Genealogy, one of America’s favorite hobbies, takes center stage Oct. 11-13 at the Jackson City Library’s Potter Room in three special events brought to Jackson by researcher Helen Cott, who is presenting the fruits of her labors to the Jackson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society (JCOGS)
The high point of the research-focused weekend will be Cott’s presentation of the Scurlock Family Military Scrapbook that chronicles through photographs and documents, the 235-plus military descendants of James and Lydia Poor Scurlock, who originally settled in Jackson/Gallia counties. The military scrapbook will ultimately be permanently housed at the Lillian E. Jones Museum and Carriage House Genealogical Center.
Cott, who has volunteered at the National Archives and did her research virtually full-time while living in Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kansas, shows that members of this branch of the Scurlock family have served in every war since the Revolutionary War. The scrapbook documents military descendants only and represents more than six years of work.
“I hope you enjoy it,” Cott said on the website GenForum. “It was a labor of love and many stories surfaced to enhance our understanding of our ancestors.”
Cott said the scrapbook is copyrighted and the pictures were contributed not for the public domain.
“They were compiled to preserve, honor and educate future generations that freedom isn’t free,” Cott said.
All events will happen in the Potter Room of the Jackson City Library. But this is not a library event, for more information contact Donna Scurlock online through JCOGS, www.jacksoncountyohiogen.com
“How to Get Started” – The first event is for beginner’s only on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 6-7 p.m. Cott emphasizes this class is for absolute beginners only. Participants should bring paper and pencil. Class handouts will be available for 50-cents. Adults and children, ages 10 and up with parent, are welcome to this class and Saturday’s scrapbook orientation.
“Tips & Clues” – The Advanced class is Friday, Oct. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. and includes information on where to find WWII serial numbers and what land deeds can tell researchers. Cott also will talk about her favorite free web sites. A 25-cent handout cost for the advanced class.
Military Scrapbook Orientation/Presentation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. Find out how to use the scrapbook, learn scrapbook techniques and details about the individuals highlighted in the scrapbook. Cott encourages all who are interested to be present from 11 to noon to learn how to use the scrapbook, “so as to significantly enhance your understanding of how to fully utilize what the scrapbook can tell you.”
Military personnel will have first preference to view the scrapbook, followed then by out-of-town visitors. Local residents can view the scrapbook that day or make an appointment with the Lillian E. Jones Museum to spend time with the scrapbook after Oct. 27 by calling 286-2556. Regular museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.