You’ve entered a sanctuary where family, memory, and meaning come together. This is a place to honor ancestors, preserve cherished stories, and uncover the threads that connect generations.
Genealogy here is more than research—it is the art of remembering and the gift of carrying forward the voices of those who came before. Together, we’ll help you weave your family’s legacy into something lasting, heartfelt, and true.
With heart and remembrance, Coni Dubois Creator of Heirloomie
I’m excited to share a first look at Heirloomie — my heirloom‑genealogy app is designed to preserve family trees, stories, and legacy for generations.
✨ Right now, Heirloomie is in demo mode only.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/Heirloomie-App 👉 Please do not create a sign‑in or sign‑up. 👉 Simply click “View Demo” to explore and see the progress. 👉 Tap the top left (3 lines) to view all features available. 👉 Most hubs have sidebars filled with amazing features — click around to explore. Everything is in sample view.
🔎 A few notes:
The map feature will be fully functional once the app goes live.
Some sidebars may appear shaded — this is part of ongoing fixes.
A few more refinements are still in progress, but we’re getting closer every day.
This is a ceremonial unveiling — a glimpse of what’s being built, not the full release. Your presence and feedback as viewers help shape the journey.
The full launch will come when the time is right. Until then, enjoy this preview and walk with me as Heirloomie grows. 🌌
I have decided to write a children’s book—because some stories are too important to wait until we’re grown to hear them. This one has lived in my heart for years, passed down through generations, whispered in family stories, and rooted in the soil of a forgotten village that shaped who I am.
Now FREE to Read Online—Because This History Belongs to All of Us.
Some stories are too important to keep behind closed doors.
Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story is one of those stories—a legacy of resilience, erasure, and reclamation that shaped my family, and echoes through the roots of this country.
That’s why I’ve made the full book available to read online, free of charge. Because this isn’t just my history. It’s ours.
🌿 What Is the Barkhamsted Light House Village?
Hidden deep in the woods of Connecticut, the Barkhamsted Light House Village was home to a multiracial, multicultural community of Native, African, and European descent.
These families—Chagum (Chaugum/Chaugham), Barber, Freeman, Wilson, and others—lived together in defiance of the rigid racial and social boundaries of their time.
They were labeled “outcasts.” But they were builders, farmers, protectors, and storytellers. They were my ancestors.
📖 Why I Wrote This Book
As a genealogist and historical researcher, I’ve spent decades tracing the truth of my lineage. What I found in the Light House Village wasn’t just a forgotten settlement—it was a foundation. A place where dignity, identity, and community thrived despite systemic erasure. But their story had been distorted, dismissed, or buried.
So I wrote this book to set the record straight—not just for my family, but for every family whose truth has been silenced.This is a true American story. And it deserves to be known.
💻 Read It Now, Share It Freely
You can read the full book online, right now, for free:
Whether you’re a descendant, a history lover, or someone seeking deeper understanding of America’s hidden past, I invite you to explore this story—and share it. Because healing begins with truth. And truth belongs to everyone.
🔍 What You’ll Discover – Meticulous research drawn from land deeds, court records, oral traditions, and archaeology – Personal reflections on legacy, identity, and reclamation – Illustrations that bring the village to life – A call to action to honor erased histories and uplift living descendants.
💔 Why It Still Matters
In a time when history is contested and truth is politicized, this story reminds us: the past is not gone. It lives in us. And we have a responsibility to carry it forward with clarity, compassion, and courage.
The Barkhamsted Light House Village may have been erased from maps—but not from memory. And now, through this book, it stands again.
🌿 In honor of those who came before, and for those still finding their way— To my ancestors: I see you.
📌 A Note About Access
At this time, Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story is available to read online only. I haven’t yet figured out how to make personal copies available for purchase—and truthfully, this isn’t about money for me. It’s about truth. Legacy. And love.
I wrote this book to honor my ancestors and share their story freely with anyone who needs it. When the time comes to offer printed copies, I’ll make sure they’re accessible to all. Until then, I invite you to read, reflect, and share the online version with anyone who might find healing or connection in its pages.
Thank you for walking this journey with me.
🪶 Coni Dubois
Descendant of the Light House Village – Keeper of Stories
Families seeking safety. Children hoping for a future. People escaping violence and persecution. This is the reality of immigration—it’s not just politics, it’s human lives.
Yet, in recent years, immigration policies have become more about division and punishment than compassion and solutions. Families have been torn apart, children placed in detention centers, and asylum seekers pushed back into danger rather than being given a fair chance.
Republican governors like Greg Abbott of Texas, Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Doug Ducey of Arizona have been busing migrants to Democratic-run cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Martha’s Vineyard—a tactic designed to shift responsibility and score political points.
But let’s be clear: this crisis didn’t emerge from nowhere. It’s the direct result of Trump’s immigration policies, which undermined legal asylum, pushed inhumane border enforcement, and inflamed partisan divides rather than solving real problems.
