Genealogical workshop offered Saturday in Forkland

Published 7:52 am Tuesday, May 1, 2018

By BRENDA S. EDWARDS
Contributing writer
“American Wars and Their Veterans” is the topic of a genealogical workshop on Saturday, May 19, at Forkland Community Center. The speakers will discuss research on veterans during three sessions. Participants are encouraged to check out the large display of Forkland veterans and network with other genealogy and history enthusiasts during breaks. Lunch will be catered.
Carolyn Crabtree, a history and genealogical researcher, of Parksville; Don Rightmyer, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and former editor of “Kentucky Ancestors”, of Danville; and Eric “Rick” Lee, an Army veteran and author, of Chicago, will present programs.
Carolyn, a former mathematics and English teacher, will talk about “The Forgotten War: Kentuckians in the War of 1812.”
She does research and speaks about history and genealogy for her family and others who have ancestors from central Kentucky and western North Carolina.
Crabtree has written many Bible studies and devotionals and helped compile genealogical books for the Forkland Community Center’s Lincoln museum. She also has published articles for several magazines and compiled books on the Caldwell family in the United States and the McDowell-Shelby-Warren family that has ties to Danville.
Rightmyer, a native of Harrodsburg, served 24 years in the Air Force. He is a lifelong student of the Civil War, especially Kentucky’s experience during the war.
As editor of “Kentucky Ancestors (2007-2013),” he integrated genealogical research into his study of war.
His topic is “North or South? Finding Your Kentucky Civil War Ancestor,” and he will help his audience find and learn about their Kentucky Civil War relative and whether he wore blue, gray or butternut (another color worn by Confederates).
Lee, a native of Chicago, was commissioned as a second lieutenant after completing Army ROTC at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He earned a bachelor’s degree at UA and a master’s degree from Murray State University.
His will talk about his book, “Tribute to Valor and Courage — World Wars,” that has stories of America’s “Greatest Generation.” He is currently working on a sequel to the book.
Lee is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and served with the 101st Airborne Division (air assault) and Third Armored Division. His eight-year military tenure included assignments in leadership, personnel and logistics.
He maintains close ties with World War II organizations and former service members throughout the country. He also has worked with a team on the Library of Congress’ Veterans’s Oral History Project.
Lee is the son of a World War II and Korean War veteran.
The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m., with registration and welcome by Wayne Thurman, Lincoln Museum director.
Crabtree will speak at 9 a.m., followed by a break. Rightmyer’s talk will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:45 a.m. Lee will speak at 12:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer forum.
Attendance is limited to 50 and preregistration is required by May 14. Cost for the workshop is $30 and includes lunch.
More information can be obtained at forklandlincolnmuseum.org or by calling Thurman at (859) 936-7489 or Crabtree at (859) 516-2028 or email at ctree1492@ctreeacres.com.
Forkland Community center is on Ky. 37 in Western Boyle County. Proceeds will be benefit the Lincoln Museum.

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