Effective July 31, the Georgia Archives will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. four days a week, Wednesdays through Saturdays.
This extension of hours is due in part to the Archives’ transfer July 1 from the Secretary of State’s Office to the University System of Georgia. This new home within state government comes with additional funds that have allowed the Archives, located in Morrow, to hire three additional professional staffers to work in reference, processing and conservation activities.
While researchers should be pleased with the expanded hours, everyone should realize that this could not have taken place without the tireless efforts over the past nine months of the Coalition to Preserve the Georgia Archives and its many partners, including the Friends of Georgia Archives and History, Georgia Genealogical Society and Society of Georgia Archivists.
The Georgia Archives houses records dating back to the state’s founding as an English colony in 1733. The preservation and accessibility of these records are important issues that should be of concern to all Georgians.
To learn more about the Georgia Archives and its library of books and microfilm, the documents online in its Virtual Vault, and its other great resources, check www.georgiaarchives.org.
Lunchtime seminars
Michael Henderson will speak July 12 at the Georgia Archives on his book about searching for his Louisiana ancestors. Henderson, retired from the U.S. Navy, will have copies of his book on hand. The event is at noon and free; bring your own lunch.
The topic for the National Archives at Atlanta’s First Friday Freebies for July 5 hasn’t been finalized; check www.archives.gov/atlanta for details.
Baptists in North Carolina
The Biblical Recorder, official journal of the North Carolina State Baptist Convention, has been digitized, and issues from 1833 to 1970 are now online via Wake Forest University, home to the North Carolina Baptist Historical Collection. Check http://recorder.zsr.wfu.edu.
While this is a great source for anyone with North Carolina roots, I had a hard time turning up any obituaries — usually the most useful item found in a religious newspaper. Take time to learn how to use the site for the best results and be sure to note all the various drop-down menu options to access the years of interest.
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