Now, Republican governors are continuing this legacy, using vulnerable people as political pawns, shipping them to cities across the country in a cruel game of blame. They say it’s about “sharing the burden,” but where is the humanity in treating people like problems to be relocated?
Los Angeles has become a flashpoint in this crisis, with immigration enforcement actions sparking protests. Communities are standing up against policies that threaten the dignity and safety of those seeking refuge. Some leaders have called for humane approaches, while others have doubled down on fear-based tactics.
For many, faith is the guiding light in moments like this. The belief that we should welcome strangers, care for the vulnerable, and stand for justice has been at the heart of moral teachings across generations. In times of crisis, compassion should lead the way, not cruelty.
So, America stands at a crossroads: Will we continue a legacy of harsh and inhumane policies, or will we fight for a future built on humanity, dignity, and real solutions?
The choice is yours. We can either let fear, division, and political games dictate our future, or we can stand for justice, compassion, and a true commitment to humane immigration policies. This isn’t just a question for politicians—it’s a question for all of us. Will we demand better? Will we push for policies that reflect our values? Will we recognize that behind every headline, every statistic, and every political debate, there are real human beings searching for hope?
History isn’t just something that happens—it’s something we create every day with our choices, actions, and even the things we let slide. Future generations will look back and judge us not just by what we fought for, but by what we ignored.
So the real question becomes: What do we want our legacy to be? Will we be remembered as the ones who stood for justice, innovation, and compassion—or as the ones who watched passively & ignore what is really happening?
“I, for one, will stand up to injustice, complacency, and the erosion of our values.” We are the authors of history, and I refuse to let the pages be filled with silence when action is needed. Too often, we see problems and turn away, convincing ourselves that someone else will fix them. But the truth is, change begins with each of us.
I will stand up to those who seek to divide, manipulate, or silence voices that challenge the status quo. I will stand for fairness, for the dignity of every person, and for a future where courage outweighs convenience.
History will judge us not by our words, but by our actions. And I choose to act.
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut is home to three of the state’s designated State Archaeological Preserves. Ken Feder directed the excavation of two: the metaphorically named Lighthouse community and the 2,850-year-old Walter Landgraf Soapstone Quarry.
On Sunday, October 6th, at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted, FALPS and the State of Connecticut celebrated the true essence of the “Peoples” State Forest. Attendees delved into its founding, participated in forest-related activities, watched oxen pull logs to a portable sawmill and observed the loggers milling the wood. They enjoyed a chain carving contest and witnessed dignitaries plant a ceremonial tree, among many other engaging events.
Both Robert Starr and Ken Feder remarked that it was a splendid day filled with beauty and history.
FALPS : FALPS is a group that works diligently and tirelessly to improve our forests, keep the trails clear, build bog bridges and boardwalks and fun year-round hikes and events to benefit those who visit the area.
Note: I’ll add any newspaper article links or photos of the event as they come in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the event, but I can’t wait to see all the photos taken.
L2R: Sites Archeologist Ken Feder & Light House Descendant Robert StarrPhoto credit: Ken Feder L2R: Ken Feder & Ginny AppleL2R: Ginny Apple & Robert Starr – Photo credit: Robert StarrKen Feder Photo credit: Robert StarrDisplay by: Ginny Apple (based off archeological places of site) Photo credit: Robert Starr
As I prepare for the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering, which marks its 10th year since its inception, I am also revamping and modernizing my various social media channels. My goal is to streamline all of my content and make it easily accessible. Additionally, I am working on creating new research materials for the upcoming occasion.
With that said, I have tons to share and more stories to tell and looking forward to catching up with everyone.
Mark your calendars for October 5th and 6th, 2024 because it’s going to be a celebration like no other! We are thrilled to announce that it will be the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest and we want all descendants to be a part of it. Whether you can make it or not, you are welcome to join in on the festivities. It’s going to be an unforgettable event!
Note: Map Date 6/18/2009 (need newer version)
Peoples State Forest 100th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 6th, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted.Come join FALPS and the State of Connecticut in celebrating what truly is the “Peoples” State Forest. Learn about its founding, watch and participate in various forest-related activities, see Oxen pull logs up to a portable saw mill and watch the loggers mill the wood, watch a chain carving contest, join dignitaries in planting a ceremonial tree and much more. Free and open to all.
Hi everyone 👋
The Barkhamsted Light House Village has been experiencing a lot of great things lately and I am excited to announce an upcoming event that everyone should know about. Although I am not certain if I can attend (it is marked on my calendar as a possibility), I am considering organizing a virtual alternative for event if not going to make it. I hope many will plan to attend this amazing event.
