Genealogy Gathering

We barely got settled in at Pinehurst when we were off to Lancaster Pennsylvania for a gathering of Binkley Genealogy Researchers. It was a very, very special event. Thank you Lee for arranging it. Jim is very supportive of my Genealogy passion, but he really couldn't care less. It is wonderful to meet others bitten by the same "bug". There were about 30 of us. I renewed acquaintances with some dear friends / cousins I had met before and met many new colleges. That was the best part of a wonderful experience.

We had tried to arrange it for the Fall to enjoy the colours, but it is fully booked around then, sometimes years in advance. As it turned out, it was great. Quiet, no line ups or crowds. and still so very beautiful.

We had a day of wonderful seminars where members of our group (including me) presented different family lines and history. A professional researcher talked about our European roots. We had a presentation on the use of DNA in genealogy research - we have an active DNA group. People brought wonderful old artifacts and pictures, etc. etc. We packed a lot of fun and learning into one day!

For the next two days we travelled the beautiful countryside visiting family churches, cemeteries, farms, mills, and homesteads. For those bitten by the Genealogy Bug, nothing could be better! And to do it with friends and relatives who are as excited as I was made it an especially memorable experience.

For those with enough energy, we had tourist activities too - Amish Farm Tours, Musical Plays, Mini Golf etc. We usually had dinners together and I tried not to miss any evening social get-togethers. That was when we had an opportunity to really connect to the new people. By the way, we were not just a bunch of old fogies! The age range of the group was 30's to 90's. This "bug" has no concern for age!

It was sad when people started to go home. Some had to go to work. Some went on to other research centres. Some stayed for a couple of days of research in Lancaster. So a special time came to an end - till the next time!

Thank you again, Lee. I know others helped, but we all know it would never have happened without you! That week is a treasure I will always have.