefit to all researchers as all microfilm rented is available for everyone to use, and a notebook of available film on loan at Clayton has been created. Look for more information on this exciting new program available at the library. What a boon to your research…LDS microfilm and all the exciting resources of Clayton, the books, microprint, periodicals, databases, educational sessions, expert staff and much more!
We
invite you to visit our website www.houstonlibrary.org/clayton
for a current
list of programs during Family History Month, and each month, we invite you
into the library to rent LDS microfilm with the support of our collection for
further research, and to discuss your research quest with our staff. We hope to see you soon!
Sue
Kaufman
Clayton Library Manager
Clayton Library Affiliate Program
What is it and what can it do for me?
If you can’t find a genealogical record and it has been microfilmed, there is a good chance that the Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City, Utah has a copy of it. Clayton Library has become an affiliate library of the FHL. The Clayton Library Affiliate Program gives you the ability to rent almost any microfilm or microfiche that the FHL owns through Clayton Library, and view it in the library beginning on October 1.
We will be initially operating this service in the Main Building, but plan to relocate to the Clayton House at some future date. The hours of operation while in the Main Building will be 9:30 to 8:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:30-4:30 on Monday, Friday and Saturday. The Clayton House hours will be 12:05-8:30 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 9:30-4:30 Monday, Friday, and Saturday.
You may order microfilm and microfiche, but not books. To see what you can order, you must use the Family History Library Catalog (www.familysearch.org).
The film/fiche remains the property of the Family History Library, which means that it cannot leave the building while it is on loan, and cannot be transferred. While the person who orders the material has first priority to view it, they do not have exclusive use of the film/fiche material.
Clayton staff accepting first affiliate program order from patron Ann Wrenn.
Ordering items from the Family History Center
It will be much quicker if you have already done your homework and know which film/fiche you want to order before you come to Clayton. However, we have computers for you to use if you have not. We can also instruct you in using the FHC catalog.
You must physically come to Clayton Library and fill out a Microfilm and Microfiche Order Card for each item that you wish to order. Clayton will not mail the order forms and they cannot be put on the Internet.
Each roll of microfilm will rent for $5.50. As Clayton does not have a cash register, or the ability to accept credit cards, we will accept only checks or money orders for payment. The checks/money orders must be made out to Clayton Library Friends. Once your material arrives you have 30 days to view the film/fiche at Clayton. You may renew it for an additional 30 days for $5.50. If you renew it a third time for an additional $5.50, it becomes “permanently loaned” to the Clayton Library Affiliate Program.
Microfiche is $.15 per sheet. This is a one-time fee. Once the fiche arrives at Clayton Library, it is on permanent loan.
It normally takes about 3 weeks for the items to arrive from Salt Lake. We will notify you by e-mail when your items arrive. If an item is on backorder, it normally takes about 2 weeks more to arrive. We will notify you via e-mail if an item is on backorder and again when it arrives.
-- Clayton Affiliates Program Team
Roots Television and Webinars – new programming, but what are they?
This year we are introducing some different types of programming at the Library, Roots Television and Webinars. Both of these are internet based programming. Roots Television is by and for avid genealogists and family history lovers of all types and varied interests. Interested in archives, scrapbooking, collecting relatives, traveling for genealogy? Whether you are a Civil War re-enactor, intrigued by DNA, a reunion organizer, a sepia-toned photos zealot, an Internet junkie, a history buff, a follower of old country traditions, a cemetery devotee, a story-teller, a multicultural food aficionado, a flea market and antiques fanatic, a family documentarian, a nostalgia nut, or a mystery-solver, Roots Television has something for you -- and that “something” is quality programming.
Please join us for these new programs. Our Roots Television programming kicks off on 7 OCT at 11:00am, with African American research. Our next viewing of an episode of Roots Television is 29 OCT at 11:00am, when the topic will be cemetery research. Both these sessions are “brown bag” lunch discussion groups. So bring your lunch, watch a new resource and discuss the topic.
Webinars – this innovative method of education is typically one-way from the speaker to the audience with limited audience interaction. Our initial foray into webinars will provide training on a few of the genealogy databases to which the Houston Public Library subscribes, including Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest and the Historical Newspapers. These webinars will be presented by ProQuest, the vendor of these databases.