1. Via Facebook Messenger from Ginny Apple to Coni Dubois
Hi Coni. Hope you’re doing well. I don’t know if you know it or not, but the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests are, in concert with DEEP, planning the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Peoples State Forest on October 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest.
We believe a presence of the Lighthouse Community family would be an important addition to the event.
We have planted around 60 trees already, in Celebration, and will be joined by the Governor and the DEEP Commissioner for a ceremonial tree planting.
We hope that you’ll be able to come and, as such an important part of the history of the Forest, it would be a major presence for us.
Hope all is well.
Thanks,
Ginny
________________________________________________
2. Via email from Paul Hart to Coni Dubois
Hi Coni-
Hope all is well with you. I just wanted to let you know that we are planning for a big celebration for the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest. Peoples was dedicated on October 4, 1924. They had a huge event with thousands of people attending back then. Our plans are coming together for a two day celebration: on Saturday evening, October 5 we will have a kickoff gathering, and then on Sunday October 6 during the day, we are going to have a bunch of programs, exhibits and displays recognizing this important birthday of Peoples Forest, which is a resource much appreciated by the community here. This will all take place in the Matthies Area (more or less across from Squire’s Tavern).
Let me know your thoughts and wish you the best.
Paul Hart
Barkhamsted Historical Society
_______________________________________
Hope many that live close will be able to attend 🤗
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.
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.
About: Chief Chagum’s Unexpected Union is a unique story of love and intercultural understanding in colonial times. The story tells a tale of a Chief set in the Farmington, Connecticut area.
Chief Chagum, a rugged and stoic leader of a small mountain village, has lived a life led by tradition and duty since he was a child. So when the English come to set up an outpost near the village, the two cultures must learn to coexist.
The story follows the romance between Chief Chagum and an English woman, Molly. Their love story strikes a chord with readers as it challenges cultural boundaries and demonstrates that love has no boundaries. As Molly and Chagum discover what it means to truly be in love, the two open their hearts and minds to one another, eventually leading to Molly and Chagum marrying.
The story Uniting of Chief Chagum and Molly is a powerful reminder that intercultural understanding is possible despite the tensions of the colonial backdrop. The novel paints an alluring picture of how two different cultures can come together in love and understanding and offers a refreshing look at what is possible in a divided world.
The message of intercultural harmony found in The Chief’s Unexpected Union is perhaps more relevant now than ever before in today’s world. It is a beautiful reminder of how important it is for all of us to recognize the potential beauty in our differences and to strive for a deeper understanding of one another.
The Chief Chagum’s Unexpected Union: A Tale of Intercultural Love in Colonial Times
Written by: Coni Dubois
Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived a great chief by the name of Chagum. He was beloved by his people and led them with wisdom and fairness.
Chief Chagum and his people were content to live in harmony with one another and the natural world around them. Everyone had an important role to play in the community and life was good.
One day, however, when Chief Chagum and his people were out gathering food in the forest, they were suddenly confronted by a group of strangers.
These strangers had come from far away – a land called England.
They had long wooden ships, cannons, and strange clothing – nothing like anything the Native Americans had ever seen before.
The settlers brought with them new ideas, technologies, and systems that were unfamiliar to the people of Chagum’s land.
At first, the Native Americans were scared, but Chief Chagum realized that he must be brave and show no fear.
He welcomed the strangers into his village and shared the stories of his people and their way of life.
The English settlers were amazed by what they saw.
The Colonial people decided to stay and build a settlement of their own based on the Native American traditions of the land.
The tribes taught the settlers how to hunt and fish, grow crops, and care for the land. Soon, they became a thriving community as both peoples shared the riches of the land and formed a lasting friendship.
One of the settlers, a young woman named Molly, was especially taken with Chagum. Molly was enchanted by Chagum’s strength, courage, and kindheartedness, and she soon fell in love with him.
Chagum felt the same way and decided to ask Molly to be his wife. To his surprise, Molly accepted! Soon, the two were wed.
Though many of the people of Chagum’s land disapproved of the union, Chagum and Molly were determined to make it work.
Through hard work and dedication, they were able to bridge the gap between their two cultures, finding common ground and creating a better future for both of their peoples.
The legacy of Chief Chagum and the native people will never be forgotten. The story of the native peoples and the settlers remained strong. No matter where you go in the town, you can still feel the spirit of these two cultures come alive in the streets.
They will always be remembered as the people who welcomed strangers from across the sea and began a new chapter in the history of Farmington, Connecticut & the legacy of Chagum and Molly also lives on, a reminder of the power of love and acceptance.
Disclaimer: This research business provides consulting services to people who desire to obtain data about specific Ancestors/genealogy lines. The research consultant (Coni Dubois) gathers information from credible sources and provides an analysis of her findings & also interpret the information for clients.
This site is dedicated to the ancestors of the Johnson, Booker and Petruff families of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and thier connecting lines of lineage.
Ever Widening Circle 