The  July 2007 meeting of the Lafayette Genealogical Society was held in the Dining Area of the Grace Presbyterian Church on July 19, 2007 at 6:30 P.M.  The meeting was called to order by President Charles Patterson.  A moment of silence was observed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

A member has requested if handouts are available of the power point presentations that have been ongoing at the genealogical meetings.  President Patterson reported that as an executive decision, these are available at no cost to the members of the society.

The minutes and treasurer�s report are posted on our website. 

Christmas Banquet Chairman, Glenda Shaw announced that the Lafayette Genealogical Society will have its Christmas Banquet on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the Petroleum Club. Glenda is open for suggestions for speakers at the banquet.  She is presently contacting Paul Prudhomme who has done much to publicize Cajun food, culture, and historical preservation, besides being an entertaining speaker.  The menu will remain basically the same as previous years, with suggestions accepted.  The minister of Grace Presbyterian Church and his wife will be invited as guests of the society. 

President Patterson reported that Dottie Burleigh and Glenda Shaw are continuing to take pictures of grave sites at Fountain Memorial Cemetery and Mausoleum.  They have 2.8 gigabytes of digital pictures that are available on the society�s web site.  The Mausoleum remains to be done and they are continuing to work on that.

Dottie Burleigh reported that Mel Pifer has sent a list of genealogical books, magazines, and material that he is offering for sale.  Charles Patterson will place that list on our website.

Warren LeBlanc requested material for the annual publication.  All members were encouraged to submit stories or other material.

Members are reminded of the genealogical conference that will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.  There will be three speakers, vendors, and a box lunch for early registrants for the fee of $25.  For further information contact Shirley Burwell, Head Genealogist, or the Genealogy staff at the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Library at tel. (337) 437-3490, e-mail [email protected], or by snail mail at 411 Pujo Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601-4254.

Pat Snyder reported on the Opelousas meeting that was held at the Chamber of Commerce in Opelousas.  The general purpose of that meeting was to view, categorize, and index some original documents and papers held by the Opelousas Chamber of  Commerce to make them more available to the public.  There were some city directories there, some as early as 1911, and the Opelousas society hopes to digitalize them and place them on their website, www.imperialstlandry.org.  This website also has a link that can be accessed to print out a family medical history form.

President Patterson reported that the Nominating Committee is meeting and taking suggestions for officers.  He also announced that the Bluebonnet Library Genealogical Department will have a conference there Saturday, August 11, 2007 �Genealogy: Histories and Mysteries�  from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.  The Lafayette Genealogical Society�s First Saturday presentation will be August 4, 2007 at 9:30 A.M. at the Downtown branch of the Lafayette Public Library.  The presentation will be �Digitizing, Enhancing, and Organizing Your Pictures and Documents�.  The August meeting of the Lafayette Genealogical Society will be held on August 16, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Grace Presbyterian Church, 518 Roselawn Blvd., Lafayette, LA.

Earl Gates presented the program �Wills and Probate Records� that was developed from internet resources.  Members were given a handout and a discussion period followed.

Treasurer�s Report

Period Ending July 2007                                         $3,157.83

Debits:  Supplies                                                            67.48

Credits:  Membership                                                     20.00

Ending Balance                                                       $3,110.35

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Brenda Fuselier

 

Lafayette Genealogical August Meeting

 August 16, 2007

6:30 P.M.
Lafayette Public Library