It's Not Over Until ...

Last weekend, we had the Founding Families Fair & Picnic. It was covered by the Port Rowan Good News, The Simcoe Reformer, and the Brantford Expositor. It was a good showing - only about 100-120 people despite the rain all morning. Scott Gillies' speech was interesting.

We plan on doing the same thing next year, but with a twist (more to come on that). If you would like to be on the committee for the 2012 Founding Families Fair & Picnic, please email me.

I will not be posting on this blog very much. This year (which starts in September as I am an elementary teacher), I have decided that I need to use a research journal to encompass all of my genealogical wondering. So, I have gotten that organized and plan to post updates and quandaries on my personal blog, Among the Trees of My Ancestors. Scope and focus can be found on the blog.

Until next year, may you cup be filled and your quests be fruitful!

Last Minute Details ...

One last post before the big day.  The Weather Network is calling for a 60% chance of thunder storms Saturday. Don't fret - there is a back up plan if it rains (but it won't - positive thinking). The event will move to a number of dry locales within Backus Heritage Conservation Area if need-be. But we won't need to, right?!

You can now register online! Click here to fill out the form and send it to me. Pay at the gates  and at the registration table on the day of the event.

1. Entry & Parking - When you drive into Backus HCA, please stop at the gate to pay the discounted entry fee. There, you will be directed to the event site. Follow parking directors as you go. Parking will first, be available to those needing close proximity (i.e., handicapped or aged persons) and first come, first served behind the Heritage Village. 
2. Registration - There have been a number of early registrants. For all registrants, please find the Registration Tables at the parking entrance to the Heritage Village (Suderman Barn). You will be required to fill out a form that details your pedigree and will receive your family poster then. Remember, $2 for individuals and $5 for a family of up to 4. The cost covers rental fees and production costs such as photocopying, etc.
3. Stake your Claim - Picnic Table have been set around the Heritage Village for your use. Don't like where they are situated (e.g., not enough shade)? They can be moved to suit your needs.  When you find the perfect spot, post your family poster so others can find you.
4. Picnic Time! Have your picnic whenever you want. The event is very casual. Remember, Scott Gillies is speaking at the Cherry Valley Schoolhouse at 2:00 pm. Besides that, follow your own schedule.
5. Information Booths - There are a number of historical societies and family historians in the Forbes Barn. Visit with them at your convenience.

Remember, there is a fire ban in Norfolk County - no barbecuing. Hopefully, we will get rain Thursday and Friday to help farmers out. On your drive, you will notice that we are in the middle of a drought. Orchard crops failed in the Spring (frost) and extreme dry conditions have really taxed field crops. It's been a rough year for farmers.

Well, I guess that's it. Thank you in advance for your participation in the event. There are so many people that have come together to help me on the day of the event. Thank you all!

Register Online!

You can now register online! Click here to fill out the form and send it to me. Pay at the gates  and at the registration table on the day of the event.

Backus HCA staff, descendants of the Founding Families of Long Point Region, and the event convener tie up loose ends in preparation for the Founding Families Fair & Picnic on Saturday, July 28, 2012. To be held at the Heritage Village at Backus Heritage Conservation Area from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, the day promises to be rewarding to both participants and county residents. For more information, contact Trevor R. Shelly at (226) 228-5451 or Wanda Backus-Kelly at (519) 586-2019.

Itinerary for the Event

Well, there's less than 3 weeks to go before the picnic and genealogy fair. Really, I wish I would have called it a family reunion instead. It's that casual!
FYI - the event has been moved to the Heritage Village at Backus Heritage Conservation Area. So, when you pay the discounted park entry fee of $7 at the gatehouse, drive past the 1798 Backhouse Mill and bear right at the foot of the hill leading to the Village. Then, turn left at the "Heritage Village Parking" sign and bear left. There will be parking attendants there to help you find the best place to park. Overflow will, first, be on the north shore of the Upper Mill Pond, then one either side of the road at the Nature Education Centre.
Registration can be made at the booth at the parking entrance into the Heritage Village.


