Heritage Quest Research Library Navigating the ‘Net
Let’s Talk About…. Eagles On The Mississippi
According to Aaron, our education presenter on the cruise, the Mississippi River valley is a major fly path for many eagles (and other birds). While they can be seen in almost all states, they are predominately in Alaska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Here is some Upper Mississippi River eagle trivia (compiled by me and I hope I jotted down the facts correctly):
- An eagle’s head stays dark until age 5.
- In the early 70s, DDT nearly decimated the eagle population.
- When only one nest could be found (by boat/survey between St. Paul and St. Louis) a loud alarm was raised and finally in 1973 DDT was banned.
- Unless you are Native American, it is illegal to own any part of an American Bald Eagle.
- Eagles mate for life; they lay 1-3 eggs per year with only a 50% survival rate.
- Eaglets fledge in 8-12 weeks.
- Nests can be as big and heavy as a VW bug! And are used year after year.
- Eagles only weigh 7-8 pounds and have a 6-8 foot wingspan. They can turn their heads 180o.
- Females are 1/3 larger than males.
- The name “bald” comes from an Old English word meaning white.
- Why is this our national bird? And not the turkey (as Benjamin Franklin lobbied for)? It was decided that an eagle symbol was more militant and a turkey was, well…. a turkey.
- They can live 18-20 years in the wild but twice that long in captivity.
- Their “eagle eyes” can spot a hopping rabbit 3 miles away.
- The Upper Mississippi River is prime habitat for Bald Eagles…. lots of trees to the shore line, lots of islands.
- Eagles eat mostly fish; their talons are as big as a man’s hand.
One does not need to be a card-carrying bird watcher to appreciate our American Bald Eagle. Out on the top deck of our ship, it was fun to look for and spot eagles with other passengers. We were all appreciative and in awe.
Ann McCeery Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Volunteers
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Today we’re introducing Ann McCreery of Port Townsend, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).
Ann exhibited extraordinary dedication, knowledge, skill and patience while shepherding the board through a year-long process, during the COVID-19 pandemic, over Zoom, to create the society’s strategic plan.
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
Tri City Genealogical Society Family Search Wiki
Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s March General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. Richland FamilySearch Center (formerly known as the Richland Family History Center) director Wayne Ross will be presenting in person at the FamilySearch Center on the FamilySearch Wiki. At this point no Zoom streaming is planned.
The Richland FamilySearch Center is located at 1314 Jadwin Ave. in Richland. Entrance is down the ramp from the parking lot that is to the north of Dairy Queen.
Planning continues for further speakers in 2023 with the intention to have the presentations continue to occur on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. In the planning stages are presentations on April 12 by Michelle Hedgepeth on Researching Before the Census Records. On May 10 Ryan Bennett will be presenting at the East Benton County Museum and Historical Society in Kennewick on using facial recognition on My Heritage and Google. In June Margie Belden will be presenting on a topic to be determined. Please mark your calendar.
RootsTech 2023 is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 2 and run through Saturday, March 4. If you cannot attend in person you may register for the virtual presentations at no cost. Search for RootsTech 2023 to register.
Everyone is encouraged to join and / or renew their membership in TCGS. The links for renewal are on the TCGS web site at http://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/join/join_renew/ or http://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/wp-content/uploads/TCGSBrochure.pdf
Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society Watch RootsTech with us
Let’s Talk About…Mudlarking On The Mississippi
Ever heard the term mudlarking? If you’ve talked very much with me, you know that mudlarking, or beach-walking-looking-for-treasures is one of my favorite activities. I’ve been a beachcomber all my life and just recently learned about mudlarking. Nicola White has a YouTube channel showing her walking along the Thames foreshore in London at low tide and finding wonderful and interesting things, some even dating back to Roman times. I’m hooked on her posts.
So of course on my cruise I looked for opportunities to walk along the Mississippi and see what I might find. The river is at a 40-year low which means lots of beach was exposed that hasn’t been in 40 years. When our ship was moored just below the St. Louis Arch I couldn’t wait to get off and go mudlarking! I did pick up some interesting glass and other stuff and did create a window-art piece with it…. here are my finds in the raw (laid out on a daily bulletin on the ship):
It was here that I found my biggest find! The bottom of a ceramic or clay beer bottle dating to the 1850s from a brewery in Wisconsin! I didn’t keep it but gave it to Aaron, our history presenter on the ship, and he documented it for me. But it was such fun to find something that old and hold it in my hand.
