The program features two LLCGS members that teach genealogy classes at SCC. This will be a condensed version of their 6-hours of SCC classes. The program will focus on: how to organize and record information; fill in the gaps and begin a research plan; how to use censuses and other records and learn how to do ancestor timelines.

This program builds on Cynthia's January "Getting Started" session by introducing military sources for genealogical information. Marcia will explain what is available, where to find the records, and what you can learn through these resources. Marcia, Cynthia, and Phyllis will share samples of some good genealogy finds.

In April ’09 Mary Jane and Jon presented a number of photos they planned to include in their third book on Lincoln’s history. The book has been published and is a remarkable collection of photos and personal anecdotes about our City since 1959. The new book is a Celebration of a City. Their photo presentation will take you back fifty years and Look Back at the entertainment, business, schools, and just fond memories of growing up in Nebraska’s capitol city.

Sue McLain, owner of Yesterday’s Lady, a vintage fashion museum/store in Beatrice, has been traveling the Midwest since 1991 sharing her extensive collection of clothing from 1840 through 1980. Since 1985 she has been collecting fashions our ancestors wore and speaking on the history of fashion. This is a Nebraska Humanities Council program.

The stories of our ancestors who settled Nebraska contain fascinating accounts of sacrifice, courage and endurance. The journey they made from the Old World to America was a difficult process that will be examined by Jeff in three parts: the decision, the journey and the adjustments required. Jeff’s presentation includes packing an actual immigrant chest and other essential baggage needed by our ancestors for the ocean voyage and the new life on the prairie. Mr. Kappeler is a Research Historian and Archivist and is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Humanities Council.

Our State Capitol Building is internationally recognized as an architectural achievement. The building was designed with a number of elaborate iconographic elements that our ancestors may have experienced as they migrated to the Midwest. The major iconographic elements include: history of the law; celebration of Nebraska’s statehood; homage to the civilizations of yesteryears; plus the tile and mosaics throughout the building reflect on the nature and cultivation of the prairie. Robert Ripley is the current Capitol Administrator and has served in that capacity for more than 25 years.

Wyuka Cemetery was established in 1869 by an act of the Nebraska Legislature (something that was practically unheard of in the U.S.). Ed Zimmer regularly conducts tours of the cemetery. Our custom tour will start at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 11:00, Saturday, June 12th. You will come away with a better understanding of the many gravestone symbols our ancestors employed and learn how the operations of a cemetery has evolved since 1869.

Ed’s third presentation for us will focus on his new walking tour book on Wyuka Cemetery. Ed will review the unique epitaphs and carvings on the marble, zinc and granite tombstones, mausoleums, obelisks and memorials; bring the history of our State and Country to life. Dr. Zimmer has extensively researched the architectural history of the cemetery’s grave markets and statuary. In addition, he will focus on the genealogical research strategies and techniques that helped him to uncover the historical and cultural stories about the people buried at the cemetery.

Debbie is the Director of Community Outreach at Roper & Sons and is Certified Life Celebrant. She will be sharing how she and her staff employ new technologies to produce a life story. Her program will show you how to produce a family’s DVD using stories, music, video tributes, photos, documents, maps, etc. An effective DVD can examine the spirit, uniqueness and the significances of the life of your ancestors.

Back for her third performance, Pippa White will share her extensive research (from diaries, letters, memoirs, journals, etc.,) on the war roles women played in the Western European wars and the U.S. Civil War. Her performances are “part theatre, part storytelling, and part history.” Her programs create a unique, captivating, and touching production of the many ways women were very involved in foreign wars and the U.S. Civil War over the last 200 years.

The program will present examples of how we can Honor Your Ancestors. Megan Smolenyak’s book, Honoring our Ancestors, includes inspiring stories of the quest for our roots. Richard Douglass, retired SCC-Beatrice computer instructor, will share how his family members plan a large family reunion. Members are invited to share the unique and interesting ways they have honored their ancestors.

Your genealogical research hitting brick walls? It may be you need to expand your quest to land records. In “Using Land Records,” Gail will guide you through the different kinds of land records and help you to prioritize and identify what she calls “high-value targets.” Gail has been a genealogist for over 20 years. Her articles have appeared in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the Ohio Genealogical Quarterly, Everton’s Genealogical Helper, and Family Chronicle.

Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographic information software program. Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, and 3D buildings. The Historical Imagery software program allows users to travel back in time and study earlier stages of any place our ancestors may have travelled or lived. Thus, you could plan out a travel itinerary to the places your ancestors lived before they immigrated to the U.S.