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Michigan Genealogical Council est.
Michigan Genealogical Council had ten societies when it started in 1972. By 1989 it had over seventy. --From GSWC newsletter 8:2 (January 1990), quoting Farmington G.S, October 1989. GSWC joined MGC in May 1974. -
An idea is proposed
In the early 1970s the Washtenaw Historical Society decided to revise its bylaws. The bylaws committee--Harold Jones and Ralph and Lydia Muncy--proposed adding sections, or interest groups. In September 1973 potential members of a genealogy section were enticed with the following words: "Do your interests run specifically to family history? It is fun, it is instructive." Appealing ongoing projects were described. "If you want to join a group interested in such activities, let us hear from you." -
First meeting
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Muncy invited those interested in family history to meet at their home in Ann Arbor, Michigan to discuss the formation of a genealogy group. Ralph Muncy was elected temporary chairman and Ethelyn Morton was temporary secretary. Harold Jones was appointed to draw up bylaws. -
Charter members
The bylaws for the group were approved in April 1974 and submitted to the Historical Society. The group became known as Washtenaw Historical Society - Genealogy Section. There were fifteen charter members:
- Leigh and Alloa Anderson
- William and Polly Bender
- Flora Burt
- Harold Jones
- Betty Knepper
- Marguerite Lambert
- Kathryn Lohr
- Richard Miller
- Doris Milliman
- Ethelyn Morton
- Ralph and Lydia Muncy
- Dorothy Ouradnik
- Patricia Shaneyfelt
- Margaret Sias
- James Wolf -
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Meetings held in various places
For the first three years meetings were held at various schools, libraries, town halls, and non-profits throughout the county or at the home of a member. Meeting notices were mimeographed and mailed out. -
Ralph Muncy, first chairman
Chairman: Ralph Muncy
Sec-Treasurer: Polly Bender
Directors: Harold Jones, Margaret Sias, and Marguerite Lambert
Delegates to MGC: Ralph Muncy and Dr. William Bender -
Beginnings of a library
Donations from members started coming in almost immediately to form the basis of a future library. Donated materials were kept at the Muncy home at first and could be used on site by interested persons by appointment. The collections at this time included several published genealogies and recent issues of the New England Historical & Genealogical Register (1960 to date) and Magazine of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research (1964 to date). -
Washtenaw Genealogical Society
In February 1975 the society identified itself on the newsletter masthead as Washtenaw Genealogical Society, Member, Michigan Genealogical Council and a Section of the Washtenaw Historical Society. -
Dating old photographs booklet
Plants grown by Lydia Muncy were sold to raise money for a publications committee, yielding about two hundred dollars. The Section issued its first publication, called "Suggestions for Dating Old Photographs," in September 1975. The booklet contained a reprint of a pamphlet by Arnold Pilling about identifying age of photographs by type of mount; a reprint from the December 1972 issue of Popular Photography; a selected bibliography; and suggestions how to proceed with genealogical research. -
First cemetery reading
Society members met at the Geddes-Botsford Cemetery on Earhart Road between Geddes and Plymouth Roads at 2:00pm to "record the cemetery to bring the record up to date." Refreshments were served picnic or tail-gate style after the meeting. The society provided a list of suggested items to bring along, but noted that "some items may not be needed in the cemetery since it is quite well kept up." -
August 1976 cemetery reading
In the July newsletter it was announced, "There will be no regular meeting in August. Mr. Jones will welcome offers of assistance in reading one or more cemeteries. It is interesting, provides good experience historically and genealogically and helps to preserve or establish records which otherwise may not available. -
Oral history project support
Our society was asked to assist in the oral history project of the Washtenaw County Historical Commission. The objective was to interview as many older, long-time citizens of the County as possible and to record their reminiscences on tape. Members who taped interviews of a number of people were Leigh Anderson, Phyllis Jones, Mary Liskow, and the Muncys. Shown is a vintage 1976 Sanyo m-2533 Portable Cassette Tape Recorder Player -
Attendance averaged 55 members per meeting
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August 1977 cemetery reading
In the newsletter of December 13, 1976, it was announced, "In August, we will 'read' another cemetery." -
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Meetings at Washtenaw Community College
LMC Building, first floor, later (1992) Lecture Hall II, Liberal Arts & Science Building. -
Vote to leave historical society
At the annual meeting in 1977 members voted to withdraw from Washtenaw County Historical Society and to incorporate under the laws of the State of Michigan as the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County. -
Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation were signed on August 20, 1977. Incorporation papers were received by the Department of Commerce on August 23 and filed on August 25. A letter of withdrawal from the Washtenaw County Historical Society dated September 21, 1977 was sent to the parent society. The historical society acknowledged the withdrawal by a letter dated June 21, 1978. In September 1977 our bylaws were amended, changing our name to Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County. -
Three-day MGC seminar hosted
Our society hosted a three-day Michigan Genealogical Council event at Hoyt Conference Center, Eastern Michigan University, from Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11. Friday evening was for an informal get-together. Saturday and Sunday mornings had two simultaneous talks each day (presenting both talks on two successive days). Afternoons were devoted to a series of seminars. Presenters included Ralph Muncy, Lydia Muncy, Dr. William Bender, and Carole Callard. -
Research committee established
During the formation of the Genealogical Society there had been many requests from people out of the Washtenaw County area for information on people they were tracing. Research was done by Alloa Anderson, Polly Bender, Margaret Sias, Ralph Muncy and and Marguerite Lambert. Marguerite, or Peggy as she was called, was the first Research Chairman and started the index file of Washtenaw queries which was still in use as of 1987-88. -
Surname index cards project
In the June 1978 newsletter, members were reminded to "take a little time this summer to make out some of your surname index cards. . . . Put your information on the 4" x 6" cards for the Society file. It will be transferred to 3" x 5" library cards which will be maintained in the combined file of all of the societies at the State Library." -
Family history workshop
A workshop was held at the Ann Arbor Public Library on May 20, 1978, sponsored jointly by the Friends of the Library and our society. A panel of Society members presented the first half of the program and Dietmar Wagner of the Library staff talked about the Library resources. Information was shared on record keeping, letter writing, periodicals, and cemetery, land, vital, and census records. There was a display of books and other resources and a demonstration how to use the microfilm reader. -
GSWC library at WCC
The library is located on the third floor of the Learning Resources Center Building in the WCC Library. Our collection is kept in a small locked reading room also housing the Professional Collection. The society retains ownership of all our books and materials, which may be used by the society, WCC students, and the general public. Our books are non-circulating. Users must sign in. The WCC librarian has a key to the room. See President's report 1977-78. See Library Report for October 1978. -
St. Andrews Cemetery reading
In the July 1978 newsletter, members were invited by Harold and Phyllis Jones to "tiptoe thru the cemetery" with clipboard, paper, pencils, chalk, and whiskbroom to read and record the St. Andrews Cemetery on Baker Road in Dexter across from the Dexter High School. On September 24, Harold reported that everyone had lots of fun. There were five teams of two people each. He said, "The German inscriptions gave us a bit of trouble." -
The Tombstone Connection
In 1979, our newsletter was named "The Tombstone Connection." Two instances of The Tombstone Connection were produced by Secretary Mary Lou Barry - Vol. 2, No. 1 (Jan 1979) and Vol. 2, No. 2 (Feb 1979). -
Cemetery directory published
Harold Jones and his committee compiled individual lists of cemeteries arranged alphabetically. Locations were marked on portions of a county map accompanying each area. Where transcriptions had been made of gravestone markings, this fact and where they might be found were noted. Harold Jones had recorded most of the cemeteries in Sylvan and Lima Townships himself. The directory, printed by Edwards Brothers of Ann Arbor, was offered for sale for $3.50, plus shipping. 53 pp. Revised in 1997. -
Family History Capers
The Tombstone Connection was re-named Family History Capers and expanded into a quarterly with Judy Punnett as its editor. Its first issue was Vol. 2, No. 3 (Apr 1979). The GSWC newsletter would be used for meeting notices and reminders. Connie Olson said years later, "The purpose of the Family History Capers has always been to publish Washtenaw County records and articles of genealogical interest written mostly by GSWC members." -
