Out of the basement and into the museum
Two presentations from the January 8, 2025 meeting of the UMRA Family History Interest group:
Vicki Gaylord's presentation is titled, "Out of the Basement & Into the Museums and Archives." She shared her experiences identifying family belongings that have historic value outside the family, and donating them to museums and archives. There is a handout from Vicki that will be available on the UMRA FHIG website.
Craig Swan’s presentation is titled “You Never Know What You Might Discover.” He talks about how an unexpected DNA match led to new family discoveries including tales of sex, sin and scandal.
Out of the basement and into the museum
Wed, Jan 8, 2025, 10am
The UMRA Family History Group meeting on Wednesday, January 8, will feature presentations by Vicki Gaylord and Craig Swan, both of whom will discuss what they’ve learned from the treasure troves of family belongings that have come their way.
When Gaylord inherited hundreds of objects that had been saved by several generations of her family, her basement became a temporary home for many. Over time, as she sorted through them, she felt it was important to consider whether some could be of historic value and be donated to museums and archives. In her presentation, she will share some of her experiences identifying and researching family belongings that have historic value outside the family, and the process she went through in donating them to museums and archives around the country.
You never know what you might discover
An unexpected DNA match led Craig Swan to new family discoveries including tales of sex, sin, and scandal. In his presentation, he will share what unfolded after February 2024 when he learned of a new AncestryDNA match who turned out to be a second cousin once removed. It’s a story that revealed a (previously) well-kept family secret, and led Swan to a wealth of materials including 50-plus letters written between 1841 and 1850.
An email with the link to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed to all UMRA members one week before the meeting. We hope you can join us.
—Craig Swan, FHIG co-chair
Upcoming Events
Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.
10:30 a.m. check in; 10:45 boarding; cruise from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join UMRA friends and colleagues for a summer cruise and lunch aboard the Paradise Destiny II on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Paul Maravelas, sailor, historian, and author of The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka will join us to share stories from 200+ years of lake-dwellers. Come early or stay after the cruise to explore Excelsior, a charming small town on the big lake.
Ticket price includes lunch: chef's sandwich, garden salad, fruit, chips, and cookies. Coffee, iced tea, and lemonade are complimentary and there will be a cash bar for other beverages. A vegetarian sandwich can be selected during registration.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the debut novel Buckeye by Patrick Ryan when it meets via Zoom at 2 pm. on Friday, August 21.
You are invited to join the discussion of The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents 1773-1783 by Joseph J. Ellis.
The theme for September is "Monuments."
Bev leads a Lake of the Isles hike with Isles Bun & Coffee afterwards.
.
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.
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.
Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.
.
Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.