Family History Institute of Southwest Virginia, April 9

Registration has begun for the 16th Family History Institute of Southwest Virginia. The Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association will sponsor the Institute on April 9 beginning at 9 AM.; registration will be at 8 AM. This event will be held at the Wytheville Meeting Center. The purpose of the institute is to hear speakers on a variety of genealogical and historical subjects.

The first speaker will be Dr. Jim Glanville, with the popular topic, “Genealogy and the Indians of Western Virginia.”  Glanville was born in London, England. He retired from the chemistry department at Virginia Tech in 2004 and has pursued his interest in archeology, history and Indian culture, writing numerous scholarly articles and making presentations of his findings to many groups. 

Bob Lockett, past president of Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association, will make his presentation on another popular topic, “DNA and Genealogy: What You Need to Know to Get Started.” Lockett has divided his presentation into two parts; the first focusing on the common terms related to DNA, and will connect to the grouping where various tribes originated and spread around the world.  The second half will demonstrate how to use DNA in genealogical research by reviewing the published history of the Repass family and its DNA and historical and genealogical connection in Switzerland.

Tom Klatka, archaeologist, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, will present “Memory and Preservation:  Advice on Documenting, Researching and Protecting Cemeteries.” This presentation will focus on small cemeteries that serve the needs of families, church, congregations and local communities.  Discussion will include the design elements of cemeteries as planned landscapes, advice on undertaking internet and archival research, and field methods for documenting the location and appearance of cemeteries. 
 
Rubinette Niemann’s topic, “Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia,” will include information about resources available at the office located in Abingdon. She will discuss details about their library, the computerized index, photos and regular programs.  She will also provide particulars about their connection to various programs in the community, their funding and their volunteers. Niemann is a volunteer with the Historical Society of Washington County. She has compiled and published a family genealogy book, Our Heritage, Miller-Rose, Niemann-Hedges, 1520-1981.
 
William (Bill) Sprinkle, assistant director of engineering at the Department of Corrections, has in recent years become interested in genealogy of his family and is a member of the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association. His love of history and genealogy led him to investigate the background of his antique family clock. This led him to town halls, banks, antique dealers, six different courthouses, historical societies and even Goodwill.  As a result he will have as his topic at this meeting, “A Moment in Time:  Investigating a Family Heirloom without the Internet.”

A reception will follow the meeting on April 9 and the office of the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association and the Edith Bolling Wilson Museum will be open after hours.
 
You may request a registration form by sending a SASE to WCGHA, P.O. Box 1601, Wytheville, VA 24382, or by calling 276-228-3420 or 228-2445. An electronic copy is also available from wythecogha@gmail.com. Those registering after March 20 are subject to an extra fee.

—Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association