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COMMEMORATIONS
As we find them, we share commemorations appropriate to honor reunions or ancestors from many sources (states and organizations) and for many reasons (pioneers, settlers, length of reunion, military service). Do you know of more? Email to reunions@execpc.com or send to Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211.
Honor your ancestors!
Commemorations available from many sources provide special recognition at your reunion. These all have very specific requirements. Explore each individually.
... you strive to have your family remembered in a way that is true and correct to the actual way they lived.
By participating, you help to commemorate their lives. You will ensure that future generations will also remember.
The following include how to get a proclamation and national recognitions, commemorations for families and individuals (listed by state), military exploits (listed by war) and historical connections.
PROCLAMATIONS, KUDOS, CITATIONS, AND GREETINGS OF ALL KINDS
Your reunion group is special in many ways. Have you included public recognition of your group's uniqueness?
Among the many ways to highlight, honor and celebrate your group is to solicit citations. Who do you think should know about and acknowledge your reunion? The mayor? The governor? Senators? Congressional representatives? The President of the United States? All possible. All doable.
Tyrone Dumas welcomed the McNair Brazil Scott family reunion to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with greetings on behalf of the people of Wisconsin, from the governor, and Milwaukee, from the mayor and the county executive.
The following is a sample of a letter written to solicit a proclamation. Specific questions necessary to prepare your proclamation should be answered in your initial correspondence. You’ll need to introduce your reunion — what’s special about your group? Include the date, place and number expected. Allow plenty of time. Note that in the example, the writer allowed seven months.
McNair-Brazil-Scott Reunion
July 8-11,1993
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Our reunion theme for 1993 is “Today’s Youth. . .Our Families Future"
January 12, 1993
From: Tyrone P. Dumas
Milwaukee WI
To: County Executive F. Thomas Ament
Milwaukee WI
Subject: Proclamation/Resolution honoring the McNair-Brazil-Scott Family Reunion
Dear Mr. Ament:
Milwaukee is hosting the annual McNair-Brazil-Scott family reunion at the Marc Plaza hotel from July 8 through July 11, 1993. We want to showcase the best that Milwaukee has to offer and would like to have our family honored via a proclamation. Our roots are in the state of Arkansas and our family has settled all over the USA with a sizable group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
We are expecting 250-300 people (visitors) for our 4 day reunion and want to have the proclamation presented at our family dinner on Saturday night, July 10, 1993. The proclamation should honor the legacy of the African-American Family as exhibited in the many generations of the McNair-Brazil-Scott Families.
Thanks for your time and effort. Please contact me ASAP when you have approved and scheduled the issuance of the proclamation. If you are available, we’d be honored if you’d personally present the proclamation to our family elders.
Sincerely,
Tyrone P. Dumas, Reunion Committee Chairperson.
White House salutes reunions
Do you want the White House to recognize your reunion? Send a letter a minimum of four to six weeks in advance to Darren K. Hipp: Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence, Room 91, The White House, Washington DC 20500. Include the name of your family, school or military group, reason for the reunion, date and name of the contact person. The busiest times are March through July and October through January.
White House salutes special occasions
If your reunion will be celebrating someone's special birthday - over 80 - or wedding anniversaries - 50 years or more, you might want to add special greetings from the White House. Include details about your event and send to Greetings Office, EEOB Room 39, The White House, Washington DC 20502. Make your requests months in advance to assure that you will have greetings before you need them rather than after, which can be very disappointing.
Descended from a president?
Presidential Families of America is a lineage society whose members have direct or collateral hereditary blood-lines to deceased presidents of North American Republics (USA, Confederate State of America, Republic of Texas, Republic of West Florida). PFA does not do research, respond to inquiries about pedigrees nor provide information about presidents wives, vice presidents or cabinet members. A #10 SASE is required. Send to Dr. Lawrence Kent, 608 S. Conway Rd, Ste G, Orlando FL 32807.
Flags flown over the Capitol
Flags flown over the Capitol building in Washington DC are available to mark extra special events. Expect to pay a small fee — probably under $10.00 depending upon size and fabric. The flag comes with a certificate stating the day, time and occasion for which it was flown — your reunion. You must contact your own representative or senator for instructions.
