Two events planned by Meeteetse Museums

The Meeteetse Museums invites the public to a genealogy workshop on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The workshop is led by professional genealogist, Jen Baldwin. Baldwin has been working in the realm of professional genealogy since 2010 but has been pursuing her family history since she was ten years old, enjoying her grandmother’s stories - and her cookies. She is currently the North American Acquisition & Evangelism and Global Ambassador Program Lead for Findmypast. Jen lectures, writes, and consults on a variety of genealogy related topics, and was part of the research team for Genealogy Roadshow, season two on PBS. She is the author of course materials for the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. She is excited to discover unique resources that allow for a different perspective in genealogical research. 

The workshop will begin with an introduction to genealogy before exploring the naturalization process in America and how that might affect your family records. Guests will break for lunch from noon – 1 pm. We encourage participants to eat at one of Meeteetse’s local restaurants or bring their own lunch to enjoy at the city park.

After lunch, Jen Baldwin will guide guests through the exploration of fraternal, benevolent, and secret societies. Early Meeteetse residents belonged to many such clubs including the Caledonia Club, Odd Fellows and its sister organization the Rebekahs, Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and Modern Woodmen of America. The workshop ends with a seminar on getting the full story from records.

We encourage participants to pre-register so staff can set up the correct number of tables and chairs. Registration may be done by calling (307) 868-2423 or stopping by the Meeteetse Museums. Email or voicemail registration will not be considered. Walk-ins are welcome to this event.

Guests should bring pen and paper to take notes and are encouraged to bring a favorite item of family memorabilia for a brief show and tell. This event was made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Humanities.

The Meeteetse Museums will also host a Star Party with Alan Corey of the Casper Astronomy Club on June 24 at the Upper Sunshine Reservoir boat dock. With little light pollution, Meeteetse is the perfect place to get outside and see the night sky in all its splendor.

This year, guests may witness the end of the tau Herculids meteor shower and several planets will be on show in a “planetary waltz.” Provided the skies cooperate, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus will all line up and should become visible together the night of our Star Party!

We ask guests to arrive prior to nightfall so vehicle lights won’t interfere with the night skies. Likewise, we ask guests to avoid turning on headlamps during the event. Guests should bring a chair—reclining lawn chairs are best for star gazing, layers of clothing, bug spray, and a head lamp with red-light ability. There is a restroom at the boat ramp.

There is no need to RSVP for the event. Direct questions to the Meeteetse Museums at (307) 868-2423 or email programs@meeteetsemuseums.org.