All-Day Everton Workshop
The Everton Workshop, "Family Tree Climbing Can Be Fun" was held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Women's City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Avenue, on Tuesday, May 8, 1979. The featured speaker was Laura Everton Wagstaff, daughter of Walter M. Everton, founder of the publishing company. -
Gillet Cemetery reading
Tombstone inscriptions of Gillet Cemetery were copied by members of the Society on July 22, 1979. The Gillet Cemetery is situated on the corner of Sharon Valley and Sharon Hollow Roads in the northwest corner of Section 33 of Sharon Township, Washtenaw County. It is township owned. The inscriptions were published in Family History Capers in sections, namely, v.3 n.3 (Jan 1980); v.3 n.4 (Apr 1980), v.4 n.1-2 (Jan 1981), and v.6 n.4 (Apr 1983). The final section fixed an omission. -
Friends-Family History Workshop
GSWC and the Friends of the Ann Arbor Public Library held a family history workshop at the main library on October 6, 1979. Time was 1:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. and enrollment was limited to 125 persons. Alice Dalligan spoke on the Burton Collection. Dorothy Lower spoke on the Public Library of Fort Wayne in Allen Co., Inc., and Russell Bidlack gave an illustrated talk on finding family information in public records. There were exhibits also. Registration fee was $2.00. -
Washtenaw Pioneer File in CAPERS
The Washtenaw County Pioneer File was a card catalog file begun by Mr. William T. Groves, added to by Mrs. A. S. Hazzard in 1944, and donated to our society by the Washtenaw County Historical Society. Starting in January 1980 the file was printed in installments in the Family History Capers (v.3 no.3). It was decided to print the first ten cards of each letter instead of starting out printing all the As, then the Bs, etc. The January 1980 issue has the first ten cards of A through M, plus one P. -
Tax-Exempt Status
Our application to the IRS for tax exempt status required changes to our Articles of Incorporation. In 1979 we added words to Article II: "To promote through educational means the study and importance of genealogical histories; to disseminate, either through printed material or through personal conferences, the techniques used in researching family history; to further instruct our own members and the public in the techniques of genealogy, we propose to conduct seminars, workshops, and lectures." -
Cemetery directory Sunday pictorial
A portrait of Harold A. Jones taking photographs in the Bethel Church Cemetery was published in the Ann Arbor News on Sunday, March 23, 1980 in an article written by Bob Shairer about the newly published Directory of Cemeteries of Washtenaw County. Copyright Ann Arbor News. Link -
Oakhill Cemetery reading
Ten members of our society read Oakhill Cemetery, one of the county's largest, on July 27, 1980. The cemetery is situated in the east half of Section 22, on the east side of Macon Road between Braun and Willow Roads. Originally named the Saline Central Burying Ground, the name was changed to Oakhill by the Woman's Central Improvement Association in 1911, which also furnished the arch for the entrance. In 1973 the cemetery officially came under the jurisdiction of Saline Township. -
SIGs in January 1981
Study groups meeting in 1980-1981 were German, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York-New England. The groups were informal, "depending on a lot of sharing to produce benefit for all." -
Three cemeteries read in 1958 in CAPERS
Three cemeteries read by Harold Jones in 1958 were published in the July 1981 Family HIstory Capers (v.5, no. 1).
- Freedom Emanuel Evangelical Memorial Cemetery, also known as the Koebbe Cemetery, Freedom Township, a small cemetery at Ellsworth and Lima Center Roads in Sec. 9.
- Collins Cemetery, Lyndon Township, a small private cemetery on Roepke Road. - North Sharon Cemetery, also known as Raymond Cemetery, Heim Road west of Hayes, Sharon Township, section 5, small, township-owned. -
St. Thomas Lutheran Cem. reading
The St. Thomas Lutheran Church cemetery is located at 10001 W. Ellsworth Road at Haab Road, Ann Arbor, section 14 of Freedom Township, established in 1833. The reading was done in July 1981 and published in FHC Oct. 1982 Few verses were printed because they were often illegible, lengthy, and in German. There are no family plots in this cemetery. Burials are in rows in order of death. A collection of badly deteriorated stones was found under a large pine tree. Church records were helpful. -
Workshop at AAPL
A workshop was sponsored jointly by our society and the Friends of the Ann Arbor Public Library. In the morning Alloa Anderson talked about the importance of information regarding migration patterns for genealogists, and Polly Bender gave a slide presentation of some important migration routes. Mary Jane Trout of the Michigan State Library presented a talk about the preservation of documents together with directions about proper procedures for cleaning and storing valuable papers. 111 attended. -
GSWC creates a brochure
It was decided in June 1981 for GSWC to have a brochure describing the Society, meetings, etc., and to place it in libraries and other appropriate locations. -
Nancy Krohn editor of CAPERS
Nancy Krohn (1923-2019) became editor of Family History Capers in 1981. She stepped down from the position in June 2010. -
Keffer transcription project
Two taped speeches and the subsequent question periods from Marion C. Keffer's 1977 presentation on Canadian migration were transcribed and typed by GSWC members. The resulting book, called Migrations To-From Canada, was offered for sale for $4.00, plus mailing, in July 1982. The manuscript was scanned and converted to an electronic editable form and re-indexed in December 2001. 92 pages. -
Dr. Robert Ward German workshop
“Researching Ancestors in Germany,” a workshop with Dr. Robert E. Ward, was held at Holiday Inn, Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor on October 23, 1982. -
Interest groups in January 1983
The January 1983 newsletter states interest groups will be starting soon and to call Polly Bender if you wish to sign up for a subject of interest. In 1983 Cyndy Steward led a German interest group and Paul Haynes led a computer interest group. -
GSWC logo adopted
In 1983 it was decided our society needed a distinctive logo. Design suggestions were solicited from all our creative members. Members were asked to please send their designs to the president no later than our June potluck picnic. The logo made its first appearance in the newsletter published in January 1984, Vol. 2, No. 2. -
Pierce Cemetery read in 1958 in CAPERS
Pierce Cemetery is a small private cemetery located in Sylvan Township on the east side of Old Chelsea-Manchester Road between Old U.S. 12 and new U.S. 12. The inscriptions were copied by Harold A. Jones in April 1958 and published in Family History Capers Vol. 6 No. 4 (April 1983) and Vol. 10, No. 1 (Summer 1986). -
Electric typewriter and fonts purchased
The Ann Arbor Area Foundation awarded GSWC $1500 which was used by the Publications Committee to purchase an electronic typewriter, several daisy wheels, and assorted items necessary to its use in readying copy for publication. It took Mary Liskow three weeks to type up the Capers. -
Volunteer aides at library
Beginning January 21, 1983 volunteer library aides were on hand Friday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. to acquaint members with the collection. The library was now to the left of the Circulation Desk on the second floor at Washtenaw Community College. Hours were: M-Th, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun, closed. -
Microcomputers
On March 27, 1983 Peter Schaldenbrand, former president of the Detroit Genealogical Society and of the Farmington Genealogical Society, discussed the use of microcomputers in genealogical research. Shown is the IBM-PC introduced in 1981. From Timeline of Computer History -
J. Harvey & W. Stevens workshop
A genealogical workshop sponsored by GSWC was held on May 21, 1983 at the Ann Arbor Public Library. Featured speakers were Joanne Harvey of Lansing and Wystan Stevens of Ann Arbor. -
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Meetings at UM Business Quad
On September 25, 1983 our society started meeting at Hale Auditorium, Assembly Hall Building, in the University of Business Quad, Tappan and Hill Streets. Free parking was available at the Hill Street Parking Structure. There were no stairs to climb to reach the building. A helpful map was included in the newsletter. -
British Isles workshop by Arlene Eakle
Arlene H. Eakle of Salt Lake City, Utah was invited by GSWC to present our British Isles Genealogical Workshop at Weber's Inn, Ann Arbor. Ms. Eakle also gave a special beginner's workshop at the Ann Arbor Public Library on Friday evening, October 28. The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy, illustrated, by Arlene Eakle and Johni Cerny was published January 1, 1984. -
ISSN assigned to CAPERS
The Library of Congress has assigned an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN 0742-1419) to CAPERS and requests that it be used on all future issues. The Library of Congress purchased a complete set of the GSWC quarterly. -
Michigan Death Record Project