I am so thrilled to have received a US Flag that was flown over the Capitol in honor of the Morris family. Rose Hendrickson, Park City UT
STATE AND LOCAL RECOGNITIONS
ARIZONA
Arizona pioneers
If you can prove you had an ancestor in Arizona before their statehood date, February 14, 1912, you can apply for a Children of Arizona Pioneers Certificate. Request application and instructions from Joella Cheek, Pioneer Certification, HC29 Box 359, Prescott AZ 86301.
ARKANSAS
Arkansas Ancestry
Certificates of Arkansas Ancestry are available for descendants of Arkansas settlers in three categories. Territorial ancestors were residents of Arkansas before June 15, 1836. Antebellum ancestors were residents of the state before May 6, 1861. And Nineteenth Century ancestors were residents before December 31, 1900. Send an SASE for application materials to Desmond Walls Allen, Arkansas Genealogical Society, 99 Lawrence Landing Rd, Conway AR 72032.
COLORADO
Were your ancestors Colorado Pioneers?
The Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies Family Recognition Program recognizes pioneers to the state. There are three categories of families — First, Territorial and Centennial. Certificates are numbered and show ancestors’ names and names of applicants. If both ancestor husband and wife qualify, both names may appear on the certificate. Applicants need not currently reside in Colorado but must be direct descendant of an ancestor who does qualify. Applicant must submit proof of the direct relationship between each generation from the applicant back to the earliest Colorado ancestor. There is a $10.00 fee for each certificate.
First family — Ancestor must have been born in or settled in what is now Colorado before February 28, 1861.
Territorial family — Ancestor must have been born in or settled in the territory that is now Colorado between February 28, 1861 and August 1, 1876.
Centennial family — Ancestor must have been born in or settled in Colorado at least 100 years prior to the date of application.
Contact CCGS, PO Box 40270, Denver CO 80202-0270, or Mary Heddles, Director, 1511 Spencer St., Longmont CO 80501-2414; mheddles@cs.com.
FLORIDA
Seminole County, Florida natives and original families Seminole County is populated with newcomers but few can claim genealogical lineage beyond 1913, the year Seminole County was founded. If you have a link to Seminole County’s past, certify your ancestry.
The Seminole County Historical Society offers a Certificate of Heritage to anyone with a lineage in Seminole County prior to April 25, 1913. Each certificate requires a processing fee and documentation of lineage. For instructions, contact Heritage Committee, Seminole County Historical Society, PO Box 409, Sanford FL 32772-0409.
GEORGIA
Georgia Pioneers honors deeds of her earliest pioneers who established the state, customs, culture and history. Any direct descendent of settlers before 1826 can apply for the Georgia Pioneer Descendant Certificate with a complete application, proofs of descent and $10 fee. Contact Central Georgia Genealogical Society, PO Box 2024, Warner Robins GA 31099-2024.
HAWAII
Hawaiian ancestry is the focus of Operation Ohana, a project sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), an ancestry registry to identify and locate Hawaiians worldwide. No charge nor minimum blood quantum is required. To register one must be a direct descendent from a person of Hawaiian blood. Contact Kimberly Kau, 711 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste. 500, Honolulu HI 96813; 808-594-1960.
IDAHO
Idaho Pioneers
If your ancestors settled in Idaho before July 3, 1890, contact the Idaho Genealogical Society, 4620 Overland Rd, #204, Boise ID 83705-2867.
ILLINOIS
Illinois Prairie Pioneers
Prairie Pioneer Certificates are an excellent way to honor Illinois ancestors, and document early Illinois settlement.
Certificates are issued in three categories: prior to statehood, 1819-1850, and 1851-1880. Applicants must be lineal descendants of Prairie Pioneers but need not live in Illinois nor be members of the Illinois State Genealogical Society.
The $10 fee is required when the completed application is submitted. Send a SASE to Prairie Pioneer Chair, IL State Genealogical Society, PO Box 10195, Springfield IL 62791-0195.
Winnebago and Boone County Pioneers
Winnebago and Boone Counties (Illinois) Genealogical society issues Early Pioneer Certificates to direct descendants of early residents.
