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
Professor Arun Saldanha, the featured speaker for the first luncheon forum of UMRA’s 2026–27 program year, will examine how tourism has evolved in an era shaped by pandemics, climate concerns, and changing global realities; and encourage us to think about what it means to be thoughtful, responsible, and curious travelers.
The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.
Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.
Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.
The theme for October is "Monuments."
Join us for the UMRA Breakfast on Thursday, October 15, for a frank discussion about addiction and how it can affect families and friends of the addicted person.
UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the historical fiction novel The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 16.
Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.
The Vaccine Integrity Project at the UMN Centers for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention is working to ensure that vaccine use in the U.S. remains grounded in the best available evidence, and focused on protecting public health. Kevin Griffis, director of CIDRAP Media Relations and Public Affairs, will tell us about this work as the featured speaker for UMRA’s Living Well Workshop on Tuesday, October 20.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
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.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.
The theme for November is "Hands"
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.
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.
The theme for December is "Pathways and roadways."