GSWC helped with a portion of this project, working with a section from Washtenaw County, Michigan. The goal of this project was to preserve and make Michigan Death Records more accessible to all of us. Deaths between 1 January 1868 and 31 December 1897 were to be indexed and eventually made available in printed form. The indexing work involved filling out a special form with information gleaned from Xeroxed copies of actual death records on file in Lansing. -
Index of 1894 Census for Washtenaw
Alloa Anderson explained in January 1981 that four members of our society who were also DARs, and the DAR genealogy chair, copied 44,500 names from the 1894 Michigan census in Washtenaw County to index cards, one to a card, and alphabetized them. The index was a project of the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. All names found were listed alphabetically. Includes a separate supplement. Unbound photocopy, 225 pages. GSWC, 1984. -
Saline Twp. cem. book published
The Saline Township Cemetery book, published in 1984, was a joint project of the Cemetery and Publications committees. It included inscriptions of four rural cemeteries, with history and plot maps -- Benton, Oakhill, Union, and St. James. Oakhill Cemetery in the City of Saline, well documented at the Saline City Hall and Saline Area Library, was not included. Paper, 63 pages, indexed. GSWC, 1984. -
Family Bible records file created
Shirley Stevens, Bible Records chairman, announced in April 1984 that a Family Bible Collection and Surname File has been created. Bible records, as well as diaries, from any state or country will be accepted, as well as Washtenaw Co., MI material. A copy of the original records and title page, plus a written copy may be sent to Shirley at her home in Ann Arbor. Shown are pages from the Bible of the family of Rosa Parks (Library of Congress). -
National Archives (NARA) est.
The United States Senate passed a bill establishing the National Archives and Records Administration as an independent agency and providing for the appointment of the Archivist by the President. -
Interest groups in 1984
In September 1984 interest groups were under the guidance of Polly Bender. Several groups used the post-program time to meet. The various groups were German, Ohio River Valley, British, and Computer. The Computer group had dual interests. One was trying to help members locate and use effectively the best genealogical programs for their personal computers. The other was working out methods for indexing various records using the computer to ease some of the labor of sorting and typing. -
Library moved to Hill St., Ann Arbor
GSWC Library was moved from Washtenaw Community College to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ann Arbor University Ward, 914 Hill Street. The collection was in the basement along with the LDS Branch Genealogical Library. Hours were: Tuesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. -
Name index of CAPERS Vol. 8
The first index of our quarterly was created in 1985. A name index of the four issues of volume 8 (1984-85) appeared in volume 8, number 4 of Family History Capers. Running forty pages, each with two columns of names, the index was prepared by Carl Brandt, "aided and abetted" by Nancy Krohn and Dick Miller. -
Pray Cemetery reading
Society members read the Pray Cemetery in Superior Township on July 14, 1985. The cemetery is located on the north side of Plymouth Road between Curtis and Berry roads. Organizers Marti Carr and Karen Walker instructed participants in their method and what supplies to bring - clipboard, pencils, pens, a spray bottle with water, extra water, chalk (white, yellow, dark blue and green), flour, brushes (scrub, vegetable, tooth), thermos, snack, gloves, repellant, sunblock, low stool, and a blanket. -
Eagle Scout cemetery project
In August 1984, as part of the requirements for Eagle Scout rank, Jeffrey Martin Clark of Troop 22 in Ann Arbor led a project to clean, dig, reset and read the headstones at Waters Road Cemetery in Lodi Township. The transcriptions were turned over to the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, which had provided technical assistance. Story in Ann Arbor News Oct 26, 1985 -
Ancestor Surname Index
The indexing of ancestor charts submitted by our members was started in 1983. As of September 1986, charts from over 125 members had been completed and about six thousand surname index cards had been created. Charts submitted for indexing were standard 4- or 5-generation charts, preferably 8 1/2" by 11" with holes on the left for a 3-ring binder. It was preferable, also, to follow standard numbering and naming procedures. -
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Meetings at Concordia College
In January 1986 we started meeting in room 109 in the classrooms building at Concordia College, 4090 Geddes Rd., Ann Arbor. -
Supportive workshop for MI 150th
Ahead of the celebration of the state of Michigan sesquicentennial in 1987, efforts were made to identify families with pre-statehood residency (i.e., prior to 31 December 1837). A certificate program was sponsored by the Michigan Genealogical Council and the Library of Michigan. Our society held a three-hour workshop on April 26. 1986 at WCC to give instructions to persons who wanted to obtain the certificate. In 2023 the name of the certificate program was Pre-Statehood First Families. -
Free Church Cemetery reading
The Free Church Cemetery, Superior Township, is located on the south side of Ford Road just west of Gotfredson Road. Participants were instructed to park on Ford Road or Gotfredson Road because there was no parking in the cemetery. Organizers Carr and Walker cautioned that the cemetery had some very overgrown areas with stones in the middle and that saws, axes, shovels and hedge trimmers would be needed. They asked participants to please bring these things if they had them. -
321 members in 1987
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Meetings at Washtenaw Community College
The society met the fourth Sunday of September, October, January, February, March, April, and June, and first week of December, at Washtenaw Community College, Lecture Hall 2, Liberal Arts and Science Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. -
York Cemetery reading
York Cemetery on Judd Road in York Township was read by members of the Society on July 12, 1987. Thirteen people participated. Organizers Carr and Walker said it was a beautiful day. -
Donna Reid Hotaling workshop
In October 1987 GSWC hosted speaker Donna Reid Hotaling, who presented "Researching in Ireland and Scotland" at the Holiday Inn West on Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, 8 AM to 4 PM. The evening before, she presented "Bridging the Gap - Do Your Homework Before Crossing the Water" at Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, 7 PM to 9 PM. -
Cemetery Committee update
Cemetery Committee chairs Karen Walker and Marti Carr reported in June 1988 transcripts were completed and placed in the GSWC Library for Stony Creek (Augusta), St. Joseph (Augusta), Leland (Northfield), and Pray (Superior). Carl Brown, their computer volunteer, was working on transcriptions for Free Church Cemetery (Superior) and York Cemetery (York). Next the committee planned to extract information from church records for St. Patrick's (Northfield) and read Bridgewater Town Hall. -
Bridgewater cemetery reading
The Bridgewater Town Hall Cemetery in Bridgewater Township is located on the west side of Clinton Road at the intersection with Braun Road next to the township hall. Members of the society read the cemetery inscriptions on July 10, 1985. -
Harwood Cemetery reading
Harwood Cemetery is located on the southeast corner of Textile Road and Campbell Road. It is north of U.S. 12 (Michigan Avenue). Organizers Carr and Walker noted that this cemetery has several stones lying on the ground, partially overgrown, and to please bring shovels, axes, and crowbars. The oldest extant tombstone in Washtenaw County belongs to Sallie Harwood (1793-1824), wife of William Harwood. This fact was posted on the GSWC Facebook page on June 8, 2013. -
Musings on the 1990 census
In January 1990, a census year, GSWC President William C. Brookmyer wondered, "What will the 21st census ask of us and record for us? [When it is released in 2062] how will the future researchers use the 1990 census? Surely it will be with an advanced stage of computerization more sophisticated than what we have today. We are still researching the Federal Census today from microfilm and scanning city directories from microfiche. Will technology take all the fun out of genealogical research?" -
Reprinting of Chapman's county history
In September 1990 GSWC announced the reprinting of Charles C. Chapman's 1881 History of Washtenaw County, Michigan. This monumental compendium of court and state lore was compiled by members of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County. These "were men of ability," the history says, "who earnestly desired a true and faithful record of their county to be made." Advance sales plus a few extra were printed. 1452 pages. Over 17,000 names and localities; two volumes; index; brown buckram, gold title. -
Everton Publishers workshop
A GSWC workshop by Everton Publishers called “Family Tree Climbing Can Be Fun” was held April 28, 1990 at WCC. About 150 people attended. Many made good use of the microfiche readers available to view Everton's databases. Because of the excellent attendance at lectures, Everton awarded us with a free set of Volume I of the computerized Family File on microfiche, which we placed in the GSWC library on Hill Street. See Youtube video about microfiche. -
WCHS Museum on Main St. est.