All of these educational opportunities will be projected onto the screen in the Carriage House on the Clayton Library property. We invite you to be part of our new programming, and look forward to your comments about them. Enjoy!
Sue Kaufman -- Clayton Library Manager
Tracing Native American ancestry
No matter the ethnicity of your background, genealogical research consists of searching out multiple records written about your ancestor, but not written by your ancestor. No genealogical research demonstrates this more clearly than researching your Native American ancestry. Few of the major records used to uncover relationship to a particular tribe were even created by the tribe and fewer still by the individual members of the tribe. The records were usually created by individual outsiders and outside groups/entities that had a particular purpose for interacting with a certain tribe, whether that tribe lived on land set aside as a reservation or lived together on non-reservation land. Many of these records were created by the U.S. federal government’s Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs and its predecessor organizations. In looking at all of these records created by others, you must look even deeper into the purpose behind the records than you do when evaluating genealogical records for your non-native relatives. Start with the same who, what, when, where, how and why of investigative journalism (and good genealogical research) and then apply the answers to what you know about your possible Native American ancestor.
WHO? – Who created the record(s)? Was it the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the owner of a trading post in “Indian territory,” or a church congregation with a mission school in the area? Who are the records about, the Cherokee, the Iroquois, the Winnebago, or the Navajo?
WHAT? – What exactly are the records recording? What happened as a result of the records creation? Are the records listing those Native Americans who would be allotted land on a reservation? Are they listing the Native Americans who were removed from an area to live on a reservation? Is the record a listing of those who signed on and worked as Indian scouts from a particular fort?
WHEN? – When was the record created? Is there a specific day associated with the record, such as March 4, 1907 (see Durant Roll below)?
WHERE? – Where did the tribes/individuals live that the records are about? Are the records about one county or fort, or are they about a larger area, such as a state or territory? Was a requirement of the records creation that the Native Americans listed on the records had to be living in a specific place (see Dawes Rolls below)?
HOW? – How was the determination made that a specific individual’s name was placed on the record and others were not placed on the record?
WHY? – Why was the record created? Why would a Native American want to be or not want to be listed on this record?
Let’s now look at the who, what, when, where, how and why of some records that are used in researching Native American Ancestry.
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1996
ISBN-13: N/A
Call Number: FILM
On the four rolls of this National Archives microfilm publication, M2039, are reproduced the 1908 census roll (known as the "Durant Roll" for its compiler, Horace B. Durant) of the Chippewa and Ottawa tribes of Michigan, with Durant's field notes, and related correspondence.
On March 3, 1905, Congress authorized the Chippewa and Ottawa tribes of Michigan to file a petition in the U.S. Court of Claims to settle questions surrounding monies held in trust for them by the Federal Government. On March 4, 1907, the court handed down a judgment amounting to $131,188.94, including interest, for the tribes. This payment was for monies owed to these Indians based on the treaty of May 27, 1836 and the treaty of July 31, 1855. On July 21, 1908, Horace B. Durant was instructed to compile a roll of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of the State of Michigan who were eligible to receive payments of these monies. The funds were to be divided among the Sault St. Marie, Mackinac, Little Traverse, Grand Traverse, and Grand River bands. Durant was instructed to enroll these individuals "all of whom are members or descendants of members enrolled in 1870" who were still alive on March 4, 1907, when the judgment was rendered by the U.S. Court of Claims. Durant submitted to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs a completed roll with the names of 7,396 persons entitled to be recipients. Durant also prepared a supplemental roll to disperse the $9,786.69 derived from the 1855 treaty. This roll contained the names of 236 children who were born after March 4, 1907, and prior to August 1, 1908. The Commissioner reviewed both rolls and disallowed names on both rolls. The names of 5,444 persons from the first roll and 202 individuals from the supplemental roll were forwarded as entitled to payments to the Office of the Secretary of the Interior for final approval. On February 18, 1910, Frank Pierce, First Assistant Secretary to the Secretary of the Interior, signed both rolls.
