The following article was written by Tony Pleken, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Learning about one’s heritage can provide a sense of belonging and strengthen connections to both family and community. Manitowoc County Genealogical Society (MCGS) is dedicated to helping individuals discover their stories through access to historic resources. For five decades, MCGS has been preserving and sharing our stories. To commemorate this milestone, they are hosting a FREE public event at Manitowoc Public Library.
Join us for Manitowoc County Genealogical Society 50th Anniversary Conference! On Saturday, October 3, from 10 AM-2 PM, head to the Library to enjoy fascinating presentations on local history, family history, and genealogy.
Manitowoc County Genealogical Society (MCGS) was founded on January 15, 1976, to establish an organization for people with a shared interest in genealogy. It was fifty years ago that Richard Coté, Carol Coté, Evelyn Keith, Ann Larson, and Dorothy Tucker founded the Society. Many of their members have decades of experience researching family history and navigating historic records. And on this October weekend, MCGS is bringing and celebrating their genealogy expertise at Manitowoc Public Library.
In addition to presentations from MCGS members, there will be two guest speakers at the conference:
- Parker Nadeau—author of “Beacon of Learning: A Centennial History of Lincoln High School”
- Kerry Trask—local historian, author, and Civil War expert
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
10 AM Sue Paider: “MCGS, a History, a Legacy.”
Sue Paider, Co-President of the MCGS, will welcome attendees and present the history of the MCGS.
10:30 AM Parker Nadeau: “Lighting the Beacon: The Process of Recording Lincoln’s Centennial History.”
Tony Plekan
Parker Nadeau is a lifelong resident of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He is a 2004 alumna of Lincoln High School. He holds an Associate of Arts and Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Manitowoc, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.
Parker will discuss his book “Beacon of Learning,” detailing his research methods, why he started the project, and what it took to create the final product. He will also have pictures, documents, and artifacts on hand for viewing.
11:30 AM–12:15 PM BREAK
12:15 PM Barb Holschbach: “Where History meets Home: Family History and Genealogy.”
Barb Holschbach, Co-President of MCGS, will talk about family history and genealogy and why it is important to us.
1 PM Kerry Trask: “History and a Sense of Place.”
Kerry Trask, professor emeritus of the University of Wisconsin Colleges, taught history at UW-Manitowoc for thirty-six years. A native of Canada, with a PhD in early American history, Trask is author of 7 books including the award-winning works Fire Within: A Civil War Narrative from Wisconsin and Black Hawk: The Battle for the Heart of America. He is a permanent fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, and has lived in Manitowoc for fifty-four years.
Kerry’s presentation, “History and a Sense of Place”, will discuss what he regards as “the five most important historical events that shaped the character and collective identity of Manitowoc.”
The conference is free and open to everybody; no registration is required. We encourage everyone with a love of local history and a passion for genealogy to attend this public event.
If you are interested in learning more about what MCGS has to offer, you can visit their website, https://manitowoccountygenealogicalsociety.wordpress.com/ or follow them on Facebook. MCGS members are also available at Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesdays from 3-5 PM to provide genealogy research assistance.
We invite you be part of this memorable celebration as we honor 50 years of preserving our stories and the history that connects us all.