For an Early Pioneer Certificate, the applicant’s direct ancestor must have resided in Winnebago or Boone county no later than 1880. Certificates will be awarded in two categories: for ancestors in residence by 1880, ancestors in residence no later than 1850. Applicant need not have ever resided in either county.
For an application form, write: Early Pioneer Chairman, Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society, PO Box 10166, Rockford IL 61131.
Canal Pioneers
And now something new we’ve just discovered to honor families whose ancestors played a part in the settlement of the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal National Heritage Corridor. The I & M Canal created a continental water passageway connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. It was the completion of this early feat in 1848 that transformed Chicago into a boom town. For a Canal Pioneer application write The Canal Corridor Association, 220 S. State St, Ste 1880, Chicago IL 60604.
Chicago Ancestry
This certificate is available to individuals who can prove Chicago residency of ancestors in one or more categories. Categories for Pioneer certificates: 1772-1822 Early Settlers, 1823-1850 Early 19th Century, 1851-1900 Late 19th Century. Categories for Great Migration certificates: 1901-1909 Old Settlers, 1910-1920 Great Migration. A small $7.50 fee will be required when you submit completed materials. For application forms and details contact Certification Program, PO Box 438652, Chicago IL 60643-8652.
IOWA
Iowa Pioneers
The Iowa Genealogical Society’s Certificate Program honors families with Iowa roots. Applicants must prove direct descent and that the ancestor settled in Iowa by 1856 for a Pioneer Certificate or more than 100 years prior to application for a Century Certificate. The person to whom the certificate is issued need not be living in Iowa. For application and instructions write Certificate Program, Iowa Genealogical Society, PO Box 7735, Des Moines IA 50322-7735.
KANSAS
Kansas issues three certificates for Forgotten Settlers of Kansas. Territorial certificates are for direct descendants of people who lived in Kansas prior to January 29, 1861; Pioneer certificates from 1861 to December 31, 1880; Early Settler certificates from January 1, 1881 and December 31, 1900. Send a #10 SASE to Kansas Council of Genealogical Societies, PO Box 3858, Topeka KS 66604-6858.
MICHIGAN
Detroit, Michigan, Original Settlers
Detroit 300, is a tricentennial celebration for the metropolitan area encompassing Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties in Michigan and Essex County, Ontario, Canada. Their Family Reunion Program provides the perfect vehicle to recognize families whose lineage connects them to Detroit history. Original Settlers, Early Families and Centenarians were honored as part of the official tricentennial events in July 2001. Original Settler families had ancestors who settled in this fur trading post and stopped off on the way to places further west between 1701 and 1750. Families received an official Original Settlers of Detroit Tricentennial Certificate and one representative from each verified descendant line was invited to the July event.
NEW MEXICO
First Families of New Mexico
The New Mexico State Genealogical Society honors descendants of pioneers. To qualify your ancestor must fit in one of these categories: Native American, The Onate Period (1598-1680), the Reconquest (1692-1821), The Mexican Period (1821-1846) and Territorial Period (1846-1912). Send request to First Families of New Mexico, PO Box 8283, Albuquerque NM 87198-8283.
OKLAHOMA
Pioneer and Indian families of Oklahoma or Indian Territories
First Families of the Twin Territories is sponsored by the Oklahoma Genealogical Society to recognize, honor and perpetuate the memory of families who were residents on or before statehood, November 16, 1907. Your membership in First Families requires proof that each generation of your lineage can be traced to settlers in the Twin Territories. Send SASE to OK Genealogical Society, PO Box 12986, Oklahoma City OK 73157.
OREGON
Ancestors of Oregon Trail Blazers who migrated west on the Oregon Trail between 1811 and 1911 are being honored during the sesquicentennial of the westerly migration with a certificate to commemorate their accomplishment. To qualify, a descendent of anyone who traveled any part of the Oregon Trail, should request information and registration. Send SASE to the Oregon Trial Project, 4620 Overland Rd, #206, Boise ID 83705.
TENNESSEE
First Families of Tennessee is a project to commemorate the state’s Bicentennial in 1996 and honor descendants of its first residents. Membership is open to anyone who is directly descended from a person living in Tennessee when or before the state was admitted to the Union June 1, 1796. Write East Tennessee Historical Society, PO Box 1629, Knoxville TN 37901-1629.