A description of the arrangement, contents and how to search the records is found at the beginning of reel 1. The microfilm of the records is currently located in microfilm cabinet 66, drawer 5 in Clayton Library’s microfilm department, second floor of the main building. The original paper copies of the files are found as part of the Special Agent Files, 1907-1948, in the Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group (RG) 75, and are housed at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1994
ISBN-13: N/A
Call Number: FILM
On the five reels of this National Archives microfilm publication, M1791, are reproduced schedules of the special census of Indians enumerated in 1880. Section 8 of the Census Act of March 3, 1879, authorized the Superintendent of the Census to "employ special agents or other means to make an enumeration of all Indians not taxed, within the jurisdiction of the United States, with such information as to their condition as may be obtainable." A special enumeration therefore was taken of Indians living near military reservations. The enumerators were instructed to include all persons "who were living on the 1st day of October, 1880."
The same questions asked on the 1880 federal population schedule were asked on the special schedule along with additional questions specific to Native Americans. Some of those additional questions were: Indian name, English translation of Indian name, whether full-blooded member of the tribe or if a mixture with another tribe the name of the tribe, number of acres the person holds by patent, allotment, or tribal regulation and number of years the person has "habitually" lived on the reservation.
The Native Americans enumerated in these special schedules lived in Washington state, California, and the Dakota Territory on the following reservations; Tulalip, Port Madison, Swinhomish, Muckleshoot, Lummi, Yakama, Standing Rock, and Round Valley. Also counted were Indians from six tribes not living on a reservation in the area of the Tulalip Agency.
A description of the arrangement and contents of the records is found at the beginning of reel 1. The microfilm of the records are currently located in microfilm cabinet 66, drawer 5 in Clayton Library’s microfilm department, second floor of the main building. The original paper copies of the files are found as part of the Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790-2007, Record Group (RG) 29, and are housed at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1965
ISBN-13: N/A
Call Number: FILM
On the 692 rolls of this microfilm publication are reproduced Indian census rolls, 1885-1940, with a few later rolls. These census rolls were usually submitted each year by agents or superintendents in charge of 1ndian reservations as required by an act of Congress of July 4, 1884.
The information given in the rolls varies to some extent; but usually given are the English and/or Indian name of the person, roll number, age or date of birth, sex, and relationship to head of family. For certain years, principally in the 1930’s, supplemental rolls only of additions and deductions were compiled. Most of the 1940 rolls have been retained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and are not included in this microfilm publication. There is not a census for every reservation or group of Indians for every year. It was not always possible to take a census on some reservations; and some rolls were lost over the years. Only persons who maintained a formal affiliation with a tribe under Federal supervision are listed on these census rolls. Some tribes, particularly those in the East, have never been under Federal jurisdiction. Because many persons with some degree of Indian blood did not maintain a tribal connection, their names do not appear on the rolls. The census rolls are arranged alphabetically by name of agency or other jurisdiction and then by year. For jurisdictions with more than one tribe or band or more than one reservation, there may be several rolls for each year. On the individual rolls family groups are listed together.
The microfilm of the records is currently located in microfilm cabinet 67, drawers 1 through 9 in Clayton Library’s microfilm department, second floor of the main building. A description of the arrangement and contents of this microfilm publication is found at the beginning of reel 1. In this list currently accepted spellings of names of tribes have been used except when it was believed that this would be confusing to the user. In the census rolls themselves obsolete spellings of tribal names are often used.
The original records reproduced in this microcopy are part of the records in the National Archives designated as Record Group 75, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Other census rolls interspersed within Record Group 75 that were prepared for a specific purpose, such as the determination of those eligible for a land allotment or a per capita payment, have been reproduced as separate microfilm publications some of which are available at Clayton Library. Examples of these separate microfilm publications are: the 1832 Census of Creek Indians Taken by Parsons and Abbott (T-275); the Census Roll, 1835, of the Cherokee Indians East of the Mississippi and Index to the Roll (T-496); and the 1895 Old Settler Cherokee Census Roll (T-985).
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1986
ISBN-13: N/A
Call Number: FILM
Panton, Leslie & Co., also known as the Panton, Leslie & Forbes Company and the John Forbes Company after 1804, was a trading company in British Florida, the southeastern Spanish borderlands, and the lower southern U.S. from the 1780s to the early 19th century. The Papers of Panton, Leslie and Co. Project, conducted by the John C. Pace Library of the University of West Florida, was a decades long project to bring together the scattered company documents, plus various other writings of William Panton, John Leslie, and John Forbes. The twenty-six rolls of microfilm contain over eight thousand items, legal, political, and diplomatic documents, which record the company’s operations.
