Dutchess County Genealogical Society

Topics of Meetings Held in 2009-2010

September 15, 2009 Planning a Genealogical Research Trip

If you've been doing genealogical research for a while, you've probably curious about the area where your ancestors lived. If you've gotten books about the area and seen pictures of it, they may have whetted your appetite to see the real thing. While you can accomplish a lot through long-distance research, there is no substitute for seeing, in person, the area where your ancestors lived, and you may be able to research in sources there that aren't available anywhere else. Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer will discuss planning in advance so you have all the information you need to do your research, and can make the best use of your time.

Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer has been doing genealogical research since 1979. Articles she has written have appeared in several national periodicals, and she has spoken at national conferences. Her book, Long-Distance Genealogy, was published by Betterway Books in 2000.

October 24, 2009 Fall 2009 Seminar
Searching for Your Ancestors ... on the Internet

Click here for details

November 17, 2009

What Archives?

Ginny Buechele will discuss the background of the Dutchess County Archives and the Dutchess County Historian position, what the present situation is, what needs to be done, and what people can do to make it happen.

As a local historian and genealogist, Ginny has helped individuals from across the country and around the world to learn more about their roots in Dutchess. Since 2003, she has been advocating for appointment, and now reappointment, of a Dutchess County Historian and compliance with local, state and federal regulations pertaining to records management. Ginny believes history and genealogy go hand in hand: you can't have one without the other and you can't know where you are going unless you know where you came from and what grounds you in your community.

Ginny Buechele is a retired paralegal; recipient of the 2004 Dutchess County Historical Society Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Award; recipient of the 2006 NSDAR Historic Preservation Award; and a founder, former co-president and current member of the Fort Homestead Association, seeking to obtain ownership of and preserve and rehabilitate the Revolutionary War homestead of Major Abraham Fort located on South Road, Poughkeepsie.

January 19, 2010
Members Helping Members
 
Our traditional January meeting is an informal, 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 tell how they made them. Bringing a favorite genealogy reference book for "show and tell" is also an excellent conversation starter.
March 16, 2010 German History and Heritage in New York

From the earliest days of European colonization of New York, German immigrants were here. They were craftsman, merchants, farmers and leaders who contributed to the growth of the state. They came when it was a Dutch colony, and stayed.  They came as Palatines immigrants, and settled the frontier. They served in war and peace. They came to our cities and brought their language, culture and talents. Joseph Lieby will discuss the various aspects of Germans in New York. 

Dr. Lieby is a retired educator who performs professional genealogical research, specializing in New York. In addition, he is involved in several genealogical organizations, including the Orange County Genealogical Society and the New York Chapter of Palatines to America.

May 18, 2010

Rhinebeck's Black Community: From Slavery to Freedom

Steven Mann will focus on the interaction Rhinebeck's Black community had with the rest of the town's citizenry before and after the Abolition of slavery. He will also discuss the little neighborhood of Oak Street, formerly known as Tar Pot, and the Negro section of the Rhinebeck Cemetery.

Steven Mann, a Catskill native, is a regional genealogist focused on the English and Dutch Quakers.