Summary of February’s Meeting

Okmulgee County Genealogical Society
February 24th, Meeting Summary

As mentioned last month, we are going to try to provide a summary of each meeting for those who are unable to attend. This summary will also be posted on our website.

Our guest this month was Larry Biddle. Though retired he has taken on the responsibilities as President of the Okmulgee Cemetery Association.

This short summary cannot do it justice, but Mr. Biddle discussed several aspects of the Okmulgee Cemetery starting with its beginnings in 1909 to present day where it is still a thriving cemetery serving Okmulgee and the surrounding area.

In addition to its history, several projects were shared. Basically, the cemetery is “under new management” as it were. Operating without a board for a least two decades a new board was convened in 2018 and a determined effort is being made to improve the cemetery. From site cleanup and maintenance to removing trees, raising sunken headstones and the continuing need for sidewalk replacement and repair.

In addition to these full time “must do” projects, Mr. Biddle announced the start of transcribing to digital media the information on over 18,000 “burial cards”. His goal is to preserve over 100 years of records before they are lost to future generations. Several Society members expressed an interest in helping to transcribe this material. Further facts will be shared as this interesting mission develops.

After the presentation, the meeting was called to order. Under old business the question was asked where are we on possibly obtaining magnetic signs for use in parades. As neither of the two members assigned to find out the costs were present, discussion had to be postponed.
For new business, Traci told the group she is gathering a list for the next genealogical book purchase. She asked members to submit the names of any books they would like added to this list. Remember, if you are interested in a book which pertains specifically to your tree now is the time to ask. Give your suggestions to Traci prior to next month’s meeting as she will be presenting the list to vote at that time.

Additional information was provided by Traci concerning the Workgroup Time which will commence after next month’s meeting. Once the meeting adjourns each month, members are invited to come down to the Genealogical Room to work on their genealogy and to share information, techniques, and overall knowledge and strategies. Some library PCs will be available, but the number are limited. All members are encouraged to bring their genealogy materials, and laptops/tablets if available. Access will be made available to several paid sites for the duration of the group time. This would be the time to look up that Fold3 information or specific records on Ancestry. Traci and other volunteers will be on hand to help those with questions.

We had a very good turnout today and already have a couple of new members joining for the 2020 year.

As always, we welcome all ideas concerning what the Society can do going forward so its members can get the most out of their genealogical experience. Feel free to email any of the board members with any thoughts or suggestions.

Otherwise, plan to attend next month’s meeting on the 23rd. The presentation for next month’s meeting is to be determined. If no speaker can be found we will present a recorded webinar, the topic of which will be sent out later.