10:30 am     Historical societies may set up their information booths in the Forbes Barn.
11:00 am     Registration open! Those that pre-registered need only to check in at the booth and receive their family place card. Then, it is up to you to Stake Your Claim by choosing a nice spot to picnic. Picnic tables are available all around the Village. By all means, move them to suit your needs!
11:00 am     Meet & Greet Picnic Until 1:00 pm Meet others in your family line. Check out the other claims. Is there anyone here that fits into your tree too?
1:00 pm       Tours of Backus Heritage Village Interpreters will be available to show you through the many on-site buildings. Visit the information booths as well!
2:00 pm       "Flames Across Norfolk" Scott Gillies will present his keynote address in the Cherry Valley Schoolhouse until 2:45 pm. Get there early - seating is limited!
3:00 pm       Genealogy Fair Networking Visit with fellow researchers in the Forbes Barn. It's time to try to fill in those ever-present holes in your research. Gather contacts to add to your genealogical network. Talk shop!
4:00 pm       The Village is closed. The event is finished. Enjoy the drive home!


Well, that's it, I guess. I think I used more exclamation marks in this post than any other. Can you tell I'm excited?!


PS - If you are interested in helping out for the next Founding Families event, let me know. The one thing I learned was that we need a committee!

Exciting News and Happenings!

What a month! I have kind of backed off on working on the picnic and genealogy fair - end-of-year stuff for teaching. I did make it to the Grand River Branch UELAC meeting last Saturday. They will be there with bells on (i.e., 'lots of  visitors and they will have a kiosk set up). I'm really happy the branch and members will be attending. Thank you, all!
I got a phone call this morning from my cousin, Wanda Backus-Kelly. She said my hometown, Port Rowan, was a-buzz with anticipation. The Port Rowan Good News ran a human interest story on the event and she was getting numerous calls. Great news EXCEPT that some were asking how to get a registration form. I tried the link to the left (under Contact Us!) and it works fine from various locations. I'm not sure why people are having difficulty - can someone let me know?
As well, I included my phone number and Wanda's contact information to halp alleviate concerns. Don't worry - you can register the day of the event as well!

An Exciting Night at South Walsingham Heritage Association

Last night, I was scheduled to present the Founding Families Fair & Picnic to the members of the South Walsingham Heritage Association. Headquartered in my hometown, Port Rowan, it was a delight to talk to fellow family historians about the event.
Paul and Marlene Smith were very welcoming. I spent about 25 minutes discussing with the members what my vision for the fair & picnic was. There were some very interesting questions that I would like to post (with answers of course):

1.  Can the general public attend? Absolutely! Even if you don't have a founding family ancestor, you are welcome to attend. Especially for those amateur genealogists out there, I think that Scott Gillies' presentation and the various kiosks set up around would be of great interest for visitors. You know, sometimes when you are so into marketing an event for a specific audience, you forget that there might be a whole 'nother bunch of people who might find what you are doing interesting!
2. When do I have to register? The day of the event or any time before. However, when you register early, it gives me more time to prepare a section for you - with banner and everything!
3. What about parking? Am I going to have to hike to the site? Yes and know. Early parking will be available near the large pavilion - between the mill and education centre and upper mill pond. As the day wears on, I expect that parking will move further and further away. That reminds me - I better set aside about 10 parking spots for handi-capable vehicle. Please note: There is a $13 entry fee into Backus Conservation Area. I am in talks with them to have if discounted, depending on numbers. Again - the more early registrations, the better!
4. Will you have computers available for registrants? Okay, this one puzzled me and broke my smarmy smile ;) I explained that, no, I wouldn't provide computers for everyone - the cost alone is prohibitive. As well, most avid genealogists have laptops or have printed their family trees. There's got to be some way you lug around all of your research to each archive, land registry office and cemetery! There will be, however, plugs for interested registrants. Another logistical point that will be solved if you register early. (An aside - I've never been asked this question before. REALLY?!)
5. Where will family sites be set up? It's an outdoor venue - you will be outside. There are spots available for kiosks and some requests. Again early registration = first come, first served.
6. Why are you not inviting any post-war families from the area? This year marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Since the War did not come to Norfolk County until 1813, there is nothing being planned for this year. I thought there was a definite need for an event this year and thought of those families who were here bright and early. Some major families came afterward - maybe someone will create an event for them.