September 2023 – Ever Widening Circle

Unlocking the Secrets of Our Ancestors: Harnessing Determination, Courage, and Resilience for Achieving the Impossible

Posted on September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 by Coni Dubois

Our ancestors, although long gone, remain as a source of inspiration and knowledge to us. They have left us with a rich cultural heritage that has shaped who we are today. Through their accomplishments, they have taught us the importance of perseverance, hard work, and resilience.
By studying our ancestors, we can expand our knowledge and gain insight into our past. We can learn about the values, traditions, and lifestyles of those who have come before us. Exploring our family roots can help us connect with our heritage and see the world through their eyes.
To gain a greater understanding of our ancestors’ lives, we can search for family records, study historical documents, and even visit family gravesites. We can also research the places our ancestors lived and learn more about the cultures of our ancestors’ times. This can give us a better understanding of how our ancestors interacted with the world around them.
The achievements of our ancestors can give us a sense of purpose and pride. Our ancestors faced many challenges and difficulties, and it is incredible to think of how they were able to overcome the obstacles they faced throughout their lives. Knowing that our ancestors experienced success and triumphs can inspire us to reach further and push the boundaries of what we believe to be possible.
Our ancestors have left us with a legacy of determination, courage, and resilience. By looking to our past, we can find strength and wisdom to help us reach for our goals and achieve the impossible.

Coni Dubois

“Uncovering My Story: How I Found Meaning in Genealogy Research”

Posted on September 23, 2023September 23, 2023 by Coni Dubois

The sentimental journey of genealogy research has been a passion of mine for several years now. For me, every discovery made is like a puzzle piece that slowly begins to reveal an amazing picture of my family’s past. I feel privileged to be the keeper of the knowledge and stories that I’ve unearthed through my research.
I believe that, for many, genealogy research is more than simply finding names on a page. It’s also about bringing our ancestors’ histories to the surface, uncovering the places that define our family roots, and piecing together clues for tracking our lineage. It’s about giving the people from the past an identity all their own, and connecting us to the generations going back further in time.
I find it truly incredible that I can use online databases and software technology to help me in my search. With access to an array of resources, including census records, death certificates, birth records, newspaper archives, military records, and much more, I’m able to dig up information that’s personalized to my family’s history. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I treasure the new perspectives I’ve gained from my research.
The journey of genealogy research has become a part of who I am. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I discover something new about my ancestors, and I can’t help but marvel at how their stories have become mine. I view it as a special responsibility to tell their stories and preserve the facts about their lives.
Genealogy research means more than just gathering data to me. It’s about connecting with my ancestors, understanding the journeys they took, and respecting their place in the timeline of history. It’s about the emotional connection I have to the process and the pride I feel when I uncover new pieces of my family’s past. That’s what genealogy research means to me.

Coni

Coni Dubois

Honoring Our Ancestors

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Coni Dubois

Famous figures from our past are more than characters in a textbook. They are our ancestors, some of whom endured incredible struggles and hardship in order to create the world we live in today. To honor our ancestors, it’s important to take the time to get to know them, their stories, and their struggles. By doing so, we can appreciate the tremendous strength and courage they had.
To start learning about your ancestors, consider searching for your family tree. Organizations like Ancestry.com or Gedmatch offer a great way to learn about your family’s history. Additionally, you can use old newspaper articles, birth and death certificates, and family heirlooms to research your ancestors more specifically.
Once you’ve collected information about your ancestors, take the time to consider their backgrounds and what they did for their communities. Perhaps your ancestors were brave explorers, farmers, warriors, or even medical pioneers. Every ancestor has something special to share, and their stories can often inspire us to be better people.
Ultimately, our ancestors are part of our collective past and should be celebrated. Researching our roots can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows us to learn more about our identities and to gain a deeper understanding of our humanity. By learning about our ancestors, we can show them the respect and reverence they deserve.

Coni Dubois

If you’re interested in genealogy, there are many ways to dive into your family history and learn more about your ancestors.

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Coni Dubois

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Start with what you know: Begin by gathering information about your immediate family members, including their full names, dates of birth, and places of birth. Talk to older relatives who may have valuable stories and information to share.
Utilize online resources: There are numerous genealogy websites and databases available that can help you research your family tree. Websites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com offer access to records, documents, and family trees submitted by other researchers.
Explore local records: Visit your local library, courthouse, or archives to access birth, marriage, and death records, as well as other documents like census records, land deeds, and immigration records. These records can provide valuable insights into your ancestors’ lives.
Connect with relatives: Reach out to extended family members and distant relatives who may have additional information or family stories to share. Consider organizing a family reunion or creating a private online group where family members can connect and exchange information.
DNA testing: Consider taking a DNA test through companies like AncestryDNA or 23andMe. DNA testing can provide you with insights into your ethnic background and help you connect with potential relatives who have also taken the test.
Document and organize your findings: As you gather information, make sure to document your sources and keep your research organized. This will help you keep track of your discoveries and verify information in the future.

Remember, genealogy research can be both exciting and challenging. It may require patience and persistence, but the reward of uncovering your family history can be incredibly fulfilling.

Happy researching!

Coni Dubois, Ken Feder

Got my copy of “The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family.” book in the mail from Ken Feder!

Posted on September 12, 2023September 12, 2023 by Coni Dubois

Ken Feder,

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the dedication & chapter you included in your book. It was an incredibly touching gesture that truly touched my heart and the words you penned were incredibly moving, to the point where they brought tears to my eyes.

To see my name immortalized within the pages of your work is an honor beyond words. Your dedication has not only made me feel seen and appreciated, but it has also given me a sense of validation and encouragement in my endeavors. It is a reminder that the support and recognition of others can have a profound impact on one’s journey.

Your words and the sentiment behind them have touched me deeply. They serve as a reminder of the connection we have forged through our work and the impact it has had on my life. Your book has been a source of inspiration, knowledge, and solace, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of its creation in some small way.

Thank you for your dedication, not only to your craft but also to your readers. Your commitment to your work and the care you put into every word is evident in the pages of your book. It is a testament to your talent and passion as an author.

Please know that your dedication has left an indelible mark on me, and I will cherish it always. I am honored to have been a part of your journey, and I look forward to continuing to support and follow your work in the future.

I am deeply honored by the recognition you have given to my work and the invaluable assistance you have provided me with throughout my research journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the impact you have had on my work.

You, Jenn, and your children hold a special place in my heart, and I consider you all as part of my extended family. Our bond is one that I cherish deeply, and it will always remain strong and meaningful to me.

With heartfelt appreciation & much love,

❤️ Coni Dubois

Personally signed and autographed for me.

I feel deeply honored that he chose to write a chapter about me in his book.

Kinny, In the course of my research, my dear friend, I have made a remarkable revelation: you are the truly extraordinary discovery. As I journeyed along, I cannot express enough gratitude for having crossed paths with someone like you, who selflessly dedicated time to help me unravel the mysteries of my ancestors, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse People.

On behalf of all the descendants, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your invaluable work.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts.