January schedule of NYS Library free presentations:

 Accessing Information from WW I Draft cards- for genealogists and
historians
        This lecture, presented by Jean Nudd of the National Archives in
Pittsfield, gives an overview of the history and process of WWI draft
registrations and the information found in these records. Tips on how to
access draft card records available at the Archives Regional facility in
Pittsfield, as well as the originals in Atlanta, Georgia will be included.
Other possible sources for World War I records will be discussed as time
permits.
Monday, January 12          12:00-1:00pm

 The William Freeman Murder Trial: Insanity, Politics and Race
         Drawing on newspapers, trial accounts and private papers, NYS
historian and archivist Andrew Arpey relates the story (and topic of his
recently published book) of the 1846 brutal multiple murder in upstate New
York in which a young man, William Freeman, of African and Native American
descent stabbed to death four members of the Van Nest family. His defense,
led by future secretary of state William H. Seward, centered upon a new
and highly controversial variety of insanity plea.
       Antebellum society and culture is dramatically exposed in this
story of legal change and race matters in American history.
Thursday, January 22                    12:15-1:15pm

All classes are FREE. TO REGISTER online go to
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/trng_reg.htm, or e-mail
[log in to unmask] or call 518-474-2274.
Classes will be held in the Librarians Room in the State Library, which is
on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center, Madison Avenue, Albany
unless otherwise indicated. The New York State Library/Reference Services
Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230 (518-474-5355);
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov