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In Memory of Rita Windisch Harlan

Friday, 19 March 2010 the Putnam County Public Library and Local History and Genealogy Department lost a most respected and appreciated employee, Rita Harlan. She leaves behind her husband of fifty years, a son, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

Born in Indianapolis, Rita received a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in History and a Masters of Arts in Public History. While studying for her Masters, she authored several essays for The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis.

First a volunteer in the Department, she became a Reference Assistant in 2000. As both a volunteer and Assistant, Rita has in addition to assisting patrons with genealogy and research, contributed to many Local History projects. Among these are Putnam County Public Library Microfilm Inventory: U.S. Census 1820-1930, Putnam County, Indiana, Land Patents, research for several informational subject files, and the processing of collections. She was currently working on an historical list of Putnam County officials.

Rita was also involved with many community volunteer organizations - the Red Cross Blood Drive, Meals on Wheels, St. Paul’s Ladies Guild, and was a founder of Horizons of Putnam County.

Rita will be greatly missed by staff, volunteers, and patrons.