I like to think that my New England ancestors were as hospitable as the folks I’ve met the last few days here at the New England Regional Genealogical Conference. . . That would mean they were pretty nice folks, indeed.
I FINALLY met up with my Rhode Island connection, and cousin, Midge Frazel with wonder-husband Steve to swap stories over a cup of iconic Dunkin Donuts coffee. Midge is the go-to blogger for my Mathewson / Winsor line and I will tell you, she is even more energetic and Smart in person than online.
Between sessions with Sharon Sargeant and Josh Taylor I met up with friends from NEHGS, talked with Maureen Taylor The Photo Detective, picked up some valuable tips from Rhode Islander Cherry Bamberg, and had my palm read.. No, not really… But it was just that kind of surprising day.
At tonite’s banquet, I was treated to a glass of we by seat mate Bob from Albany, New York and enjoyed a lively and friendly exchange with NERGC Chair Pauline Cusson and others at our table. Then we all sat back to hear Paul Milner, “What Were Our Ancestors Really Like?”
I’ll be honest, I hadn’t planned on attending the banquet and didn’t have a ticket, but when I heard the buzz about Milner, I decided to check the message board for available seats. And, I’m so glad I was able to score a ticket. Banquet speakers are hopefully entertaining, often humorous, and sometimes inspiring… Paul Milner was all this . . . And more. When an after-dinner conference crowd becomes so quiet and still that you could hear the proverbial “pin drop,” it’s clear the speaker has captivated the audience.
Milner told tales of battlefield casualties, of servant employment, of family loss that left more than a few people dabbing their eyes at the end of his talk. But he concluded his remarks with a great challenge — to write down our own family stories for the next generation. Just one story. One person, one place, one point in time. One thing to remember.
Inspirational. Thank you, Paul. Your stories will be remembered. I will be working on mine.
Denise,
It was great to meet you and to be able to hang out with you, Midge, and her "wonder-husband Steve". From what I could tell, everyone at NERGC had a great time.
Russ
Oh Denise! Lovely post. You totally caught me by surprise as I didn't realize you were coming and was thrilled to see you there! Glad you had a fine welcome!
Hi, Cheryl, I'm so glad that I finally got to meet you at the NERGC banquet tonight. I hope you and hubby have a wonderful week up in New Hampshire. It was great meeting you tonight!
Well, I'm trying to get out those stories… Wish you were here too. See you in June at Jamboree.
Miss you too, Sheri. Maybe we could fit in KS en route toFGS! Now that would be some road trip.
Sounds like a great time! You ARE writing your family stories…one great blog post after another 🙂
I am so glad you are having a great time and learning so much! Wish I could have joined you. We still need to do a Kansas City road Trip!
See you in June for Jamboree!