Volunteer Work and Limitations

Six years ago I toured a local house where the historical society operates a museum. We received a grant to cover materials for sorting totes, notebooks etc., and a large commercial fireproof and water resistant file cabinet. The museum is being remodeled on the lower level where these materials are stored. When finished there will be a dedicated research room. Family members also gave generous donations, as well as a community member. The family members who lived in the house are a valuable resource. As we enter the new phase I plan to offer limited scheduled appointments to provide advice and share information about what we have. I no longer take on major research projects as I am very focused on my own family research. There have been times when I pulled a staff person aside to explain, so that they know what my limitations are.

Hertford Museum, England

Got sucked down a wonderful rabbit hole this morning. I just finished the bibliography for the Tidd book and someone thought I needed a break. Twenty pages of books, articles, websites, etc. found in the research preparation for the book. Then this morning I had an odd email from the Hertford Museum group about a bill. I can't open it and maybe for the best as it might be a scam, but what it did was lead me to explore hundreds of pictures of a town I visited while in England in 1997. It is amazing what has happened in this town. Our ancestors the Tidd brothers left there in 1637 and came to Charlestown, Massachusetts. The day we were there they were having a celebration and most places were closed that day. It is one of my most treasured genealogy serendipity moments. The pictures and written history now available online is just amazing. If you want a fun adventure go down the rabbit hole. I have twenty pages of notes to add to the project.