New library program aims to connect public with local history, genealogy resources

From the annual commemorations of Quantrill’s Raid to the city streets, schools and other landmarks named for Bleeding Kansas ideologies (Free State, anyone?) and figures, it’s safe to say at this point that Lawrence is a town obsessed with its own history.

A new program at the Lawrence Public Library is capitalizing on that fascination by providing local history buffs and those interested in their own family history with the tools to explore it.

The Helen Osma Local History Collection already houses historical materials related to Lawrence and Douglas County as well as resources for genealogical research, says Melissa Fisher Isaacs, information services coordinator.

It has for years, even in the library’s old location. But the room hasn’t seen much activity in its new home at the rebuilt Lawrence Public Library at 707 Vermont St., Isaacs says.

She’s hoping the new Genealogy + Local History Drop-in program will change that.

“Since we’ve moved into the new building, it’s been one of those parts of the library that we’ve been trying to reinvent how we connect with,” says Isaacs, who’s spearheading the new program. “And maybe bring a bit more community awareness to that resource.”

The program, which began earlier this month, invites the public to stop by the Helen Osma Local History Collection room, located on the lower level of the library, every first and third Wednesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. — no reservations or fees required.

On those days, library staffers will be available to connect participants with genealogy and local history resources and demonstrate how to use ancestry.com and Heritage Quest.

And, for those interested in recording an oral history with family members, audio engineer Ed Rose will be on hand to provide information (including how to book a session and use the equipment) on the library’s Sound + Vision studio.

The library also recently launched its “Book a Librarian” service, which allows anyone who can’t make it on Wednesdays to schedule, via phone or the library’s website, a half-hour research session with a librarian.

“If we don’t have it, we can probably point you toward the direction you want to go,” says Isaacs, who’s also in talks to bring in volunteers from the Douglas County Genealogical Society and the Watkins Museum of History.

As a former assistant curator and manager of the Johnson County Museum research library, she understands Lawrence’s preoccupation with the past firsthand. After two decades here, Isaacs has developed a “passion” for local history.

She hopes like-minded Lawrencians will find their way to the library on Wednesday afternoons.

“Ultimately, I think it would be neat to foster our community of people who are interested in local history,” Isaacs says. “That it would be not only an opportunity for people to be more aware of the resources that the library has, but also to make connections with people in the community who have similar interests.”