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
Many life challenges that get in the way of quality of life and good health at home have little to do with medical issues. Cathy Lauring, our presenter for UMRA’s February 18 workshop, will explore a variety of resources to assist in keeping us healthy at home—including physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial services.
John Bantle will lead the discussion of A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson when the UMRA book club meets via Zoom on February 21.
Join UMRA members to watch two of the best hockey teams in the nation. UMRA has negotiated a discounted ticket price of $33.
Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, the presenter for UMRA’s February 25 Forum, has decades of experience working in human and veterinary medicine, and will bring her wisdom and perspective to our discussion about what we can learn from our pets about facing end-of-life challenges and decisions.
The Fourth Friday Book Club will meet via Zoom on February 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. CST to discuss The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
Join members of the UMRA Hiking Club for a hike on March 3 at the Holland Lake Trailhead in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. It is the largest park in the Dakota County park system. Our route will take us on an unpaved trail with some roots, rocks, and easy hills. It will be about 5 miles for 2 to 2.5 hours. We will meet for an optional lunch afterwards somewhere nearby (TBD).
Will Craig discusses using local sources for family history.
The THEME is Insects
The UMRA Photo Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library, in the small shopping center at New Brighton and St. Anthony Boulevards.
For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 a.m.
The UMRA Hiking Club will explore wildlife along the Mississippi River in Fort Snelling State Park. The 3.9-mile Pike Island Loop is generally considered an easy route and takes just over an hour. Hikers can leave at that point, or stay to add another short loop. The trail is located below the bluff on which the historic fort sits. The last time we were there we saw a lot of deer, and the river always provides fascinating views.
The UMRA Photo Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library, in the small shopping center at New Brighton and St. Anthony Boulevards.
For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 a.m.
Theme to be announced.
The University of Minnesota Archives, with its major holdings largely tucked away in two huge underground caverns along the Mississippi River under the West Bank campus, holds the essential records of our University of Minnesota’s past. University Archivist Erik Moore will interpret the holdings and bring out a sampling of what it holds. We will also get a tour of the caverns (Minnesota Library Access Center), revealing where these precious materials are housed, including the original tapes of KUOM, now Radio K.
You are cordially invited to see Rick Huebsch, Associate VP for Research, Technology Commercialization at UMN, who will discuss UMN Technology Commercialization. Tech Comm facilitates the transfer of UMN innovation beyond the research lab, to benefit the public good, foster economic growth, and generate revenue to support the University's mission.
Do you have a box or several albums of old family pictures that you are not quite sure what to do with? Or perhaps you just want to find out more about your ancestors and are not sure where or how to begin. This meeting of the Family history group will be an open discussion.