Dutchess County Genealogical Society

Topics of Meetings Held in 2005-2006

September 20, 2005 "Immigration and Naturalization Records" - Donna Moughty
As a country of immigrants, family researchers at some point reach their immigrant ancestor. This lecture explores various ports of entry and the process of naturalization for our ancestors.

Donna Moughty, a former Regional Sales Manager for a technology company, has been conducting family research for over 15 years. She teaches classes for beginners and lectures on a variety of subjects including Internet and Irish research.

November 15, 2005 "Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?" - Nancy Malling
This presentation which focuses on the unique issues related to passing on personal possessions is based on a course developed by social workers and attorneys at the University of Minnesota. It outlines a number of practical strategies to ease the transition of downsizing personal possessions and help to avoid conflicts among family members. Planning for the transfer of items that have sentimental value is a major challenge for everyone - and is a process that has emotional as well as economic consequences.

Nancy Malling, attorney and genealogist is an active volunteer in New Canaan. She currently serves as program chairman of the New Canaan branch of AAUW, American Association of University Women and president of a local investment club. She teaches Genealogy courses and “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate” at the Lapham Community Center. She has served on the New Canaan Board of Human Services and Nursing and Home Care, Inc.

January 15, 2006

CANCELLED
"Members Sharing with Members"
An open forum where attendees can discuss their research problems and see if others have suggestions to help them. Attendees are also invited to share research breakthroughs and how they did it. We especially encourage questions and discussions of problems related to computers at this meeting.
March 21, 2006 "What Can You Do With a Scanner?" - Bernie Rudberg
Bernie Rudberg will discuss what a scanner is and how it works; types of scanners; and things you can do with scanned image files. He will demonstrate various ways that genealogists can use scanners in their research and discuss software packages that can help. He'll also discuss working with images from digital cameras. Digital image files open possibilities--the only limit is your imagination!

Mr. Rudberg is retired, after having spent four years in Navy electronics and 35 years as an engineer with IBM. He is now actively involved in railroad history and restoration, and is using computers and digital imaging to preserve railroad history.

May 16, 2006 "Saving The Homestead of Revolutionary War Major Abraham Fort!” - Ginny Buechle and Judy Wolf

In early May 2004 as this early Homestead located at 2228 South Road, Poughkeepsie was being prepared for demolition, the Town of Poughkeepsie Historic Preservation Commission determined that the Homestead might be one of the oldest remaining structures in the town, hailing back to the Fort family who were active in the Revolutionary War. Through the efforts of the community and individuals who later formed the Fort Homestead Association, the Homestead was saved in the nick of time.  

Learn more about the goals of the Association and the genealogy of the locally prominent Fort Family! A walk down memory lane through "The Farms" focusing on the period 1911- 1944 when the homestead was owned by the Dickerson family and operated as a working farm will also be presented.