On Sunday, June 10, 1990 the Washtenaw County Historical Society's first home, the Museum on Main Street, rolled across the Broadway bridge and set in place. Its new address was 500 N. Main, E. Kingsley & Beakes Streets. -
Mooreville Cemetery reading
Mooreville Cemetery in York Township was read by members of our society on July 8, 1990. It is situated on the northeastern side of Mooreville Road at its intersection with Ridge Road. -
Bethel Church Cemetery reading
Bethel Church Cemetery is located in the yard of the Bethel Church of Christ on the southeast corner of Bethel Church and Schneider Roads in Freedom Township, section 35. Members of the society read the cemetery on July 27, 1991. It was not possible to finish the work that day. Another reading at Bethel Church was held in 1992. -
Seminar with Wendy Elliott
On November 10, 1991 GSWC invited Wendy Elliott to present a genealogical seminar at WCC's Lecture Hall I from 1 PM to 5 PM. Her topics were: "Southern Research" and "Migration Patterns." The day before our event she spoke at a meeting of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research at the Detroit Public Library. -
First LMK award goes to Alloa Anderson
Alloa Anderson received the 1992 Lucy Mary Kellogg Award from the Michigan Genealogical Council. She was nominated by the Grand Traverse Genealogy Society. A founding member of the Washtenaw County Genealogical Society in 1974, Alloa started in genealogy in 1950. She served as a teacher and a speaker, and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Society in 1980. She taught not-for-credit genealogy classes at Northwestern Michigan College from 1983 until 1992, retiring at age of 91. -
Bethel Cemetery, continued
This summer's reading was a continuation of last summer's cemetery reading at Bethel Church in Freedom Township. There are three reasons for the continuation: (1) this is quite a large cemetery - 323 stones in the old section alone; (2) these old stones are in German, which slows the process; and (3) the low turnout of readers the past couple of years continued this year. Unread stones remained at the end of the day, but the work was later finished. -
IGI on compact disc
In 1993 the International Genealogical Index (IGI) was published on CD-ROM by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Containing 200 million names, each entry recorded one event, such as a birth, baptism (christening), marriage, or death. The IGI, was first published in 1973. Its format and size changed as technology improved. It was first available on microfiche, then compact disc, and later as a collection on FamilySearch.org in 2010. The classic IGI was retired in 2012. -
African American Cultural & Historical Museum established
The African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) was founded as a museum without walls in 1993 by twenty-three members dedicated to the collection and preservation of black history in Washtenaw County. Its goal was to be a community resource repository of oral histories, artifacts and other items. From a report given by Deborah Meadows on March 22, 2015 and the museum website. -
Judd Cemetery reading
Judd Cemetery in York Township was read by members of our society on July 17, 1993. It is located on Saline-Milan Road at the intersection of Judd Road. Shortly after this work, chairs Marti Carr and Karen Walker resigned. -
Cem. Comm. chairs step down
After 14 years chairing our cemetery committee Karen Walker and Martha Carr have turned in their resignations. They are still putting the finishing touches on the Judd Cemetery that was read in the summer of 1993 and Bethel Cemetery, which has been a huge project. Over the course of these years twenty-nine Washtenaw County cemeteries have been recorded under their direction. The recording process involved transcribing all of the text on each stone, proofing for accuracy, and preparing plot maps. -
Everton Road Show at WCC
Everton presented its popular full-day genealogy research seminar "Climbing Your Family Tree Can Be Fun" on Saturday, April 16, 1994 in Lecture Hall I, Liberal Arts and Science Building, at Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor. Topics were
1. Finding your female ancestors
2. Canadian sources in LDS family history centers
3. British research
4. Immigration/Emigration
The cost for the event was $26.00 which included a subscription to the Genealogical Helper but no lunch. -
Marcia McCrary GSWC president
Marcia McCrary was elected president of the society at the annual business meeting held on May 22, 1994. She served continuously in this role until May 17, 2020. -
Lodi Township Cemetery reading
GSWC members joined the Saline Historical Society to read the Lodi Township Cemetery at the corner of Textile and Ann Arbor-Saline Roads, Lodi Township, section 24 on September 24, 1994. -
Sharon Center Cemetery reading
The Sharon Center Cemetery, located at the northeast corner of Sylvan and Pleasant Lake Roads in Sharon Township, two miles west of M-52, was read by members of our society on August 5, 1995. Organizing the event were Rob and Cyndy Steward, co-chairs of the Cemetery Committee. -
Newsletter new two-column format
The format of the GSWC newsletter was changed to two columns starting with newsletter vol.14 no.1 (Nov 1995). Address labels were printed directly on the address page using direct mail-merge techniques. The label information included membership number and expiration date. Members were encouraged to check their labels for accuracy. -
Dr. DeWitt Dykes received LMK award
Dr. DeWitt Dykes of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society (MGS), who is also a GSWC member, received the Michigan Genealogical Council's Lucy Mary Kellogg Award at the MGS Seminar in September 1996. On February 24, 2002 he spoke to GSWC on African American Genealogy Research. He discussed solving problems and how many are achieving success through records now available. On February 28, 2021 he presented "African Americans in Michigan: Patterns, Problems, Progress." -
New York subgroup
The New York subgroup met at Connie Olson's. -
St. John's Lutheran Cem. reading
The cemetery of the St. John's Lutheran Church, on the south side of Austin Road at the corner of Parker Road in Bridgewater Township, was read by members of the society on August 4, 1996. Many older stones were not only worn but in German. Fortunately those present that knew German were able to help decipher many of the stones. More than twenty people participated. An article in the Ann Arbor Observer a week before the reading contributed to the wonderful turnout. Rob and Cyndy Steward, chairs. -
19th C. plat maps book published
Washtenaw County Michigan Plat Maps 1856 and 1864, edited by Mary Liskow and Nancy Krohn (Ann Arbor, Michigan: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, Michigan, 1997). This book is a 1997 reproduction in atlas form of township maps from Bechler & Wenig 1856 and Samuel Geil 1864 wall maps. Every-name indexes of land owners and businesses compiled by GSWC are included. Cemetery, church, school and post-office locations are identified. The cost was $35.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling. -
378 members in January 1997
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GSWC web site goes live
GSWC launched its first web site on February 23, 1997. It was constructed by webmaster Sharon Brevoort, a member of our society and a speaker on computer topics. The home page contained information about our society, our library, Washtenaw County research libraries, societies, museums, and internet links to genealogical research sites. The site included a Forum to allow members to conduct discussions. The original address was http://www.hvcn.org/info/gswc/. -
Cemetery directory updated
