LATI Assignment: 14-4

Title: 4th Annual Cecil County Genealogy Symposium

Submitted by: Madison Krummel, Cecil County Public Library: Elkton Branch
Target Audience: Adults, Teens, patrons from the county and surrounding areas who are interested
in genealogy, family history, or are simply interested in being introduced to genealogy.
Need for Program: Genealogy is a growing hobby or profession for many people and Cecil County
houses many of these individuals. Many of these individuals frequent the library to browse our
historical collection or to use our microfilm machine to look at past editions of our local paper. This
symposium provides information to genealogists (ranging in experience from beginner to advanced)
in a relaxed, comfortable environment. This provides the opportunity for these people to ask experts
their questions and to discover new organizations or research tools to further their search.
Program Description: This program will last from 9-1. We will have multiple speakers present on a
variety of facets of genealogy research. There will also be organizations represented at the poster
session which will highlight resources attendees can utilize.
Community Partners: Family History Library; Mount Harmon; Daughters of the American
Revolution-Head of Elk Chapter; Delaware Genealogical Society; Enoch Pratt Free Library-Maryland
Department; Maryland State Archives; Cecil County Historical Society; Cecil County Court House;
Upper Shore Genealogical Society of Maryland; Sussex County Genealogical Society
Steps for setting up:
1. Pick date that does not compete with other genealogy events in the immediate area and reserve the
large meeting room.
2. Contact presenters, have them sign presenter agreement, give them any information pertaining to
event and/or area if they are traveling.
3. Contact organizations to see if they would like to be a part of the poster session. Give them the FAQ
sheet for the Guide to the Poster Session.
4. Create flyer to distribute to all of the branches. Contact branch managers to see if they will put up a
display to further promote the symposium.
5. Have social media team market the program on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Write blog post for
website.
6. Allow poster session organizations into the space the night before to set up their posters, information,
etc. Set up chairs, podium, PowerPoint and check in area the night before, as well.
7. Update evaluation and brochures from last year to accurately reflect the changes this year and correct
any errors we might have noticed in past years.
8. Day of: Set up all audio visual, facilitate sessions, monitor events.

Evaluation: This program is evaluated using form designed for this event. The questions on this form
inquire about the quality of the presenters, the overall program, how they found out about the
program, future topics they would like to learn about, areas they are researching, and basic
demographics of the attendee. These evaluations greatly influence future symposiums; we try to
integrate topics and regions that are mentioned on the evaluations.
Connection to CCPL Mission: This program provides educational opportunities for all, and is
designed to help all attendees advance in their genealogy research. We are also partnering with local
organizations which promote community success.

PRESS RELEASE
301 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD 21921 Phone: 410-996-1055
Fax: 410-996-5604 http://www.cecil.ebranch.info

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Frazier Walker, Community Relations Specialist

410-996-1055 x129 fwalker@ccplnet.org
The Fourth Annual Cecil County Genealogy Symposium

Join genealogy experts and fellow enthusiasts at the Elkton Branch Library to learn about local
resources and tools to help further your genealogy search. Our speakers will share their knowledge
on how to search, stay organized and how to overcome your brick walls. Come pick
their brains and share your own genealogy experience with us!
To register for this free event, from 9am-1pm, call 410-996-5600 x481 or online at
www.cecil.ebranch.info.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Cecil County Public Library is making a critical difference in education, workforce, and economic development by
implementing our mission: to provide access to educational and cultural resources for all and to promote individual and
community success. The library serves over 62,000 citizens with 7 branch locations, an outreach bookmobile,
broadband, WiFi, and 24/7 website access.
To learn more, visit www.cecil.ebranch.info and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL MEDAL
The National Medal is the nations highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 21
years, the award has celebrated institutions that present extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to
make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. The medal is awarded by the Institute of Museum and
Library Services whose mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural
and civic engagement. For more information visit www.imls.gov
OTHER FORMS OF MARKETING/PROMOTION
- Flyers in all the branches across the county
- Blog post on the CCPL website in a conversational tone to drum up excitement
- Press Release to the local newspapers
- Twitter and Facebook posts: Information for these given to social media team 2 months in advance
- Design bookmarks with genealogy resources and program information for use in branches

(This program is currently being planned for the beginning of November,

with the date and speakers TBD)