William Panton and John Leslie were Scottish merchants who traded in South Carolina, Georgia, and East Florida. Being Loyalists, they fled to St. Augustine during the American Revolution. Panton, Leslie and other associates formed a partnership to develop trading operations in East Florida, forming officially as a company in late 1782. The company was given the East Florida Indian trade by British authorities in 1783. After 1783, when Florida was ceded back to Spain, the company was allowed to continue trading in St. Augustine as well as Pensacola, where they established their headquarters. In 1785, Spain granted exclusive rights to trading with the Creeks, and in 1788, to the Choctaws and Chickasaws. The company was reorganized in 1804 as John Forbes & Company, after the deaths of the two original founders.
Panton and Leslie’s trading monopoly ranged from Memphis, Tennessee in the north, west to New Orleans, and east to the Bahamas. Their trading posts and pack trains dominated the southeastern Spanish territories’ Indian trade, encompassing all major tribes, including the Seminoles. This trading empire existed through 1821, when the U.S. took possession of Florida. Several factors, including failure of Indians to pay debts, trouble with slaves, problems with Britain, Spain, the United States, and wars, all contributed to bring about the demise of John Forbes & Company. After the War of 1812, the company continued to suffer huge business losses, diminishing trade with Indians, litigation disputes, plus other financial problems. By 1830, the company store closed in Pensacola; the store in Mobile closed by 1847.
The major categories of the papers are: letters (family and business); correspondence to and from British, Spanish, French, and U.S. officials; court cases and proceedings; some birth, baptism, and marriage records; wills of members of the companies; account books; and newspaper clippings.
The microfilm of the papers is currently located in microfilm cabinet 62, drawer 7 in Clayton Library’s microfilm department, second floor of the main building.
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 1986
ISBN-13: N/A
Call Number: 975 P198 USA
To aid in searching the microfilmed papers, this one volume guide includes a chronological listing for each document. Each listing includes an abstract, a description of the type of document, whether the document is in Spanish or English, and the source from which the document was obtained for the project. Also included, if known, is the date of the document, to whom it was written and who wrote it, and the place to which the document was originally sent. An index to both the sender and receiver of the papers is included at the end of the guide.
These are just a few of the hundreds of Native American resources available at Clayton Library. The rest of the Houston Public Library locations have resources to help you also. Many books are available at the Central Library on various tribes and their histories. Just remember when looking at any of these resources to start with the same who, what, when, where, how and why you use in the rest of your genealogical research and then apply the answers to what you know about your possible Native American ancestor.
-- Clayton Reference Staff
Clayton’s 3rd Annual Family History Book Sale will be held during the month of October. This book sale is a special one we hold to celebrate Family History Month. Only family histories are included in the sale. These family histories come from donations of materials that we already have on our shelves. So, the items for sale have never been part of Houston Public Library’s collection and we can offer them to our customers. Each book is individually priced in the upper right hand corner on the first page. Proceeds from the sale are used to buy materials for the library. Please help us find good homes for these books.
-- Clayton Events Team
Introduction to the Community Education and Events Team
In keeping with the mission of the Houston Public Library to provide excellent customer service, Clayton Library has created a Community Education and Events Team to organize and manage visiting groups, education sessions, meeting space, and outreach. This team is composed of five highly skilled staff members that collaborate and coordinate long range planning for programs and special events, such as Family History Month this October. Planning and coordination of such activities includes:
- Outreach programs
Staff presentations
Exhibits and displays
Library orientation
Group visits
The goal is to engage visitors with genealogy literacy initiatives and provide the best visitor experience.
To schedule a staff presentation, group tour, or meeting room use, please call the Clayton Library and ask to speak to a team member.
-- Clayton Events Team
Come join us for one or more classes!
All classes are 1 hour unless noted. Please call 832-393-2600 for reservations, unless otherwise noted.
Because the Clayton Town Crier is published quarterly, please remember to consult Clayton’s Events webpage (http://www.houstonlibrary.org/clayton) for items not submitted in time to be published in the current Crier.