TEXAS
Texas will celebrate its 150th anniversary as a state February 19, 1996 with a First Families of Texas commemoration program. Anyone descended from an ancestor who was living in Texas on February 19, 1846 should send a legal size SASE with 55¢ postage to First Families of Texas Certificate, Wanda L. Donaldson, 3219 Meadow Oaks Dr., Temple TX 76502-1752.
West Texas Pioneers
To help preserve the history of ancestral pioneers, the Texas State Genealogical Society (TSGS) will issue certificates to persons who are direct descendants of settlers who resided in West Texas prior to 1901. There is a $15 fee. For application, contact Mac Hill, TSGS, 2313 Lakeshore Dr, Cleburne TX 76031.
Pioneer Texas families
Collin Country, Texas, honors First Families (ancestor residing in county between 1846 and end of the Civil Way April 1865) and Reconstruction Families (ancestor residing in the county from the close of the Civil War until December 1899). Application write Jeanette Bickley Bland, Collin County Genealogical Society, PO Box 865052, Plano TX 75086-5052.
UTAH
Utah Pioneers
Utah is honoring forefathers and mothers who crossed the plains and helped develop the state. Families may honor their ancestors in one of two classifications. Founders are those who came while Utah was still part of Mexico before it became a territory. Territorial pioneers are those who came before Utah became a state in 1896. For application materials write Utah Genealogical Association, PO Box 1144, Salt Lake City UT 84110.
WASHINGTON
1847 Oregon and California Trail Pioneers
The 1847 Pioneer Project goal is to document the 5,000 sturdy pioneers who took the Trail for Oregon and the west coast. Work is underway to identify and collect full genealogy information for these pioneers. If you have ancestors who crossed the plains in 1847, or access to other information about the emigration, contact Nancy Prevost, 637 E 18th Ave, Spokane WA 99203-2222; prevost@ieway.com.
WISCONSIN
Reunions cited in Wisconsin
Family reunions in Wisconsin are commemorated by a certificate from the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society. Family reunions may request recognition for every reunion. Certificates cost $5 for the first and $3 for additional certificates issued at the same time. For info and application form, write MSGS, PO Box 5106, Madison WI 53705.
Wisconsin Pioneer or Century Ancestors
Wisconsin State Genealogical Society’s Pioneer/Century Family Certificate Program is to recognize families with Wisconsin roots and advance genealogical research in the state. Applicants for Pioneer must prove direct descent and that your ancestor settled in Wisconsin prior to 1851 or for 100 years preceding the date of application in the case of Century Ancestors. Applicants may apply for certificates to be issued to themselves or others and they need not live in Wisconsin to qualify. Certificates cost $4.00 each. For information or application send SASE to WSGS, PO Box 5106, Madison WI 53705-0106.
Wisconsin State Genealogical Society’s Pioneer/Century Family Certificate Program is to recognize families with Wisconsin roots and advance genealogical research in the state. Applicants for Pioneer must prove direct descent and that your ancestor settled in Wisconsin prior to 1851 or for 100 years preceding the date of application in the case of Century Ancestors. Applicants may apply for certificates to be issued to themselves or others and they need not live in Wisconsin to qualify. Certificates cost $4.00 each. For information or application send SASE to WSGS, PO Box 5106, Madison WI 53705-0106.
MILITARY
CIVIL WAR
Find a Confederate soldier
If you’re doing genealogical or family history research and need information about an ancestor who was a Confederate soldier, try these resources for possible information:
Confederate Descendants Society, PO Box 233, Athens AL 35611; or RARE Collection, TK Kennedy, PO Box 355, Braddock Heights MD 21702.
They would be elderly now, indeed, but persons whose fathers fought in the Union Army in the Civil War are eligible to be honored as “real sons” and “real daughters” of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War . Send name and summary of father’s service for potential honorees to Jerome Orton, PO Box 233, Syracuse NY 13201-0233.
