Vicky Ferraresi
Join us on Monday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon for the next Genealogy Club meeting.
The PebbleCreek Genealogy Club (PCGC) meets the second Monday of each month in the Palm Room in the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse. Meetings start at 9 a.m. with a short business meeting, followed by Tips and Tricks and then an invited speaker. Guests are always welcome!
On Monday, Nov. 11 Robert M. Willbanks IV will speak on “U.S. Civil War History and Genealogy Research.” “A man of eclectic interests, a plethora of knowledge, and interesting skills and abilities” (see robertwilbanks.com), Mr. Willbanks describes his greatest passion as genealogy and researching his family history. He was bitten by the genealogy bug at the age of 12, when he saw the television miniseries Roots. He has had his own genealogy business for 35 years, researching for clients, consulting, teaching, and lecturing. He has published and been involved with several genealogical and heritage organizations. He specializes in American military records and research, especially the Civil War, general American research, research in the Old South, Colonial America (particularly Virginia), Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, and Germany.
At the business meeting, the results of the election for the new officers and board of directors will be announced.
In October we focused on German genealogy. Amy Urman presented “German Migration to the United States: Historical Roots and Routes.” Ms. Urman is a professional genealogist, licensed private investigator, researcher, and lecturer with over 25 years of genealogy teaching and historical research. Attendees gained new insights on how, why, and when large numbers of Germans emigrated to America. It was especially interesting to find where they settled here and why. Something new that I learned is that Anaheim, Calif., was originally settled by German families as a vineyard community. (Heim is home in German.)
In the Tips and Tricks portion of the meeting, Erik Riswick reviewed the history of changing boundaries in Europe affecting where German people lived (and may have left) and Vicky Ferraresi reviewed how to find where your German family lived in Europe, such as modern-day Poland, Russia, or France and of course Germany!
Looking forward, on Dec. 9 our focus will be on social time and with members sharing holiday traditions, special ornaments, food, and celebrations.
We hope to see you on Nov. 11 as we learn more about discovering our families!
Contact President Marsha Wallick at [email protected] for more information about the PCGC.
See us on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/595320584600008.