This second edition of Washtenaw Cemeteries contains descriptions of all known cemeteries arranged by township with location maps. Sources of known tombstone transcriptions are noted. Appendices list funeral homes in the county and pertinent laws. Spiral bound, 48 pages, GSWC, 2d. ed., 1997. Cost was $5.50 plus $2.50 postage and handling. The book was available for purchase at the GSWC meeting on September 28, 1997. Reference copies were placed in libraries in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Lansing. -
Desmond Walls Allen workshop
GSWC sponsored an all day workshop at WCC's Morris Lawrence Building with Desmond Walls Allen, a nationally known teacher and lecturer. She appeared in the first program of the Ancestors series on PBS television. Topics presented were creative problem solving, map resources for genealogists, and 20th century research: getting the most from death certificates. She was praised for her knowledge, lively presentation and her sense of humor by all who attended. -
Asst. w/ MGC GENDIS project
In April 1998 members of GSWC completed transcribing handwritten records for the years starting 1884 for the Michigan Genealogical Council's (MGC) Death Records Indexing Project. The Genealogical Death Indexing System (GENDIS) used data from the Michigan Department of Community Health and volunteer transcribers from MGC member societies. Error rate abt 15%. Updates ended in March 2002. More robust data became available on FamilySearch.org in 2007. See MGC projects -
Mt. Hope Cemetery reading
Members of our society read Mt. Hope Cemetery located on Ellsworth Road, 1/2 mile east of Fletcher Road in Freedom Township, section 9. The cemetery is principally German and was the cemetery for the Saint John's Evangelical Church, established in 1880. Rob and Cyndy Steward, leaders. -
LMK goes to Janet Rohrabacher
Janet Rohrabacher of the Livingston County Genealogical Society, and also a GSWC member, received the 1998 Lucy Mary Kellogg Award at a Founders Day Celebration at the Library of Michigan on November 12. She has served as an officer, has been active in speaking and writing, and volunteers weekly in the archives of the Howell Carnegie District Library. Janet is GSWC member #269. -
FamilySearch.org launched
FamilySearch.org was launched on May 24, 1999. It was initially a source for birth, death, and marriage records. Date is from the FamilySearch Blog [accessed July 1, 2023.] -
25th Anniversary of GSWC
The 25th anniversary of GSWC was celebrated in a joint meeting with the Cobblestone Farm Society and a potluck at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard, Ann Arbor on June 27, 1999. The society provided ham, cake, drink, and table service. Members were requested to bring a dish to pass. Marcia McCrary spoke about the Campbells and Ticknors, using books, charts, and pictures. There was a slide presentation of the restoration of the farm. Hot day. and a brief, torrential rain storm. The barn was dry. -
Sharon Lutheran Cem. reading
Members of our society read the Sharon Lutheran Cemetery in Section 16, Sharon Township on September 12, 1999. The cemetery is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Sylvan and Washburne Roads, in the churchyard. The church is now a Baptist Church (Sharon Community). Rob and Cyndy Steward, leaders. -
Meeting held at EMU Eagle Crest
Because of renovations being done at WCC the September
1999 meeting was held at Eagle Crest. -
Leslie Smith Collier workshop
Leslie Smith Collier was the featured speaker at our workshop on Saturday, October 16, 1999 at the Morris Lawrence Building, WCC. Her lectures were:
- The Write Way to Research
- Piggyback Genealogy
- In Deeds I Trust
- Printer's Ink: Research in a Small Town Newspaper.
The handout folder featured GSWC 25th anniversary stickers. Leslie Smith Collier served as president of the Dallas Genealogical Society from 1995 to 1997. She is also known as Leslie Smith McConachie. -
Cemeteries posted to MIGenWeb
Larry Miller, a new member of GSWC, has copied the tombstone inscriptions and indexed the entire Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, Michigan and has given our society a copy for our library. He has also completed the St. Mary's Cemetery in Manchester and this will be in our library soon. These are large cemeteries and represent the work of several summers. These transcriptions were posted on Michigan USGenWeb. -
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Meetings at Education Center, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor
Starting on September 24, 2000 all regular meetings will be held at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in the Education Center Auditorium. Entrances are at the 5305 Building or Urgent Care. Parking lot P is close to the entrance. This location is just north of Washtenaw Community College where we met previously. -
Index to Stephenson book publ.
Index to O.W. Stephenson's Ann Arbor: The First Hundred Years, Ellen Stamelos, GSWC, 2001. 84 pages. Stephenson's book was published in 1927 by the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce to honor the centennial of the founding of Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1824. Orlando Worth Stephenson, Ph.D. was an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Education. In 1937 he was Ann Arbor Police Commissioner. -
Zion Lutheran Church Cem. reading
Members of our society read the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Freedom Township, section 5, over two days, May 5 and May 6, continuing work begun in Oct 2000. The cemetery is located at the corner of Fletcher and Waters Roads. Many stones are in German. Bring German Bibles, friends, or family members who know German, German dictionaries and anything else that will be helpful in transcribing the markers. This a continuation of the reading begun in Oct 2000. Rob and Cyndy Steward, leaders. -
Stockbridge newspaper project supported
In June 2001, after a year of fund-raising, issues of the Stockbridge newspaper for the years 1883-1965 were given to the microfilming company. Pages needed to be cut from volume bindings and ironed before microfilming could be done. The years 1966-2000 were expected to be filmed in August 2001. GSWC, Ingham and Livingston genealogical societies, and the Waterloo Historical Society helped to make this project a success. The Stockbridge Area Genealogical-Historical Society formed in 2001. -
Index to Christman book published
Index to Adam Christman's Ann Arbor: The Changing Scene, Ellen Stamelos, GSWC, 2002. 42 pages. Christman's book was published in 1984 by the Ann Arbor Historical Foundation. -
Index to Shackman book published
Index to Grace Shackman's Ann Arbor in the 19th Century, A Photographic History, Ellen Stamelos, GSWC, 2002. 24 pages. Shackman's book was published by Arcadia Publishing in 2001. Ann Arbor in the 19th Century: A Photographic History details the growth of the city -- in over 190 photographs -- when residents built houses and businesses, organized a government, and established churches, schools, a university, and newspapers, -
Library moved to Huron Towers
In February 2002 the LDS Family History Center and the GSWC library were forced to vacate the basement site at Hill Street temporarily because an elevator was being added to the building. The Family History Center and our library were moved to Huron Towers Building B, across from the VA Hospital. The address of the library was Huron Towers, Suite 4-B, 2200 Fuller Court, Ann Arbor. It was expected that the Hill Street location would be available again in six months. -
410 Members in May 2002
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St. John's Lutheran Cem. proofing
Members of the GSWC read the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Bridgewater Township over a two-day period, June 29-30, 2002 from 10 AM until 5 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM, respectively. The cemetery is located in the village of Bridgewater at the intersection of Austin and Kaiser Roads. Participants were instructed to bring flour, water, a brush, and a soft cloth and to expect many German words on the stones. Marcia McCrary said a volunteer was needed to enter the findings into a computer. -
Library moved back to Hill St.