WORLD WAR I
World War I Commemorative medals
Any living veteran of World War I may apply for a 75th anniversary commemorative medal; a gift from the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation. If the veteran is deceased, family may obtain a certificate in his/her name. You’ll need a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers (filed in County Clerk’s offices). Request application materials from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 536 S. Clark St, Chicago IL 60605.
WORLD WAR II
Battle of the Atlantic 50th Anniversary (presented by the United Kingdom to all WW II US Navy and Coast Guard Sailors who qualify who served on ships during those historic battles. Contact Lyn Burke; Carthusian Court; 12 Carthusian St.; London, England EC1M-6EB.
The 854th Spearheaders 19th reunion in Buffalo, New York, in 1994 received citations right from the top, starting with President Bill Clinton. They received proclamations and greetings from the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Air Force and Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers. Commendations and congratulations were received from New York's governor, senators and representatives. Their reunion week was proclaimed The 854th Spearheaders Week for the unit’s outstanding achievements.
James E. Bethell, Springfield, Virginia, 854th reunion organizer, was busy months in advance sending brief, cogent information and requests for reunion greetings. His persistence paid off.
Prisoner of War Certificate of Captivity from the Prisoner of War Information System (POW-IS). Stephen Stofko, 703-878-7882; stofkos@prodigy.net.
KOREAN WAR
Korean War Service Medals
If you haven’t received your Korean War Service Medal, contact Major Kwon, Korean Embassy, 2450 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008; 202-939-6484.
MORE WAYS TO HONOR YOUR REUNION - HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS
Immigrant Wall of Honor
Due to overwhelming interest, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. is reopening registration for The American Immigrant Wall of Honor®. The memorial, a tribute to the “Peopling of America®,” currently contains the names of over 500,000 individuals and families honored by their descendants. Proceeds from this new section of The Wall will help fund creation of The American Family Immigration History Center where families will be able to document ancestor’s immigration through Ellis Island. New submissions will be added to the wall by the end of 1998. In addition to restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and their museums, other additions include an expanded Oral History Studio, Children’s Visitor Center and the Immigrant’s Living Theatre. Contact The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc, PO Box ELLIS, New York NY 10163; 212-883-1986.
Cherokee heritage
The Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy offers membership to persons who have as much as 1/16 blood degree and don’t belong to another tribe. This is not limited to Cherokee but includes persons of any Indian heritage. For information, write the Confederacy, National Tribal Office, Rt. 4, Box 120, Albany GA 31705.
More Cherokee heritage
In 1998 the First Family of the Cherokee Nation began recognizing descendants of Cherokee Nation inhabitants occupying the area before the Trail of Tears. There are two ways to become a member. The first is to have a tribal membership card, fill out required paperwork showing ancestry to 1838, and submit a $25 lifetime membership fee. The second (for those not of Cherokee blood) must prove their ancestors were legal Cherokee Nation occupants. Contact Kathy Harmon, First Families of the Cherokee Nation, c/o Cherokee Heritage Center, PO Box 515, Tahlequah OK 74465; 888-999-6007.
Ancestor tribute
A Tribute to our Enslaved Ancestors is an ongoing photo collection project by The International Society of Sons and Daughter of Slave Ancestry (ISDSA) as part of its effort to document and preserve slave genealogy. Photos of slave ancestors born before 1865 will initially be in on exhibit at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Chicago, Illinois. The exhibit will grow with additional submissions. Do not send originals; submissions will not be returned. Contact ISDSA, PO Box 436937, Chicago IL 60643-6937; ISDSA@aol.com.
African Middle Passage ceremony
On July 3, 1999, during a ceremonial event at sea, a monument honoring the millions of men, women, and children who lost their lives enroute to and at the hands of slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries will be lowered into the Atlantic Ocean's Middle Passage, perhaps never to be seen again. Six replicas of the monument will be created for placement on land in Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North and South America.
The Honorable Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has endorsed the project, describing it as an opportunity to help broaden the understanding of African cultures and the heritage of people of African descent.
The ships for the Monument Site depart Manhattan June 26, 1999. Related events will take place in New York City starting June 19th, enabling everyone to play an integral role in this once-in-a-lifetime salute to our great ancestors.
On July 3, 1999, the monument will be lowered and spirits lifted.
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