Roots & Branches Genealogy Sessions welcomes family researchers of all levels to drop in and learn about resources available to them, research assistance, and to create a community atmosphere with other researchers. Each session begins with a short presentation from a local organization to share resources and events. If you plan to ask for assistance or work on your family history while at the events, please bring a laptop if possible as computers are limited. Adam Oster, the Community Engagement Librarian at the Library of Michigan, will teach the basics of researching your family's history through the collections of the Library of Michigan. [...]

The 2026 Speaker Series is excited to host Nancy Brock and her presentation "Southwest Michigan and the WWI Polar Bear Expedition". Late in World War I the United States sent more than 5,000 soldiers to Archangel in northern Russia at the request of the British allies. They believed their mission was to guard supplies. The mission changed. What happened, and who was there from Vicksburg and the surrounding area? Join us at 2pm on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Vicksburg Historic Village Township Hall. This event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5 is welcomed!