The joint LDS - GSWC library was moved from the Huron Towers location where it had been for the last six months to the old location at HIll and Tappan Streets on September 17, 2002. -
Sandra Leubking workshop
A genealogy workshop with Sandra Hargreaves Leubking sponsored by GSWC was held on Saturday, October 26, 2002 at the Morris Lawrence Building, WCC. Her presentation titles were: Fire and Brimstone; From Note to Narrative; Trials and Tribulations; and Circumventing Blocked Lines. Well-known vendors attended. -
LMK award goes to Mary Lou Duncan
Mary Lou Duncan received the 2003 Lucy Mary Kellogg Award at a special event at the Burton Collection, Detroit Public Library in early January 2004. The event was sponsored by DSGR, the Irish Society, and St. Andrews group in honor of her selection for the MGC Lucy Mary Kellogg Award and the FGS Distinguished Service Award. Mary Lou has been a member of GSWC for over 20 years and her contributions to the genealogical community have been numerous. She last presented to GSWC in November 2002. -
Lodi Cemetery proofreading
Members of the GSWC met for a short picnic and proofing of Lodi Cemetery in Lodi Township on June 22, 2003. The cemetery is located at the northeast corner of Textile and Ann Arbor-Saline Roads. Participants were instructed to bring a brown-bag lunch and warned that the site had very little shade and no tables or chairs. They were to bring whatever needed for comfort and supplies to read the inscriptions on the stones, such as flour, water in a spray bottle, and rags. -
Bus trip to the Library of Michigan
A bus trip to the Library of Michigan was planned for October 26, 2003. Participants boarded the bus at 12:15 PM in front of the St. Joe's Education Building, parking lot P, and returned to the same place at 6:15 PM. The Library staff offered a 30-45 minute tour of the Library, especially recommending it for first-time visitors. -
Lodi Cemetery book published
Inscriptions of Lodi Cemetery, Lodi Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, 2004, 112 pages. The book was first offered for sale in September 2004. -
Bethel Cemetery book published
Inscriptions of Bethel Cemetery, Freedom Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, GSWC, 2004, 82 pages. The book was first offered for sale in September 2004. -
Index to Mann book published
Index to James Mann's Ypsilanti, A History in Pictures, Ellen Stamelos, GSWC, 2004. 20 pages. Mann's book was published by Arcadia Publishing in 2002. By 1900, Ypsilanti was nationally known for three things: the Michigan Central Gardens, the mineral wells, and underwear. Dr. Helen McAndrew was the first woman doctor in Ypsilanti, opening her practice in 1854. Ypsilanti is also the home of Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1848. -
Library moved to Saline
The GSWC Library moved to 525 East Woodland Drive, Saline, Michigan in June 2004. Dave Curtis and Rob Steward help with packing up at Hill Street. -
Cemetery proofreading events
Members of our society met at St. John's Lutheran Church on June 12, 2004 to proofread the inscriptions recorded earlier. The work was planned to be continued on June 13, 2004 and the proofreading of Rogers Corners Cemetery (Zion Lutheran) was expected to be started. It was planned to meet on June 27 to complete the work of proofreading Rogers Corners Cemetery. Leaders, Rob and Cyndy Steward. -
GSWC 30th Anniversary
2004 December – 30th anniversary celebrated with cake at a joint meeting with the Washtenaw County Historical Society. Copies of Mary Liskow’s 1990 History of the GSWC were available. Judy Chrisman and Marcia McCrary presented histories of WCHS and GSWC, respectively. -
Program, class handouts at library
Program and class handouts will now be filed at our library, thanks to a suggestion from Julius Cohen. Thanks also to Susan Engle who has volunteered to keep the notebook up to date. -
Newsletter survey results reported
Newsletter editor Barbara Giezentaner reported that 56 member surveys were returned, a 17% response. Most members did not want us to combine the newsletter with Family History Capers. Opinion was split on whether they would read an email version of the newsletter. Most said they would not read a web version of the newsletter. The most popular section of the newsletter was announcement of GSWC programs and classes. Least popular was announcement of area events other than workshops and classes. -
Fairview Cemetery reading
Members of the society read Fairview Cemetery, 1401 Wright, Ann Arbor, on September 11, 2005 from 1:30 PM to 5 PM and on September 17, 2005 from 10 AM to 5 PM. -
News and CAPERS merged
The GSWC Newsletter Vol.24, No.1 (1 Sep 2005) was published separately from the Family History Capers. The next newsletter was incorporated into Family History Capers Vol. 29, No. 2 (Winter 2006). This merged publication continued through Family History Capers Vol. 31, No. 4 (Summer 2008) after which the publications were separated. -
Joint meeting w/ Washtenaw Co. Historical Soc.
A joint meeting with the Washtenaw County Historical Society was held on April 23, 2006. Marcia McCrary presented "A Lighthearted Look at the History of the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County." The class was conducted by Nancy Krohn who enlightened members about research resources in the GSWC library. -
Fairview Cemetery reading
Members of the GSWC read Fairview Cemetery on April 30 and May 7, 2006 from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The cemetery is located at 1401 Wright Street, Ann Arbor, corner of Kellogg, one block west of the Kellogg and Pontiac Trail intersection. -
Bobbie Snow's work praised
Bobbie Snow's web page on census records made it into the "Some Sites Worth Seeing" column in the January 17, 2007 edition of RootsWeb Review, a weekly electronic magazine. A free subscription was available at newsletters.rootsweb.com/. Bobbi Snow was GSWC's librarian for over twenty-five years. -
Salem-Walker cemetery reading
The Salem-Walker Cemetery is located at 7150 Angle Road at Rower Road in Salem Township, section 9. This cemetery reading was part of an Eagle Scout project planned and conducted in October 2007 by N. Chase Crowley II, who was a member of BSA Troop 400. GSWC members and Karen Walker -- who as of 2007 had worked with twenty Eagle Scouts -- and Martha Carr, assisted in this reading. The report was submitted on April 30, 2008. -
News and CAPERS separated
In the August 2008 newsletter (Vol. 32, No. 1) it was announced that the GSWC Board, in an effort to provide you with news and a high quality scholarly journal, decided to once again separate the Family History Capers and the News. The News of the GSWC would be sent quarterly, sometimes in the same envelope with the Capers. The News Committee pledged to provide upcoming meeting information, the slate of nominees, and the names of elected officers in a timely manner. -
Seeking Michigan web site launched
The web site Seeking Michigan was launched in March 2009. It first major project was the digitization of roughly 1 million Michigan death records covering the years 1897 through 1920. In 2019 the site was replaced by Michiganology. -
St. Joseph's Cem. reading
Members of the society read St. Joseph's Cemetery in Dexter on Sunday, June 21 and Sunday, June 28 from 1:30-5:30 PM. -
