NEWS —-In recent years due to the “pandemic”, redefining terminology, historical distortions, and aging membership, organizations such as ours are experiencing challenges in growth, support, and funding. To confront these challenges the Roscommon County Genealogical Society is inviting the organizations in the tip of the mitten to partner with us and participate in a collaborative endeavor to address these challenges. In 2000 the RCGS established a Research and Education Center (the REC) to extend availability of our resources and increase our collection. In December of 2022 we were forced to lease a larger building and have developed a long-range plan to purchase the property with the dream of establishing a research, education, training, and preservation area on the pattern of the Michigan State Library. Contact us and join our efforts.

EVENT—On May 1, 2024, RCGS in collaboration with the Ogemaw County Genealogical & Historical Society/Museum, the Rose City Area Historical Society, and the West Branch District Library, presented our first program. Mark Jager, author of the “MYSTIC MICHIGAN” book series and PBS program presented a lecture and slide presentation. Forty-four people from several areas joined us.

“Did you know that there are places in Michigan where you can place your car in neutral at the bottom of a hill and your car will seem to roll uphill? What about water running uphill, sinking cities, floating islands, bottom-less lakes or natural underwater passages?! Have you heard of it raining fish in Michigan, tornados of fire or green sunsets? These are not “Michigan Mirages”, but you can learn about those too. As a tourist guide and study reference to historical Michigan, all readers will enjoy discovering the true uniqueness of the state of Michigan and learn about its unsolved, scientific mysteries and strange historical facts.” Forty-four people from several areas attended the program and learned things they did not know about the place they live in.

NOTICE—Every genealogist dream of taking that trip to a major research facility and possibly finding that lost relative, solve that question that has haunted the family for years, or discover why no one wants to talk about the past. At the general meeting in May, RCGS presented “Preparing for Fort Wayne”. A program that discussed the “nuts & bolts” of doing research in a major library. NOTICE—In June our meeting will be devoted to “Genealogy 101” a prep and refresher course for the researcher. Whether you are a “newbie” or a “seasoned veteran” we all need reminders