What else do beachcombers and mudlarkers find? Anything that’s been tossed into the river or ocean or lost into the same. One can find coins, toys, jewelry, nails, tools, broken glass, pieces of dishes, etc. The best thing about Nicola’s presentations (on YouTube, remember) is that if there is an inscription on her find, she does the history of that piece and perhaps how it came to be in the Thames mud.
Have you time in your life for a new hobby? Come mudlark with me!
Sustaining Societies
Sustaining Societies
For years there has been periodic emphasis on “growth of our genealogical societies.” While we always welcome new members, we must not overlook another important task–sustaining the function of our existing societies.
Successful societies have established a mission such as that of SKCGS:
- Stimulate interest in genealogy and aid individual members in compiling their family records
- Seek genealogical and historical knowledge
- Preserve and perpetuate the records of our ancestors
- Promote the preservation of public and private genealogical materials
While the mission may be tailored to fit the needs of its members by time and location, one thing remains constant–who is sustaining the operation of the society? Does the society meet the needs of its members? Who is working behind the scenes to to accomplish that goal? How do leaders, members and newcomers contribute?
SKCGS works toward our purpose through monthly meetings featuring knowledgeable speakers on a range of topics in the field of family history and genealogical research. We have an Education Committee who plan an annual program, seek speakers and negotiate contractual details.
Who is on the Education Committee?
We have user groups and special interest groups for assistance with genealogical software, technology and DNA/genetic genealogy. We have this weekly blog with timely articles of interest.
Who is responsible for producing these outlets of information?
During the Covid pandemic we developed a very successful virtual program and have gained wonderful friends and members throughout the world. The Membership Committee maintains the current database, welcoming new members and sending gentle reminders for renewals.
Who is serving on the Membership Committee?
I can go on by listing the other committees and individuals who operate SKCGS–Publicity, Outreach, Resources, Librarian, Webmaster, etc. The point is, it takes many individuals to bring you a sustaining and healthy society.
And that is a crucial point, that the society must be able to sustain itself. It is a fact that our membership are an aging population. While our interests may not wane, our physical abilities do become diminished. We need capable helpers to start filling in.
It is the responsibility of a leader to recruit and train their replacement. But, in a virtual world such as we have now, how do we find willing volunteers? How do we get to know people? We still have telephone service. Leaders–look at the membership database and call people. Find someone you haven’t “seen” recently and renew an acquaintance. Or contact a new person to find out if they have a special need–or a special skill.
Your new contact may not be ready to take on a major volunteer role but perhaps would be willing to do a one time job or a small recurring job. Many people are just waiting to be asked to help. They may already be thinking about some way to help the society; they just need a suggestion.
And, new person, please don’t be shy. If you see a way to help the society please speak up to any of the group leaders with a question or suggestion. You will not be stepping on any toes by offering to help.
* images courtesy of Pixabay
MaryLynn Strickland
Published with permission from South King County Genealogical Society
Terry Mattison Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Volunteers
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Today we’re introducing Teresa “Terry” Mattison of Longview, Washington, who was nominated by the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society (LCGS).
Terry has been a very active member of the society for a number of years. She has served as president as well as a trustee serving on the program committee. She is currently the web page webmaster, and she is seeking ways to improve the society’s webpage. She is also a strong voice as a board member, and she advocates for new and innovative ideas to assist the members with their genealogical research.
Terry has presented various programs to help members interpret their DNA results, and she has written articles for the society’s newsletter, The Key, on the subject of DNA. As one LCGS member stated, “She offers herself rather than waiting to be asked.”
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
Yakima Valley Genealogical Society What to Look for On the Flip Side of your Records
Y.V.G.S. General Meeting
Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Judy Schuster will speak on: “On The Flip Side”
Judy will cover what to look for on the back side of records
or additional pages that may not be apparent at first glance.
Yakima Valley Genealogical Society
1901 So. 12th Ave
Union Gap, WA 98903
Telephone: (509) 248-1328
email: yvgs@yvgs.net
Website: https://yvgs.net
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA SIG Meeting
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group Meeting
Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 pm via Zoom
We will continue studying Genetic Genealogy in Practice by Blaine Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne.
This month we will discuss Chapter 5: Genealogical Applications for atDNA.
This book is available from The National Genealogical Society (the publishers):
From Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Genetic-Genealogy-Practice-Blaine-Bettinger/dp/1935815229
From your local public library or via Inter-Library Loan.
Check WorldCat to see what libraries may have copies: https://worldcat.org/title/959825550
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: TPCGS DNA SIG
Time: Feb 28, 2023 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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