WBCGS

WINNEBAGO & BOONE COUNTIES GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society exists to:

Encourage and support genealogical researchers.
Promote the discovering, collecting, indexing, and preserving of valued genealogical resources of Winnebago and Boone Counties.
Encourage publication of county material and family histories.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

WBCGS holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. We do not have meetings in December, January, and July.
Each month, one of our Members or an outside speaker makes a presentation about a specific topic related to genealogy or research.

DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH COVID-19, ALL IN-PERSON MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED.
For the time being, we are continuing with online meetings using Zoom. Meeting invitations will be sent to all WBCGS members with an email address.
If you’re not a member and are interested in attending, please send us an email at wbcgensociety@gmail.com. You can also contact us at:
WBCGS, PO Box 10166, Loves Park IL 61131-0166.

SEPTEMBER MEETING

Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
"Using Historical Newspapers"
Speaker: Laura Cubbage Draper

Before Facebook and Twitter, the local paper was the place to get the scoop on your community. Historical newspapers are indispensable to genealogical research and to learning about your ancestors and their community. The growth of newspaper digitization has resulted in an incredible resource to team more about our family and provide clues for additional research.

Laura has been engaged in genealogical research for over 20 years. A native of New Jersey with deep Pennsylvania roots, she is a genealogical researcher, presenter, volunteer and the owner of LCD Genealogy Services.
Laura enjoys collaborating with clients and helping them to understand their unique family history. She has expertise in exhaustive genealogical research and compiling detailed written reports, both of which are essential to expanding your family tree.
Master of Science (Counseling & Higher Education Administration), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Syracuse University

OCTOBER MEETING

Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
"Cemetery Road Trip"
Speaker: Laurel Mellien

Crossing a milestone, visiting 1000 cemeteries located in the Midwest, and this program presents the best finds. We will visit burial sites on U.S. Presidents and Native American chiefs. Special cemeteries are also included in the program for example, Showman’s Rest in Forest Park and the National Hobo Cemetery in Iowa. The stained-glass windows in Chicago’s community mausoleums and the mosaics inside of Bishops’ Mausoleum in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hillside are breath taking. We will also be entertained with an array of the most unique and amusing headstones that Laurel has encountered during her travels.

Laurel Mellien holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. Mellien has presented programs for libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations, DAR Chapters, and Questers groups.
Laurel Mellien is dedicated to the research of cemetery art symbolism. With a concentration on the Victorian Era, Mellien will guide your group through the headstones. The programs uncover the hidden symbolism of these open-air art museums and explains the history of the people laid to rest.

NOVEMBER MEETING

Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
“Elias Cosper Roots”
Speaker: Mary Rose Fillip

Elias Cosper who is considered the “Father” of the Rockford library. He was in the Civil War. He worked for the Robertson & Coleman Bank, was a sales rep for J. P. Manny, invested & was secretary/manager for the Rockford Tack Company from 1875-1900. Elias Cosper’s home, built in 1868, is still standing & in wonderful condition in the Brown’s Hills Historic District

Mary Rose Fillip moved to Rockford in December 2013. She very much believes in ‘bloom where you’re planted’. Discovered how very exciting researching local history can be. Believes Rockford is a great place to live, so many museums, events & music. Enjoys volunteering. She loves local history & discovered she enjoys historical research.

ISGS Associate Member