*Grandpa’s Invention: Genealogical Research with U.S. Patents* *Date: *Saturday, May 12, 2018 *Time: *10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Location: *Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central Branch, 1 Lafayette Circle, Buffalo, NY 14203. *Cost: *Free and open to the public. *Presented by Western New York Genealogical Society and the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. * Searching for patents and navigating the U.S. patents system can be an overwhelming task. This workshop will take away some of the mystery and highlight the possible rewards. Did a relative member come up with a great idea? Did they take the steps to protect their invention? In addition to the specifics of the invention a patent can include: biographical information, name changes, the inventor's citizenship, addresses, employer information, names of executors, and signatures. Topics covered include: - Introduction to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) website - Searching the database - Introduction to the print resources - Overview of specialized patent resources *Instructor:* Andrew C. Maines, MLS, PTRC Representative & Government Document Librarian, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library >>Visit http://wnygs.org/meeting-2018-05.html to download a PDF version of the event flyer. Special travel advisory for those who use of the Skyway (Route 5): Please make note of ongoing NYSDOT construction; specific to Saturdays, the Buffalo Skyway will be open to outbound (westbound) traffic only [ http://www.wben.com/articles/skyway-construction-begins-monday].