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Michael has been active in genealogical research for over thirty years and has been leading library trips for twenty years.
This library is one of the largest genealogical libraries in the nation.
Our trip dates are:
9-12 June 2025
(four days of library research)
Specific details of our trip:
- 8 June–Arrive in Ft. Wayne. Optional group meal at 5:30 at a to-be-decided location–library is open from noon until 5 pm. for those interested.
- 9 June– Morning presentation (topic to be determined) at 9 am. Library time from 9 am. until library closes at 9 pm.
- 10 June– Morning presentation (topic to be determined) at 9 am. Library time from 9 am. until library closes at 9 pm.
- 11 June– Morning presentation (topic to be determined) at 9 am. Library time from 9 am. until library closes at 9 pm.
- 12 June– Morning presentation (topic to be determined) at 9 am. Library time from 9 am. until library closes at 9 pm. This is our last day.
Trip includes:
- assistance with pre-trip planning via a group email list–place to ask questions, get help before we leave, etc.
- pre-trip planning session via Zoom–day and time to be determined.
- on-site consultations with Michael–multiple ones if necessary–I’m usually available for onsite consultations at least six/seven hours every day the library is open
- morning presentations–topics decided based on participant interest
Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, etc. This is not a “part of the herd” trip where everyone does everything together every day. We have a short presentation every morning when the library opens at 9 (and occasionally some people choose not to attend one or so of these if there’s a “burning research” issue they just can’t wait to get at). Participants can have multiple research consultations during the trip–our limitation is trying to make certain that everyone gets ample opportunity to ask questions. Our trip atmosphere is laid back.
Our group is kept small (no more than 25) to ensure everyone gets the assistance they want and need. We don’t have a full day of “scheduled group social activities” because I simply am not a big fan of them (other than optional group meals). People with a variety of research skill levels join us on our trip–some because they want some guidance their first time at the library, some want some help with their research, and others want the structure of being part of a group. We are flexible.
Participants are encouraged to communicate their problems with me as much before the trip as possible. Pre-planning helps.
Complete registration fee is $300.
Deposit of $125 is necessary to reserve your spot. Balance is due by 15 March.
No refunds for cancellations after 15 March 2025–refunds prior to that subject to a $75 cancellation fee (unless you have someone taking your place). Registrants will be emailed an emergency contact form and a registration form to complete their registration.
Contact Michael John Neill at mjnrootdig@gmail.com with questions. |
11 Responses
Hello, I’m trying to register for the trip and it’s not coming up to accept a form of payment. I click on the Ft Wayne Trip 2022 and it just shows the details. Am I doing something wrong
Dailene- Thanks for your interest. It should be working now and I sent you an email to your address. If you have issues or questions, please let me know. Thanks!
Michael I am interested in your Genealogy 2022 trip in July (24-27). I would like to preresiter but having trouble doing so. I need hekp with my daughters familt (BLACK,John Henry). email me at jwerts703@gmail.com
Janice-Thanks for your interest in the trip. I’ve emailed you privately, but I think the link has been fixed. If there are any questions or concerns, please let me know. Thanks.
I wish I had seen your website earlier. As a lone traveler, your trip sounds just what the doctor ordered. I would love to have joined your group to Allen County Public Library, however, I can’t make that date. Do you know of other people or small groups who do that same thing but at a later time, such as later in following month, August or early September?
Thanks for your note and sorry you won’t be able to join us. You might want to reach out to the Genealogy Center at the library and see if they know of any groups coming during the time you can go. We are planning future trips, but no dates have been set as of yet.
Thank you for including me. I learned so much last year, and look forward to doing the same this year.
No hotel blocked off for the Ft. Wayne trip?
No. There is no hotel block for the Ft. Wayne trip.
This sounds wonderful – my idea of a “dream trip”! Do you know if there will be a second Fort Wayne event in 2024 besides the May 5-8 dates?
At this point, this trip to ACPL is the only one planned by me for 2024…unless there’s a spike of interest.