Open discussion and planning for next year
The final Family History Interest Group meeting for 2024-25 was an open discussion with attendees about what questions or challenges they had related to family history and what topics they would like to have presented next year. The discussion included how to preserve family letters, using Advanced Archival, how to find obituaries, how to engage younger family members, using AI and other technology to scan letters, the use of Google Books,and much more. Craig and Lynn are interested in hearing from UMRA members who wish to suggestion topics for next year's presentations and those who wish to present.
Open discussion and planning for next year
Wed, May 7, 2025, 10am
UMRA’s Family History Interest Group (FHIG) will meet via Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, for an open discussion of ideas, insights, questions, and issues related to family history. We will also talk about topics for next year's meetings, and welcome volunteers to present.
FHIG meets via Zoom five to six times each UMRA program year (September through May) to provide opportunities to learn about the various aspects of family history research and ways of sharing that research. UMRA members have presented on the biology of DNA, numerous ways to search for information, thoughts about compiling information, and ideas on how to present and share information. Go to umra.umn.edu > Get Involved > Interest Groups > Family History for a list of resources and links to video recordings of past presentations.
Email FHIG co-chairs Lynn C. Anderson or Craig Swan to get the link to join the meeting on Wednesday, May 7. We hope you can join us.
Upcoming Events
"Monuments" is the theme for the September meeting of the UMRA Photo Club.
UMRA member Mike Amidon, president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society in Mendota Heights, will provide a brief overview of the society, the library, and the many volunteers who help maintain it, when UMRA’s Family History Interest Group meets on Wednesday, September 9.
Bev Moe leads a hike around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis with a social gathering afterwards at Isles Bun & Coffee.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
Older adults often have difficulty with sleep. Our goal for this informal discussion is to share with each other helpful routines and strategies. Our resource person will be sleep specialist Marcel Hungs, MD, PhD.
UMRA Book Club I will discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18. The day’s discussion leader will be Judy Helgen.
Critical issues facing detained immigrants and their families will be discussed.
UMRA’s September Living Well Workshop will feature Carol Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, interim dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School and interim executive vice president for Health Affairs. She is an internationally recognized cancer surgeon-scientist who also brings considerable leadership and administrative experience.
We'll visit with Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Dr. Katie Lee
A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever.
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 "Hands."
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.
** PROGRAM CANCELLED ** New program topic is forthcoming
Michael Osterholm is a well-known epidemiologist, author, and public commentator with particular expertise on infectious diseases and vaccines. His conversation with us via Zoom will address current major public health outbreaks around the world, as well as the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
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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 "Pathways and roadways"
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.