October Classes / Lectures / Mini Sessions / Webinars
LDS Microfilm Rental Affiliate Program
Thursday, October 1, 6:00 PM
Clayton Library has partnered with the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, to become an affiliate in providing genealogical resources. This process allows Clayton Library to offer ordering of microfilm and microfiche from the extensive holdings of the Library in Salt Lake City. Learn how to identify relevant records and the details of the ordering process. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Using City Directories in Genealogy
Saturday, October 3, 11:00 AM
City Directories offer much genealogical information but are seldom consulted. This session focuses on locating information through city directories by name and residence. Included in the discussion are tips on how to follow up on additional information found within city directories. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Roots Television: African American Genealogy Research-Brown Bag Discussion
Wednesday, October 7, 11:00 AM
Each Roots television session offers a 30 minute web based video to be followed by a 30 minute question and answer session with a staff member. Participants may bring their own brown bag lunch to consume during the presentation of the video. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.ProQuest: Ancestry Library Edition Webinar
Wednesday, October 7, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This webinar training will be offered via the internet directly from ProQuest. Research tips and help will be offered to help with effective use of Ancestry Library Edition, the Ancestry product available at all Houston Public Library locations. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.New York (State) Genealogy Research
Thursday, October 8, 6:00 PM
As one of the most populous states through America's history New York has been the home of many ancestors. Due to New York's colonization under multiple European countries it has some record keeping traditions that are unique to the state. Come in and learn about finding and using these unique records and furthering your genealogical research within New York's borders. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.ProQuest: Heritage Quest Webinar
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This webinar training will be offered via the internet directly from ProQuest. Research tips and help will be offered to help with effective use of ProQuest's HeritageQuest database which includes the census, PERSI: The Periodical Source Index and more. HeritageQuest is a product available remotely to you at home with your HPL Powercard and at all Houston Public Library locations. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Overview of the Microfilmed Special Collections at Clayton Library
Thursday, October 15, 6:00 PM
A wealth of genealogical information can be found in Clayton Library's microfilmed 'special collections', many of which contain hard-to-find records from the British, French, or Spanish colonial periods, as well as from pre-statehood U.S. territories. Learn the basics about getting started with these collections and find out if they will be useful to you in your genealogical research. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Understanding the Census: Tips and Tricks for Locating Hard to Find Ancestors
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 AM
The census is one of the most basic genealogical records used to trace ancestors. However, many inaccuracies and problems with the creation of the census make it difficult to identify ancestors during research. Learn how to identify these issues along with altering search methods to assist in understanding the informational value of the census as a genealogical tool. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Clayton Genealogical Library Orientation
Saturday, October 17, 10:30 AM
Learn about the vast family history research resources at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, named "One of the 9 genealogy libraries you need to visit before you die" (Family Tree Magazine July 2008) on this tour of the facility. No reservations required. Adults/Teens.Lineage Day at Clayton Library
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Interested in joining the Daughters of the American Revolution? The United Daughters of the Confederacy? The Sons of the American Revolution or another lineage society? Come speak to representatives from many different lineage societies about their organizations, requirements for membership and much more. This is a free event, and all are welcome. There are no reservations, members will be sitting at tables for you to talk to. Adults/Teens.Convicts to the Colonies – Colonial Prisoners Transported from Great Britain
Monday, October 19, 10:00 AM
Prior to 1776, the colonies that became the United States accepted transported criminals to populate the land. Come and find out about the genealogical records that exist covering this group of individuals. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Passenger and Immigration Records at Clayton Library
Tuesday, October 20, 2:00 PM
Passenger and immigration records can yield much genealogical information about ancestors from data collected at the ports during arrival and departure. These records constitute much of the Clayton Library’s collection in both microfilm and print form. This session provides details about the variety of information contained in these records and what is available at Clayton Library. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.PERSI: The Periodical Source Index - An Underutilized Source
Wednesday, October 21, 3:00 PM
Genealogy periodicals are highly underutilized research sources. Information held in these gems of information might just uncover that little fact you have been searching for. Periodicals and indexes to them will be presented and discussed. PERSI: The Periodical Source Index is available to you through the HeritageQuest database at your local HPL location or remotely from home with your HPL Powercard. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Beginning Genealogy
