Time to turn back the clock to The Story of Us: Immigrant Experience on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Third Annual Family History Fair at the Shelby County Public Library’s Carnegie East Wing.
Participate in an interactive Ellis Island encounter for a taste of what our ancestors endured to see if they were healthy in mind and body. Will you get to stay in America, or will you be sent back?
Try out the digital photo both to “picture your heritage,” and check out the continuously running Ellis Island video. The Ellis Island encounter is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room A.
The Gallery features “Lady Liberty: Mother of Exiles.” The Indiana Room displays a collection of ceramics and glassware from Germany as well as the ever-popular “Who Is It?” table.
At 10:30 am, keynote speaker M. Teresa Baer of the Indiana Historical Society Press will speak in Room B. At 1 pm in Room B, she will join the roundtable discussion on “Your Immigrant Ancestors.” Baer is managing editor of Indiana Historical Society Press Family History Publications, edits The Hoosier Genealogist: Connections as well as books on migration and ethnic history. She has compiled and edited the book, “Finding Indiana Ancestors: A Guide to Historical Research” (2007). Baer has a master’s degree in comparative history from Indiana University.
“Shelby County Immigrants,” a presentation by Genealogy & History Department Head Donna Dennison, will begin at 2 p.m. in Room B. Dennison will focus specifically on groups of immigrants as they moved through Shelby County on their way further west and those who decided to stay here and create a community.
Stampede String Band will bring “Indiana’s freshest modern folk and bluegrass” to the Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. Band members John Bahler, Kyle Buck, and Aaron Nicely will play music from their 2023 tour, “The Last Shall Be First.” It is inspired by blind blues singers and red clay farmers who gave the nation its heart and soul. Three-part harmonies, bass, mandolin, guitar, and banjo achieve that old-time sound with all the energy and finesse of modern music.
Visitors may buy a chili lunch with all the trimmings for $10 from the First Church of Pentecost. Baked good, snacks, and drinks will also be available throughout the day.
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