This past weekend marked the 11the annual Eastern Kentucky Genealogy and History Conference in Paintsville Kentucky! Back in 2002, a group of researchers began what was then called the "Johnson County Reunion" to swap research notes and family stories in an attempt to re-connect with cousins and other local historians. This popular event soon grew out of its Johnson County confines and became the Eastern Kentucky Genealogy Conference. Each year this event, held on the third weekend in September, has grown bigger and better. With one of its largest attendances yet, a couple of KHS staffers had the opportunity to check things out and had loads of fun in the process!
Here are a few snapshots from our trip!
Our very own Sarah Milligan speaking about Oral History and the best methods to use when interviewing family members.
My lovely audience after speaking to them about technology and genealogy - they were such a sweet bunch! At least they were still smiling AFTER my talk!
Cousin connection: My own cousins (L-R:Jodi Wright and Carolyn Mason Wright) from Scioto County Ohio Genealogical Society came down to represent those ancestors who had left the Eastern Kentucky area to find opportunities in the north. We found a new cousin connection that day with Mr. Edward R. Hazelett - a mutual descendant of Captain Henry Connelly - Revolutionary Soldier who is the ancestral patriarch of many Eastern Kentucky cousins!
Our travels took us past the signs to Butcher Holler several times on our way to Jenny Wiley State Park where we stayed each night.
The host facility each year welcomes attendees and dresses to the nines for the Saturday evening dinner!
Special thanks to the coordinators this year - everyone was so welcoming and receptive to our sessions. For anyone with Eastern Kentucky roots, be sure to put this event on your calendar for next year as attendees come from all over, representing several counties and states to return "Home" to Eastern Kentucky!
--Cheri Daniels, KHS Senior Librarian/Reference Specialist
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