Preserving Beauvoir's Artifacts

LINK - Stevens Auction Company of Amory is helping restore many of Beauvoir's artifacts. There is information on a fund which is being used to help with the costs of restoring Beauvoir.

Itawamba Historical Society Seeks New Members

The Itawamba Historical Society needs your help. Each year the Itawamba Historical Society receives hundreds of visitors from all across the United States. These visitors come to Itawamba County researching their Itawamba County family roots. The Itawamba Historical Society operates Historic Bonds House Museum and The George Poteet History Center which includes the Gaither Spradling Library. All of the society's facilities are open regular hours and are open free of charge.

Not only does the society receive out-of-county visitors, they answer literally thousands of requests for information about Itawamba County each year. The society also operates an Internet web site containing thousands of county historical records.

Perhaps the most noble cause of the society is they are are at the forefront of preserving the county's rich history and heritage -- a unique county nestled in the foothills of southern Appalachia!

The society's operating expenses are massive yet they receive no tax dollars for their support. The society's annual operating budget depends entirely upon generous individuals, through membership dues and donations. Without such support, they simply could not exist.

Jo Nell Sheffield Wood, society president, has announced a county membership drive. "We take this opportunity to ask for your much needed assistance through a membership donation. We have several categories of membership with the hopes that perhaps one is right for you," she said.

Wood added, "A membership in your county historical society has its benefits. One benefit is an annual subscription to Itawamba Settlers, the quarterly 56-page journal of Itawamba County, Mississippi history and genealogy. This journal, in its 24th year of publication, contains fascinating articles about Itawamba County's rich history and heritage, historic county photographs, articles submitted by members from all across the nation pertaining to their Itawamba County families, and much much more."

The county historical society holds monthly program meetings. Although attendance at meetings is not required,k many members and visitors enjoy fascinating, entertaining, and educational programs. Their programs include speakers from all across the state and nation - leaders in the fields of historic research and preservation.

Perhaps the best benefit of being a member of the Itawamba Historical Society is knowing you are truly helping a worthy organization. Each year hundreds of county school children as well as area clubs and groups tour their facilities where they learn about their county's history and heritage. They receive thousands of visitors from almost every state in the union, as well as answer thousands of requests for information about the county. They are a service to Itawamba County by promoting the county's history and heritage nation-wide.

Wood invites Itawamba County residents and non-residents alike to help the county historical society by becoming a supporting member today. The Itawamba Historical Society is a Mississippi non-profit organization. Membership dues are $25 per year and include a year's subscription to Itawamba Settlers. Membership dues may be mailed to the society at:

Itawamba Historical Society
PO Box 7
Mantachie, MS 38855.

Mississippi Marriages Published

LINK - Pioneer Publishing in Carrollton has published volume 1 of a series of volumes that will document Mississippi's marriages through 1900. The first volume lists grooms whose last name begins with the letter "A" and documents more than 6500 marriages. It sells for $18 and can be ordered from the publisher. Information can be found in the article in the Clarion Ledger.

Genealogical Surprise

LINK - When Thulani Davis began searching for her ancestors, she never expected to discover that President James K. Polk was her 6th cousin. This African-American woman had documented her heritage in a book entitled My Confederate Kinfolk: A Twenty-First Century Freedwoman Discovers Her Roots. Her great-grandmother even sold land belonging to Will Campbell of Yazoo County after his death to one of Gov. Barbour's ancestors. It's quite an interesting article!

Elvis Documentary

LINK - Roy Turner of Tupelo is creating a documentary about Elvis' 1956 concert in Tupelo.

R. W. Chandler Home

LINK - The R. W. Chandler home, an antebellum mansion in Okolona, has been donated to a preservation group.

Mississippi Genealogical Society Seminar

LINK - Mississippi Genealogical Society will hold its annual seminar at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History January 21. Charles Sherrill, director of the Brentwood Library in Brentwood, Tennessee, will be the main speaker.

Help For Gulf Coast Genealogical Societies

LINK - Ancestry.com is offering to help genealogical societies with the recovery of Katrina-damaged materials. They are offering help with restoration of the items and with digitization of collections.