Blogging with blogspot
The newsletter of January 1, 2010 announced that GSWC now has a blog. The address was http://gswcinfo.blogspot.com. Our aim is to keep our blog current with program information and other timely notices. This blog may have been discontinued when the new society web site, which had a forum for discussions, was launched in 2011. -
For sale - GSWC merchandise
GSWC bags with our logo were available for sale at the General meetings, along with T shirts and polos. Members were urged to "wear or carry your Society's Name proudly." -
Web hosting by EasyNetSites
On January 4, 2011 our society announced that a new web site was under construction. The site went live by April 5, 2011 at www.washtenawgenealogy.org/ The site was powered by EasyNetSites.com software and continues to the present day (2023). -
Nancy H. Krohn, 2011 LMK award
Nominated by GSWC, Nancy H. Krohn was awarded the 2011 Lucy Mary Kellogg Award from MGC. Her nomination included reference to her role as editor of the Family History Capers, her role as co-author, with Mary Liskow, of the reprinting of the 1856 and 1864 plat maps of Washtenaw County, and her work as part of the Research Committee and the Library Committee. Many people, in their letters of support, mentioned the help Nancy had given them personally and related stories of assistance to others. -
Blogs, podcasts, and webinars
In a class held on December 4, 2011, Ed Redmer explained some internet resources for genealogical news, education and entertainment, for example blogs, podcasts, and webinars. He said a blog is a shortened version of the word "Weblog." A podcast is sort of a radio show. A webinar is a seminar online. -
GSWC Facebook page
The first event posted on the GSWC Facebook page was the February membership program and class at the Education Center Auditorium, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Campus, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti on February 26, 2012. The program was a presentation by Drew Smith on creating biographical profiles. The class was a case study about the research path and records used to learn about the untimely deaths of Genie and Gloria Milton in April 1940. -
GSWC aides at county clerk's office
In April 2012, GSWC began to staff the Vital Records Office with one volunteer every Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM to help in-person researchers with marriage and death records. Training was provided for the volunteers by the regular staff. Reported by Rob Steward, co-chair of Cemetery Committee. In an update in a post on Facebook it was reported that a volunteer was in the County Clerk's Office every Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM. This program was discontinued about 2016. -
CAPERS name index at 96,482
Family History Capers every-name combined index reached 96,482 names as of Vol. 35, No. 1 (June 2012). The index is now online. Visitors to the GSWC web site may view the name index by selecting Capers Name Index under the heading Washtenaw Research. Members who log in are able to go to the exact issue of interest by selecting the "eye" icon. As of June 2023 the name index contained 136,584 entries. -
Bethlehem Cemetery reading
Members of GSWC read Bethlehem United Church of Christ Cemetery located at 2801 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor on June 24, July 1, and July 8, 2012. Participants were instructed to bring their digital cameras to photograph tombstones and supplies such as soft bristle brushes, water, hat, and umbrella. The work began in the old section of the cemetery and start in the middle of the old section and continue south to the center cemetery road. Work continued on July 8. Rob and Cyndy Steward, leaders. -
PayPal added to our web site
PayPal was added to our site for sales and membership, as announced in the News-Pages of June 26, 2012. -
Indexing completed, 1884 census
GSWC volunteers completed indexing of the 1884 Washtenaw County State census, as reported on the GSWC Facebook page on November 5, 2012. The every name index covers surviving townships and villages in Manchester, Northfield, Pittsfield, Salem, Saline, Sharon, Scio, Superior, Sylvan, Webster, York, and Ypsilanti. The new index was made available to researchers in binders at the GSWC library at the Family History Center in Saline. -
Family History Capers online
The summer issue of Family History Capers was uploaded to the GSWC, as announced on July 3, 2013. Members may view the issue by logging in to the web site and selecting "Capers Archive." -
Refreshments no more
In 2013, the society decided to stop bringing in cookies. Refreshments during the social time between the lecture and the more basic information in the class section of the meeting had been popular. Connie Olson said, "In the spring of 2013 we were notified that we could no longer bring in food to the St. Joe meeting site. Buying cookies from their catering service was too expensive so the Board agonized over the situation and decided to do without any refreshments. No one complained." -
African American Genealogical Society
The Washtenaw County African American Genealogical Society was founded in 2014 by Cheryl Garnett and Omer Jean Winborn. It meets at the Ypsilanti District Library on Michigan Avenue. -
Dick Eastman presentations
As part of the GSWC 40th Anniversary celebration, nationally known speaker Dick Eastman presented three lectures:
- The Family History World in 10 Years' Time,
- The Organized Genealogist, and
- Mocavo: A Comparison of the Best(?) Genealogy Search Engine versus Google.
(Special starting time 12:30pm.) -
40th anniversary celebration
2014 May 18 – Celebration of the 40th Anniversary with a luncheon at WCC Student Commons including a PowerPoint of GSWC history, skit, and cake! -
Ph.D. research project aid
Devan Ray Donaldson, graduate student at the University of Michigan, invited GSWC members to participate in a research project by completing an online questionnaire. The questions pertained to perceptions of the trustworthiness of digitized genealogical documents. He presented the results at the January GSWC meeting. Donaldson's dissertation was titled, "Development of a Scale for Measuring Perceptions of Trustworthiness for Digitized Archival Documents." His Ph.D. was awarded in 2015. -
Flow of Publicity chart distributed
A table called Flow of Publicity was created containing details about who reports what to whom and in what format. It was updated in September 2020. -
AACHM moved to Pontiac Trail
In 2015 the African American Cultural & Historical Museum (AACHM) was working on securing 1528 Pontiac Trail as its permanent home. The historic Albert Polhemus house in Ann Arbor was moved from Washington Street near Division to the Pontiac Trail site in 2006. From a report given by Deborah Meadows on March 22, 2015 and the timeline published on the museum web site (1993-2014). -
News-Pages digitized, uploaded
In December 2015 Jan Tripp reported that she and several others were busy digitizing old GSWC News-Pages and putting them online. They now had a fairly complete archive beginning in 1974 to the present. Each issue is fully searchable, she said. Member who log in may view the news-pages archives on GSWC web site under the heading Washtenaw Research. -
Do We Still Need Genealogical Societies?
