Cheryl Lang 7-22-14 talk to Independence Rotary Club.

Discover YOUR History at The Midwest Genealogy Center

Cheryl Lang, Midwest Genealogy Center Manager and Steve Potter, Library Director

The Midwest Genealogy Center is part of the 2014 National Medal winning Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) system. MCPL has a long history of providing outstanding genealogy resources, and the Genealogy Center has been a major step in the growth of the system. The Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) is one of the nation's preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarter of a million on-site materials.

Amongst its many features, MGC houses a uniquely expansive circulating collection and almost completely open stacks. New technology is also a major attribute of the building. Microfilm reader-printers, a self-digitization station, and significant database access allow researchers to use today's technology to assist their investigations.

Of course, one of the most valuable resources at MGC is a dedicated staff and corps of volunteers.  These dedicated people teach classes, introduce first timers to techniques and resources, and help accomplished genealogists when they hit a dead end.

“Tell Me a Story” is a Mid-Continent Public Library initiative to provide the continuing ability to record and preserve the memories, stories, and living history of residents in the metro area.  Tell Me a Story is a recorded conversation between two people who know each other. During that time, a segment of one person’s life or a shared memory is recorded, archived, and shared on the Midwest Genealogy Center’s website.