Sandy Quick will give an overview of GPS and explain why using GPS coordinates will be a valuable element of our genealogy research.

 

 

Nancy Lee Waters will present "The Packet Ships That Brought Them To America". In the 1800s, hundreds of thousands of immigrants left Europe for America seeking economic opportunities, religious, and political freedom. Many hoped to reconnect with family who had previously immigrated.

 

The primary mode of transportation to and from the old county was aboard packet ships. These sailing vessels carried cargo and passengers and sailed between American and European ports. The name “packet” originated in the 16th century when "the packette" was transported on vessels that sailed between Ireland and England. Packet Ships controlled the seas of the Western Ocean until the dawn of steam and clipper ships.

 

Annette Burke Lyttle, Heritage Detective, will present on Bounty Land Records.  Bounty Lands were given to participants of wars such as the War of 1812 and the Mexican War. 

 

Author Connie Lapollo will be telling of her search for her ancestors, Joan Pierce and her daughter Cecily who were among the very earliest settlers in Jamestown, Virginia.  She will explain her research, her serendipitous moments and unusual stirrings which resulted in three historical fiction novels, Dark Enough To See The Stars, When the Moon Has No More Silver and The Sun Is But A Morning Star.