The Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of President John F. Kennedy is the subject of the DeKalb History Center’s Nov. 19 Lunch and Learn lecture.
Historian Jennifer Richardson will cover the events of Nov. 22-25, the assassination through the funeral of the president — events seared in the memory of those of us living at that time. Richardson will deal not only with the actual events, but things that followed: the Warren Commission, various movies, theories, as well as the impact on our society.
Those attending are invited to contribute memories and questions. This 50th anniversary gathering would be a good time to record your own memories of this historic event. I can recall that on the day of the assassination our high school got out early for an out of town football game, and there was a debate about canceling the game. Our family remained glued to the television for the entire weekend.
The lecture will be held at the DeKalb History Center in the Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur. If you come at 11 a.m. you can view Richardson’s vast collection of memorabilia from those days. The lecture begins at noon. It’s free; bring your own lunch. Check www.dekalbhistory.org and look under education and then public programs for further details, or call 404-373-1088, Ext. 23.
Oral histories in family research
How to successfully capture and use oral histories in family history research is the topic of an Atlanta History Center seminar running from 10:30 a. m. until noon Nov. 23 in the members room at McElreath Hall.
The workshop, led by archivist Sue VerHoef, leads up to the holidays — always a good time to bring up family stories and ask a lot of questions of your elders. In my own family we had a chance once to tape my grandmother and my cousin’s grandmother discussing growing up in Columbus circa 1910-1915, a rare taping indeed.
This lecture will help you develop strategies, questions and techniques for sharing and preserving your family stories. The cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Space is limited; reservations are suggested. Call 404-814-4150 to register or go to www.atlantahistorycenter.com and look under research and genealogy programs.
Understanding terminology
Thanks to the Internet, it’s much easier to find definitions of terms that turn up in genealogy. Be sure you know what a “dower” is concerning property, or what someone means by “burned courthouse” or the Court of Oyer and Terminer in some states. Never assume you know, especially if it has legal implications.
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