Library CDs capture GH history
It is now possible for Loutit District Library patrons to hear stories of what life was like in the Grand Haven area in the early 20th century in the words of local citizens.
Loutit District Library received $16,314 from the Library of Michigan's Digitization for Preservation and Access grant program to preserve in digital form interviews with Grand Haven area citizens recorded by local historian Dr. David Seibold and others. The CDs can be checked out at the library.
The project was developed in cooperation with the Tri-Cities Historical Museum.
Museum volunteers conducted interviews from the late 1970s through the early 1900s to preserve first-hand recollections of life in the area. Very few of the people whose voices were captured on tape are still living. Among those available is an interview with Ray O'Malley, a survivor of the sinking of the Escanaba, who died recently.
There are more than 100 CD-ROMs with more than 6,600 minutes of interviews. In addition, more than 50 interviews were transcribed and can be searched by keyword or printed. Each of the CD-ROMs includes historical photographs from the library's collection.
Patrons can listen to the interviews and view the photographs at the library or check out a CD-ROM, which can be accessed on their personal computers.
Beginning in June, these materials will be available on the library's Web site, www.loutitlilbrary.org, along with many other local history and genealogy resources.
Moultrie Creek on 19 Jan 08Genealogy: The library owns microfilm copies of the National Archives Compiled Service Records for all Union and Confederate soldiers from Missouri, those from other states who fought at Wilson's Creek, and some additional soldiers. Copies can be requested from the Hulston Library or from the National Archives. Forms to obtain copies of National Archives records are available at the Visitor Center, or National Archives records can be ordered on-line by clicking here. The library has purchased published rosters giving basic information on all Civil War soldiers, and will search for particular names on request. Regimental Histories: The library contains many histories of individual Civil War regiments, especially Union units. In addition, many Northern state adjutant general's reports and other regimental materials are available. Limited information is available on Southern units.
