Genealogical assistance, nonfiction writing programs set at Madison County Archival Library

The Madison County Historical Society’s next Family History Saturday will be held on Oct. 3 between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Madison County Archival Library, where individual genealogy assistance will be provided for patrons interested in researching their Madison County family trees. The last date for 2015 will be on Nov. 7.

Among the resources available are books, photos, family histories, city directories, cemetery inventories, maps, newspaper clippings, and much more. While the MCHS collection focuses on Madison County, it also has information from many of the surrounding counties.

Whether just starting out, or in the process of expanding a family tree, area residents are encouraged to stop by to work on their family tree or explore resources at the MCHS Library or Museum. For additional information, call 618-656-7569.

Local writer Cheryl Eichar Jett will offer a free program on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Archival Library to inspire those who have gathered nonfiction material they would like to turn into a book, but are unsure where to begin. “Form Follows Function: How to Structure a Non-Fiction Book” is a program appropriate for new or experienced authors.

Jett, the author of six nonfiction books, borrows design principles from the discipline of architecture to help guide writers in structuring their nonfiction books. This combined visual/text method helps authors to organize their material effectively and logically according to the intended purpose of the book.

Attendees will be given a variety of approaches to organizational structure, handouts, and a list of useful websites as take-home resources to work on their books. Whether a history, a how-to, a memoir, an inspirational book, a travel guide, a family history, or some other type of nonfiction book, Form Follows Function offers a logical method of structuring your book.

The program is free and open to the public.

For additional information, call (618) 656-7569. Regular hours for the Madison County Archival Library and Historical Museum are Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 4:23 AM with the headline "Genealogical assistance, nonfiction writing programs set at Madison County Archival Library."