Saturday, October 24, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
As one of the fastest growing pastimes in the United States, genealogy research is a rewarding undertaking that can connect individuals to the history of our country. This session focuses on starting genealogical research by examining basic tools, such as the pedigree chart, and basic research strategies. Learn about the different genealogical materials available to researchers and how they lead to other sources. A tour of the library and our genealogical gems is also included. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.ProQuest: Historical Newspapers Webinar
Wednesday, October 28, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Historic Newspapers from ProQuest include the New York Times, the Chicago Defender, the Atlanta Daily World and more. This webinar will be training presented via the Internet and will offer tips and hints for searching historic newspapers. The Historic Newspapers from ProQuest are available at all HPL locations and from home with your HPL Powercard. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Roots Television: Cemetery Records-Brown Bag Discussion
Thursday, October 29, 11:00 AM
Each Roots television session offers a 30 minute web based video to be followed by a 30 minute question and answer session with a staff member. Participants may bring their own brown bag lunch to consume during the presentation of the video. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Unusual Sources for Genealogical Research or “Hey, that is some cool stuff”
Friday, October 30, 3:00 PM
Learn about some very unusual record groups for genealogical research, sources not often thought of. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Railroads and the Settling of America
Saturday, October 31, 11:00 AM
Throughout the history of the United States railroads have served as transit systems of mass production, metropolitan connections, and migration. As the railroad developed so too did settlements along the lines. Learn how the railroad shaped the migration patterns of people across the United States and how to use such information for furthering genealogical research. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.
-- Clayton Events Team
Clayton Library Orientation -
Learn about the vast family history research resources at the Clayton
Library Center for Genealogical Research, named "One of the 9 genealogy
libraries you need to visit before you die" (Family Tree Magazine July
2008) on this tour of the facility. Orientation lasts
approximately one hour. No reservations needed, meet at the Information
Desk in the library. Adults/Teens
3rd Saturday of
each month
- Saturday, October 17, 10:30 AM
Saturday, November 21, 10:30 AM
Saturday, December 19, 10:30 AM
Monthly Mini Education
Sessions – each class lasts approximately one hour.
Please call 832-393-2600 for reservations.
Almost all of
our mini education sessions are offered two times a month on
the:
- 2nd Thursday from 2:00 – 3:00 PM
and
4th Saturday from 10:00-11:00 AM. of every month, unless otherwise noted.
Funeral rites – the Last Event
Thursday, November 12, 2:00-3:00 PM
Saturday, November 28, 10:00-11:00 AM
Come and learn about funeral rites and customs and the records they engender. See how different ethnicities treat this event that is common to us all. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.Railroads and the Settling of America
Thursday, December 10, 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 26, 10:00 AM
Throughout the history of the United States railroads have served as transit systems of mass production, metropolitan connections, and migration. As the railroad developed so too did settlements along the lines. Learn how the railroad shaped the migration patterns of people across the United States and how to use such information for furthering genealogical research. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.
-- Clayton Events Team
Hours of operation:
Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday and Saturday: 9am - 5pm
We are closed on City of Houston holidays. Click here for the holiday schedule. http://www.houstonlibrary.org/library-holidays
To see a listing of the latest genealogical materials at Houston Public Library, choose the "New Genealogy Titles for Clayton" list here. http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/ftlist
If you need driving directions to Clayton from Houston's major freeways, click here.
http://www.houstonlibrary.org/directions-to-clayton-library
For more information, visit the Clayton Library webpage.http://www.houstonlibrary.org/clayton
The Houston Metropolitan Research Center/Texas and Local History Room (HMRC/TXR) has new hours of operation during the renovation of Houston Public Library’s Julia Ideson Building.
Construction on the new wing of the Julia Ideson Building continues according to schedule. Current plans call for a ceremonial opening in December 2009, with a full opening to the public during the first quarter of 2010.
In an effort to minimize construction delays and to allow HMRC staff time to prepare the archival collection for its move to the new wing, hours at the HMRC changed on July 1st. The schedule below details the current public service hours for the HMRC from September 1 to opening day:
September 1 – October 31, 2009
Open to the public by appointment only, Monday through Friday.
Not open on Saturdays.November 1, 2009 – Opening
Open to the public by appointment only, Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
To make an appointment, please contact HPL’s Telephone Reference Service at 832-393-1313 or via the Internet at www.houstonlibrary.org/services/eref_form.html Thank you.
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