Feb 8, 2016 - Do we still need genealogy societies in this age of social media? While at RootsTech, Amy Johnson Crow posed that question to Josh Taylor, host of Genealogy Roadshow and president of FGS. Links: Amy Johnson Crow interview of Josh Taylor: [https://youtu.be/1Zr8yj4GM6s] Federation of Genealogical Societies: http://fgs.org NY Genealogical & Biographical Society: http://newyorkfamilyhistory.org/ Amy Johnson Crow: http://AmyJohnsonCrow.com -
Family History Capers survey
A survey of the membership on October 23, 2016 covered, among other things, reactions to Family History Capers and suggestions for the future. Members could fill out the survey at the meeting on October 23, 2016 or online via a link on the GSWC web site. -
Connie Olson, 2016 LMK award winner
Connie Olson, the 2016 Lucy Mary Kellogg award recipient was honored at the MGC delegate meeting on November 11, 2016. A member of the GSWC, Connie has been a vital contributor to the Michigan genealogical community for over forty years. As a former board member of GSWC, MGC, and the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter of the DAR she has helped further the goals of genealogical research and education. As a member she has hosted workshops, lead presentations, written articles, and taught classes. -
CAPERS distribution to change
President McCrary announced on June 29, 2017 that during this year members were given a choice as to how they would receive the Family History Capers next year. We had 203 memberships that chose the email option and 89 for mailing. -
DNA group forming
It was announced on October 3, 2017 that a DNA special interest group was being formed and to contact GSWC member Rodger Wolf if you had questions. Its first meeting was held on November 16, 2017. Membership on that date was 61 individuals. Jan Tripp was also a founder of this group. -
Bible Records Registry at 350+
As of October 2018 the GSWC Bible Records Registry had copies of over 350 records, according to Bible Records chair Judi Bornemeier. Over half of the records have been published, with permission, in Family History Capers. -
Church records in repositories compiled
A compilation of Washtenaw County church records which have been donated to area repositories was published in the Family History Capers Vol. 42, No. 3 (spring 2019). The work was completed by Marty Carr and Marcia McCrary. The compilation includes records that have been published in Capers. Not included were records yet in the possession of their respective churches. Also not included were locations of histories, anniversary publications, directories, pictures, or other miscellaneous lists. -
Family tree software survey
Members were surveyed on their use of family tree software to aid in planning a program for January 2020. The program would provide an overview of desktop vs. online family tree options as well as the pros and cons of the most popular applications and brief demos of each. -
Michiganology goes live
The change was made because Seeking Michigan was not able to handle the amount of records, preserve items for the long term, and provide access on various platforms. Michiganology has a new look, logo, font, and graphics. There will be options for mobile devices. The search function will have three levels -- basic, advanced and custom. A feedback form is provided. -
1918 flu pandemic program
The last in-person program before everything shut down for the Covid-19 pandemic, Katherine Willson presented "The Global 1918 Influenza Pandemic." Did she have a premonition? -
Covid pandemic
The spread of Covid-19 illnesses was so widespread that on March 12, 2020, most businesses in Michigan shut down. At that point we didn't know how long the closures would last. Our March 22 meeting was cancelled. Our April and May meetings were held as webinars. The GSWC library and the Family History Center in Saline were closed until further notice. -
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Zoom meetings
Membership meetings were transitioned from in-person to Zoom meetings starting in April 2020. The GSWC Board started holding its regular meetings on Zoom in July 2020. -
Nancy Howard GSWC president
Nancy Howard was elected president.in May 2020. Marcia McCrary stepped down after twenty-six years as GSWC president. Tim Salatin stepped down after eight years as 1st VP and program chair. -
Google Drive file sharing
The Program and Education committees were combined by vote of the Board in July 2020. We started using Google Drive to file reports and speaker-related data. In Fall 2020 President Nancy Howard initiated broader use of Google Drive sharing, including training for Board members and key position volunteers. Board meeting agendas, reports and minutes were available on the shared Google Drive. Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Policies and Standing Rules were also posted on the drive. -
Policy review
Review of existing Standing Rules and other governing documents was initiated. Revisions were proposed by an ad hoc committee and approved by the Board over a 6-month period. -
German group forming
Mike Gerding sent out invitations to recruit members for a German special interest group, which had been meeting informally over the summer on Zoom. -
Marcia McCrary interviewed
Marcia McCrary was interviewed by journalist Lucy Ann Lance on October 30, 2020 at 9:10 am on 1290 WLBY on the radio or 1290 WLBY.com on your computer. The duo spoke about the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County and local history as part of the channel's recurring segment "Remembering Washtenaw County." -
Capers subject index updated
Selecting Capers Subject Index in the GSWC web site under Washtenaw Research takes you to a page with instructions and a link to Capers Combination Subject Index. The index, a PDF file, is a word-searchable table with columns for articles, author, volume, issue, page, category, and location. As published, It is sorted by category. Location means location within Capers. The separate Capers Name Index is kept current with each volume published. Access to issues of Capers requires login. -
Printing and mailing expenses cut
Transition from printing and mailing of quarterly Family History Capers/News Pages to electronic distribution goes into effect. Significantly reducing this expense provides more funding for programming. The PDF documents are sent to members as email attachments, with a few exceptions. Several Board members worked with the few members that expressed barriers to printing their own. -
Annual statement vs report
Differentiated between an Annual Statement and Annual Report. The Statement is given at the (May) Annual Meeting to indicate the general “health” of the society, highlights of the year and to recognize volunteers for their efforts. An Annual Report was initiated to document the activities and financial standing of each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30.) The Annual Report for the most recent fiscal year is posted on the website by September. -
Donated books project under way
In January 2022 it was announced that 18 boxes of books from the estate of Nancy Krohn, who died in 2019, have been stored at the home of Rob and Cyndy Steward until such time they can be added to our library, donated to other organizations or offered for purchase. During the next few months the work of cataloging and sorting the books, then shelving them in our library, or selling or donating them was completed. There were over 300 titles. Sixty-five books were added to the GSWC library. -
Auditorium renovated and renamed
Trinity Health Ann Arbor announced that its auditorium, long used by GSWC for its Sunday meetings has been renovated and renamed. The new name is The Angelo and Margaret DePonio Foundation Auditorium--DePonio Auditorium, for short. The auditorium holds 200 people. No outside groups were allowed to reserve the room, but this policy was expected to change. Ref: https://www.trinity-health.org/ > Our Stories. -
Membership survey
First Vice President/Program and Education Committee Chair Janet Tarolli initiates an online questionnaire to gather input from members for the coming program year. -
Library moved into storage
Our library collection was successfully moved from the Family History Center in Saline to a temporary storage facility in Ann Arbor. The facility is not open to the public, but our Research Committee has access and can help with Washtenaw County research. The library had just reopened in April 2022 at the Family History Center in Saline after being closed for the pandemic. -
Ireland-UK group forming
GSWC announced a new Special Interest Group (SIG) focusing on Ireland and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The purpose of this group is to provide resources and support as we work together to help all involved uncover more about their Irish and British Isles ancestors. It will be led by Bill O'Reilly. Hybrid meetings are likely. -
Marcia McCrary, 2022 LMK award
Marcia McCrary received the 2022 Lucy Mary Kellogg award from the Michigan Genealogical Council in November 2022. McCrary served as President of GWSC for twenty-six years, also chairing multiple committees and projects, such as the Research Committee and the committee producing the quarterly, Family History Capers. She has also worked with the Firehouse Museum, Ypsilanti Historical Society Archives, and Ypsilanti District Library. She helped create the Washtenaw County Historical Consortium. -
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Hybrid meetings
On a trial basis, and after some orientation sessions, the December 2022 meeting was conducted in hybrid fashion from the remodeled DePonio Auditorium in the Education Building at Trinity Health Ann Arbor which had reopened to outside groups. Just a few invited people attended in person. Others attended via Zoom. The general membership was invited to attend the GSWC meeting held in April 2023. -
Membership survey
The program and education committee chair, Janet Tarolli, sent out invitations to complete the 2023 membership questionnaire to collect information for planning the upcoming program year. -
Cheryl Garnett interviewed
Cheryl Garnett was interviewed on March 22, 2023 in a virtual livestream event sponsored by American Black Journal and PBS Books. Cheryl has been researching and reconstructing her family history and genealogy since 1996. Cheryl Garnett is the president and co-founder of the Washtenaw County African American Genealogical Society. She also serves as a board member of the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society and a board member of the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County. -
Omer Jean Winborn interviewed
Omer Jean Winborn was interviewed on March 22, 2023 in a virtual livestream event sponsored by American Black Journal and PBS Books. She is a retired educator and co-founder of the Washtenaw County African American Genealogy Society. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society in Detroit, Michigan and serves on the board of the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County. -
Membership survey
The program and education committee chair, Janet Tarolli, sent out invitations to complete the 2024 membership questionnaire to collect information for planning the upcoming program year. -
Diahan Southard DNA presentations
With funds donated in memory of Jan Tripp, highly active volunteer, Diahan Southard (Your DNA Guide) presented two DNA-related topics: “Me and My 1000+ DNA Cousins” and “Ask the Wife! A DNA Analysis Strategy.” -
50th anniversary celebration
Refreshments and a program are planned at Garrett's Restaurant, Washtenaw Community College.
