Page 9 - Hobe Sound Reflections - December '21

Hobe Sound, Page 9

Club News

Finding Ancestors Carved of dozens of U.S. military veterans, placing gravestones on Theatre’s development director for almost nine years,
Prior to joining the HSMC, she served as The Lyric
unmarked graves of veterans from the Civil War through
In Stone With The Martin World War II; during the past two years, he led efforts to building relationships, increasing donations, creating
County Genealogical Society clean, repair and preserve over 700 veteran gravestones. innovative fundraising campaigns and a planned giving
In addition, he regularly conducts preservation workshops
program, and expanding a sustained giving program. Her
for numerous organizations. Swain serves on the boards career also includes 14 years working for Knight Ridder
If tombstones could talk, of the Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute, Western newspapers.
what would they tell us? Michigan University Foundation, Michigan Civil War She is a graduate of Ball State University in Indiana,
Plenty, according to local Institute and the 13th Michigan Memorial Association. earning a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and
genealogist Gary Swain, A retired plastics industry executive and 30-year Florida English secondary education, and a Master of Arts degree
the featured speaker at the resident, he divides his time between Port St. Lucie and in journalism and English. She has served as president
Martin County Genealogical Kalamazoo, Michigan. of the Martin County Historic Preservation Board and
Society’s (MCGS) January In addition to its monthly programs, the genealogical Realtor Association of Martin County and was named
2022 meeting. Presenting society offers a variety of services at the Genealogy Room Realtor of The Year in 2010.
“Carved in Stone: Genealogy in the Blake Library in Stuart including an extensive “I’m thrilled by the challenges, very impressed by
in the Cemetery,” Swain research library, access to several genealogy websites the incredible team and leadership and look forward to
will discuss tombstones as a and assistance from MCGS volunteers. Free and open to contributing to the continued growth and success of The
source of information about the public, the society’s monthly meetings are held in the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge,” said Prange.
our ancestors including Genealogist Gary Swain John F. and Rita M. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library. She and her husband, Randy, reside in Jensen Beach.
how the types and styles of For more information about membership, activities and For more information call the museum at (772) 225-
gravestones, the symbols on them and the materials from services go to mcgsfl.org or call MCGS President Lisa 1961 or visit the website, www.hsmc-fl.com.
which they are made can tell a story. Tompson, (772) 888-2422. About The Historical Society Of Martin County
“Serving as a direct link to our ancestors, gravestones Since 1955, the Historical Society of Martin County
provide tantalizing clues to guide further research,” Historical Society Of has served as a guardian of local history and a cultural
Swain says. “They trace the lives of a community’s Martin County Names New center by operating the Elliott Museum (825 N.E. Ocean
founders, record major events and often provide details Blvd., Stuart) and the House of Refuge Museum at
not available from other sources, including spelling of Development Director Gilbert’s Bar (301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart), which
names, dates of birth and death, military service and opened in 1876 and served as a haven for shipwrecked
religious affiliations.” Linda Prange is the new survivors. The Elliott Museum seeks to preserve and
Swain will also cover a variety of related topics development director at the celebrate the region’s colorful history by presenting an
including how to locate where an ancestor is buried, how Historical Society of Martin eclectic mix of traveling and rotating permanent exhibits,
to read faded or eroded gravestones and how to clean, County (HSMC), which lectures and experiential events. The House of Refuge’s
repair and preserve them. manages the Elliott Museum mission is to educate the public about the historical
Free and open to the public, the meeting will be at the and House of Refuge Museum significance of Martin County’s iconic landmark and to
Blake Library in Stuart from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, in Stuart. ensure its historical integrity and preservation. For more
2022. Masks are optional. To participate via Zoom, go Prange is responsible information go online to www.elliottmuseum.org or call
to mcgsfl.org and register before Jan. 20. for raising funds through (772) 225-1961.
A cemetery researcher and preservationist for decades, memberships, donations,
Gary Swain has added 2,900 ancestors to his family fundraising events and
tree. He combines his passion for genealogy, history and sponsorships, and developing
preservation through membership in the Sons of Union community relationships. She also has created and now manages
Veterans of the Civil War. He has researched the genealogy sustained giving and planned giving programs.