Winslow genealogy conference features census talk

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It is, I think, one of the most important topics in genealogy – “Getting the Most Out of the Census.”

That will be Dr. Carol P. McCoy’s keynote speech during the sixth annual genealogy conference on Saturday, Aug. 18, sponsored by Silence Howard Hayden Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. The talk begins at 1 p.m.

But do go for the whole day to the conference, which has a new location this year – First Congregational Church, Lithgow Street, Winslow.

Registration begins at 8 a.m.

At 9 a.m., choose from these topics and speakers:

. “Lineage Societies,” Ann Thomas, certified genealogist and past vice president general, DAR.

. “French-Canadian Genealogy in Maine: Sources and Methods,” Robert Chenard, columnist and author.

. “Having Fun with Your Memorabilia,” Dr. Carol P. McCoy.

At 10:45 a.m., choose from:

. “French-Canadian Genealogy in Maine: Sources and Methods Part II,” Robert Chenard.

. “Military Pension Records,” Dale Mower, Maine Genealogical Society and Penobscot County Genealogical Society.

. “Beginning Genealogy: Documenting Those Sources,” Sharon Ann Paradis, certified genealogist.

This is an outstanding list of speakers.

Lunch at noon is a choice of egg salad, tuna salad or ham salad.

Pre-registration is $10 for DAR members, $12 for non-members. Lunch is $6. Send checks to Silence Howard Hayden Chapter, c/o Marilyn Dennis, 85 Bangor Road, Benton, ME 04901. List your choice for lunch and which workshops you will attend.

Admission at the door is $15.

There will be vendors to visit, and you’ll certainly want to check out the Taconnett Falls Chapter MGS Library next door with its many books and files.

The church is handicapped-accessible, but the library next door has stairs.

For information on the conference or Silence Howard Hayden Chapter, e-mail crdennis@colby.edu or excal3@verizon.net

Proceeds from the conference will benefit veterans at the Togus VA Hospital and the purchase of books for area schools.

Countless people have joined New England Historic Genealogical Society over the years just to subscribe to its quarterly, New England Historical and Genealogical Register.

Membership also includes use of the NEHGS Library in Boston. These days, many members are attracted to the society in order to have full use of its online databases at www.NewEnglandAncestors.org.

But don’t overlook the NEHGS magazine, New England Ancestors. The summer issue includes Scott Andrew Barley’s “A Guide to Genealogical Research in Vermont,” Dr. Jeffrey Phipps Brain’s “Popham Colony, the First English Colony in New England,” and Robert Charles Anderson’s “Samuel Morse: Great Migration Immigrant.” Many of us with New England roots have Samuel Morse as an ancestor.

Another most interesting article, written by archivist Timothy G.X. Salls, focuses on the Jonathan Buck Family Papers at the society, one example of a manuscript collection that is going to require much conservation work. Buck, a colonel in the Revolutionary War, was the founder of Buckstown – now Bucksport. His grave was marked with a new plaque on July 27.

Membership in NEHGS is $75, sent to NEHGS, 101 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116-3007. You can join online at www.NewEnglandAncestors.org.

All are welcome to join the Pittsfield Historical Society and Maine State Organization Daughters of the American Revolution in rededicating Pittsfield’s historic Moses Martin farm site at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, in an event at First Congregational Church, Somerset Avenue, Pittsfield.

Moses Martin, 1733-1850, served in the Revolutionary War and was among the first permanent settlers in Pittsfield. Refreshments and a light lunch will be held afterward. A tour guide will assist those interested in visiting the Martin farm site off Peltoma Avenue.

The descendants of John and Hannah Davis will hold their 80th reunion noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at Kiwanis Park, Park Street, Dover-Foxcroft. Bring a picnic lunch, beverage, lawn chair and item for the auction.

Send genealogy queries to Family Ties, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or familyti@bangordailynews.net.