Family History Center Affiliate Library

We are excited to announce that SCLS (Suffolk Cooperative Library System) has been designated a Family History Center Affiliate Library. Prior to this designation, researchers would have to visit the Family History Center in Plainview or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City to conduct research. Now our patrons can request most microfilm and microfiche listed in the Family History Library Catalog, from the comfort of one's home.

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was founded in 1894 to help members of the LDS church research their family history and genealogy. The Library has grown tremendously and today it's the largest of its kind. Researchers from across the globe visit the Library and the Centers to conduct wide-ranging research. The collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals; 3,725 electronic resources.

For library members the fees are as follows: microfilm loan charges are $6.00 per reel. The loan time is 60 days which includes shipping time to and from the Family History Library. This assumes 15 days shipping time each way, so the patron will have about 30 days to view the microfilm. There is a $6.00 charge for renewal of the microfilm for an additional 30 days. Microfiche are available for loan at the rate of $1.00 per fiche card. The patron may use the fiche for 60 days.

This is an amazing resource and SCLS is thrilled to be designated an Affiliate Library. The procedure for requesting microfilm is tricky so let a librarian walk you through the process. However, do visit the site and explore the vast array of historical information the Family History Library holds. Feel free to contact the Adult Services Department with any questions, 631-427-5165.

A Celebration of Abraham Lincoln's Birthday and President's Day at HPL

In honor of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday and President's Day on February 16th, the library is displaying treasures from the Mary Talmage Local History Room on the main floor of the library. Stop by the periodical room and see the exhibit of wonderful resources from our collection. The following are several titles featured in the display:
Memorial Address on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln by George Bancroft (1866),
Nation’s Loss: A Discourse upon the Life, Services and Death of Abraham Lincoln, Late President of the United States by Hiram P. Crozier . Delivered at Huntington, L.I., April 19, 1865., Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt Vol. I-V (1938), The Writings of Washington Vol I-XII (1846).

For more information call (631)427-5165 x261 or email huntingtonhistory@gmail.com.

HPL's History Program - Abe Lincoln in the 21st Century

On Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 3pm in the main auditorium, Huntington Public Library will celebrate one of America's greatest president's 200th birthday! We welcome David Houston, the popular and versatile actor, in this original portrait of our most literary president, Abraham Lincoln. The script is adapted from Lincoln's writings and speeches - which reveal a witty and wise statesman who speaks to us as if he lives today and understands our most pressing, confusing, and amusing concerns. You will be touched and enlightened by what you hear.

In addition to this wonderful program, visit the Abraham Lincoln display on the main floor in the periodical room. We will showcase unique items from the Mary Talmage Local History Collection. It will be on display throughout the month of February.

If you have a question regarding the program or exhibit, feel free to call the Adult Reference Desk at 631-427-5165 x251.

NARA

The National Archives and Records Administration, also known as NARA is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for preserving and documenting both government and historical records and making those records available to the public. They offer insight into the lives of people, their families and our history. Because the records at the National Archives come from every branch of the Federal government, almost all Americans can find themselves, their ancestors, or their community in the archives (NARA).

NARA has a well organized page for genealogists and family historians. It's arranged by research topics or types of records. The most commonly used records for research are military, census, immigration, naturalization and land records. Visit the website, http://archives.gov/ and explore the wealth of information available to you. Start your research online, or visit the Northeast Regional Archives in New York City at 201 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014.

Digital Sanborn Maps

Huntington Public Library is proud to announce the acquisition of Digital Sanborn Maps for use within the library. Over 100 years ago, the maps were created for assessing fire insurance liability in urbanized areas across the United States. Today they are a valuable source of historical information. The maps include street names, building numbers with physical descriptions, street widths and more. Their research potential is endless and for genealogists and local historians they can be used to locate ancestor's homes and neighborhoods.

HPL's collection includes many urban areas throughout New York State including maps of Huntington in the following years: 1886, 1892, 1897, 1902, 1908, 1914, 1922 and 1930. The map above displays a section of Main St., Wall St. and New York Ave in 1902.

Come visit the library and browse this wonderful new resource. It can be accessed within the library through our homepage, click on Our Databases and scroll down to the link for Sanborn Maps. If you would like instruction on how to use the digital collection, stop by the Mary Talmage Local History Room during the designated hours (listed above), or call (631-427-5165 x261 or 250) or email huntingtonhistory@gmail.com to make an appointment.

Geni

If 2009 is the year you plan to begin your genealogy research, take a look at this great website for genealogists, geni.com (everyone's related). It was named by Time magazine as one of the 50 Best Websites of 2008 and was picked by PC Magazine as one of the best free online applications of the year. It's a free and private site for you and your family to build and share your family tree. You can also share photos, videos, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special events and best of all it's a place to preserve your family history. Visit this fun, user-friendly site and start your research today http://www.geni.com/.

Huntington Town Clerk's Archives Exhibit

The Town Clerk's Archives proudly presents, “Engineering Marvels and Their Impact on the Town of Huntington: The Evolution of Computers, Radios, Fire Engines, Cars and Trains”.

The exhibit depicts the evolution of technology and its impact on the Town of Huntington. This exhibit features typewriters, computers, radio models, and toy models of trains, cars and fire engines from the collections of Mr. Clifford Beierle, a Huntington resident, and the Rowayton Historical Society of Connecticut.

Stop by Town Hall and view this wonderful exhibit that is on display in all floors of the building.