Published: February 10, 2007 08:28 pm         

Genealogy: Indiana County Genealogist program works to widen Hoosier participation

The Indiana Genealogical Society created the Indiana County Genealogist program with these goals in mind: First, to widen the circle of participation in Indiana genealogy to include others beyond its board and to establish a liaison between the IGS and the genealogists and organizations from each Indiana county. Second, to designate an individual in each county who would focus on the preservation of that county’s genealogical and historical records and would work to make these records available to family researchers both in and out of state.

Thus the Indiana County Genealogist program was born. Here’s how it works: After going through an application procedure to program coordinator Shirley Richison Fields, a county genealogist is chosen and approved by the IGS Board. This person then serves for a two-year term as his or her county’s genealogist. This term of service can be renewed every two years, or a new county genealogist can be appointed after the two-year term. Membership in the IGS is not a requirement to apply to become a county genealogist.

The responsibilities of the county genealogists are: to report monthly to the IGS on what is happening in their county, to promote historical and genealogical research and education within their county, to know and be familiar with the records within their county, to act as a liaison between the IGS and genealogical groups within their county, to be available to provide research guidance to in-county, in-state, and out-of-state researchers doing research in their county, and to be willing to have their contact information widely publicized. After two years of service, the county genealogists who want their terms renewed for two years must provide the IGS with a report of their activities during their prior two years of service.

There are many Indiana counties that do not yet have a county genealogist. However, the Wabash Valley is fairly well represented with four of our counties covered. Joyce E. Oehler of Brazil (812-448-1838 or joyceoehler@verizon.net) is the Clay County genealogist. Alberta Butler of Rockville (765-569-5858 or abutler4137@sbcglobal.net) is the Parke County genealogist. Donna K. Adams of Merom (821-356-4782 or dadams@wirelessilliana.com) is the Sullivan County genealogist.

Recently, David L. Bonnett of Terre Haute was appointed as Vigo County genealogist. His contact information is (812) 299-1902 or davidbonnett@verizon.net. He is working on a project to salvage Terre Haute’s Calvary Cemetery records, which were damaged by fire and water.

Remember that you can go to this site to find out if there is a county genealogist for an Indiana county in which you are interested in doing research. If there is, contact that person if you have questions about records or research in that county. (Please note that they give advice to callers about research in their county, but they do not do any actual research for others.) The county genealogist can tell you about the availability of certain records, their location, and who to contact.

For more information on the Indiana Genealogical Society or the Indiana County Genealogist program, visit www.indgensoc.org.

There are currently 12 county genealogists who have been designated out of the 92 counties. The IGS needs applicants in the other 80.