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
The theme for December is historical family photos. Join us for photography and fun.
There are a few fun events coming up at the Campus Club that are open to everyone. See these events on the Campus Club Facebook and Instagram.
Meeting to plan books for next year.
There has been a lot in the news recently about the University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services. Please join us at breakfast on January 8 for a respectful and engaging discussion of their relationship.
The theme for January is great MN views.
Developing a sense of identity is a central psychological task of the lifespan. Memories and stories from our personal past, as well as cultural memories and stories in society play key roles in how we develop our identities. This presentation will discuss psychological theory and research on how memories and stories make us who we are.
When you are of Icelandic descent you can trace your ancestors back to around 1200 and sometimes further.
Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
Here’s another great opportunity to buy discounted tickets and join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gophers when the Women’s Basketball team hosts the Purdue Boilermakers at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on February 1.
UMRA’s special event for this winter will again be a celebration of brighter days and the approaching end of winter. We’ll have food, fellowship, and music provided by Urban Sound, one of the University’s premier student a cappella ensembles.
Family history with Jim Kurle. A tale of Swedish emigration to Dunn County, North Dakota, including my grandfather whose unusual relationship to several churches and religion in general was one of the reasons for his emigrating.
Growing Up by Russell Baker.