Finding Almira Fifield (1833-1863) of Valparaiso, Indiana
Barbara Brandt discovered her ancestor, Dr. Almira Fifield, “the Lost Heroine of Porter County,” buried in an unmarked grave in Indiana.
Barbara's presentation describes how she unlocked Almira’s story: acquiring research skills in new fields, joining lineage and genealogy societies, consulting with scholars, looking in distant cousins’ attics and basements, visiting rural history museums and cemeteries. As a result of Barbara’s efforts the Indiana Historical Bureau will honor Almira in June 2025 with a state marker, and local organizations will lay wreaths in a military ceremony in the newly refurbished Old City Cemetery.
Finding Almira Fifield, MD (1833–63)
Wed, Apr 2, 2025, 10am
UMRA member Barbara Fifield Brandt discovered her ancestor, Almira Fifield, MD, the “lost heroine of Porter County,” buried in an unmarked grave in Indiana. As a result of Barbara’s research on her ancestor’s work during the Civil War, the Indiana Historical Bureau will honor Dr. Fifield with a state marker on "Almira Fifield, M.D., Day," June 21, 2025; and local organizations will lay wreaths in a military ceremony in the newly refurbished Old City Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Born in Paducah, Kentucky, in 1833, Dr. Fifield was one of the first female physicians in the U.S. and was barely 30 years old when she died in 1863. Her story has a Minnesota twist and is intertwined with the story of her brother, who is buried in Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul.
Barbara's presentation will describe unlocking the story: acquiring research skills in new fields, joining lineage and genealogy societies, consulting with scholars, looking in distant cousins’ attics and basements, visiting rural history museums and cemeteries, and successfully applying for a state marker and funding.
Contact Lynn Anderson or Craig Swan to get the link for the FHIG meeting via Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2. Newcomers are welcome!
Upcoming Events
UMRA’s Fourth Friday Book Club (aka UMRA Book Club II) will discuss the Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel by Jhumpa Lahiri when it meets at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23, via Zoom. The nine short stories in the collection speak to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.
Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.
Join Leader Neal Gale for the November 2 hike in the heart of Minneapolis’ Minnehaha Falls – Mississippi River area.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.
How much do the experiences of our earliest years shape who we become — and even our physical health — decades later? For more than 50 years, University of Minnesota researchers have been exploring that question through the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation. In this UMRA Living Well Workshop, Professor Jeffry Simpson, PhD, will draw on findings from the study to explore the connections between our earliest relationships and our health later in life.
The theme for November is "Hands"
Join us for breakfast and discussion about this year's election results.
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.
Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.
Professor Kathryn Pearson, a well-known and respected specialist in U.S. politics and political behavior, will help us to decipher the results of the 2026 midterm elections as the guest speaker for UMRA’s November 2026 Luncheon Forum.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.
Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.
Join us as we navigate the trails at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Education and Visitor Center.
The theme for December is "Pathways and roadways."
"Landscape" is the theme of the UMRA Photo Club meeting on Tuesday, January 12.