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. 🌌
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.
I have known my whole life that my maternal grandmother had Native American ancestry. When I was a teenager my US History teacher gave us some extra credit work of creating a family tree. So I went to my grandmother and asked her to share what she knew.
Ruth Ann, Edith and Sherry (unknown date)
Her grandfather was Frederick Roy Webster. And he claimed to be the grandson of an Indian Chief in a newspaper article about their wedding anniversary as well as his obituary. He was the son of Solomon “Ol Sol” Webster and Mary Wilson (Though his death certificate states his mother was Sarah Charugn, which is completely wrong). As stated in a previous blog, Solomon was the son of Montgumery “Gum” Webster of Mehegan descent. Mary Wilson was the daughter of William P. Wilson Jr and Harriet Wilson. William was the grandson of James Chagum (of Narragansett descent) and Molly/Mary Barber, of the Lighthouse Village in Barkhamsted, Connecticut.
Fred Webster Family (I got the photo from my grandmother Edith Webster Lash (daughter of Bert), she told me that this was her father’s family on the day of her mother’s funeral (July 1921) it was with other photos of Berts girls with their cousins, Nora’s daughters. Grandma had all the names right except for Almo & Bryon Judson Price, I sent this photo to Onalee Ordiway Potter (Byron’s granddaughter) & she named the people. Also the date on the photo says “OCT 56” this can’t be, since both Mary & Fred Webster died in 1942)
…Some in Michigan are Living…
Calling me back “home,” beckoning me is a little piece of land. Ironically it is called Barkhamsted Lighthouse. I ponder the inhabitants of the Lighthouse “Tribe” even thought what it’s name would mean to those coming after them. To me it is a beacon deep in my heart. A passion that was my mother’s and my grandmother’s to stand where the Websters & Chagum’s once stood. To see the old cemetery & foundations of the homes, that are barely noticed today. To somehow feel their presence from the past. To visit the town’s Historical Society and Records vault, to find my ancestors name in some forgotten record.
Photo from The Legend of Barkhamsted Light House, by Lewis Sprauge Mills, (Lewis Sprauge Mill, publisher. Barkhamsted, CT).
In Lewis S. Mills book, “The Legend of the Barkhamsted Light House” page 93 he writes…
“Molly Barber and James Chaugham Dead and Buried-gone forever: Scattered now are their descendants. Some are in the Town of Woodbury Busy digging graves and hunting; Some in Riverton and Colebrook Some in Harwinton and Winsted, Some in Michigan are living.
… Generations speeding onward In an ever widening circle, Carry far the blood of Chaugham And his spouse, brave Molly Barber…”
My family are part of that “…SOME IN MICHIGAN ARE LIVING….”
During my childhood my mom and my grandma always tried to find out more about our ancestors and our culture. We went to a couple of Pow-Wow’s here in Saginaw area of Michigan and I was mesmerized by the drums and dancers. When I was older some Native American singers called Rain Song came to the church we were attending and played. That is where I came up with the name to my blog “Echo’s of Lost Footprints.”
Fred & Mary’s marriage record below…
I found a quote somewhere on the web that I wrote down, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave!” I believe this is a call to arms for me. I believe it’s the echo’s of my ancestors that are calling out for me to find them & learn about the “tracks” they left for me to find. Also, it’s a challenge for us, to leave a legacy for our children, grandchildren & beyond… a legacy of purity, wholesomeness of heart & bravery.
In March our local library was part of the One Book Shiawassee, is a Community Read effort with the goal to invite Shiawassee County residents to collectively read the same book at the same time. We read FIREKEEPERS DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, and I got to see/hear her at an authors event hosted by One Book Shiawassee.
Some other events were the Deer Hide bracelet craft with Reg Pettibone, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he shared with those attending about deer and the cultural significance to village life and Native American culture. And later Reg, along with his wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, & their daughters presented a unique and engaging cultural performance that amazes, entertains and educates. Reg, draws on his traditional upbringing to provide the audience with a better understanding of true native culture through dance, song, stories and audience participation. Here are some photos I took during these events.
Here is my daughter, Shelbi with Reg Pettibone after the Deer Hide Bracelet Craft event (I didn’t realize his eyes were shut). She was so proud to learn about the Native culture. My ancestors were Mohegan and Narragansett, so things would be different with some similarities.
Logos above are the Narragansett & Mohegan Tribes logos.
The Witness Stones Project is a non-profit educational initiative whose mission is to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.
In Sept 2023 I was contacted by Historian Paul Hart of Barkhamsted Historical Society about the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village being featured in one of the Witness Stone projects.
Paul Hart was in touch with one of the project leaders and included them in our email correspondence. Shortly after, I received a message from Laura McCarthy Ed.D., the Director of the Academic Success Center. Having recently visited the Lighthouse site, she expressed interest in learning more about the village and its inhabitants. She asked if I would be willing to assist with the project. Without hesitation, I gladly agreed to help in any capacity needed.
“The Witness Stones Project is a critical necessity for our country. The effort is not critical solely because it restores the humanity that was stolen from the enslaved. It is critical because it can change a student’s empathetic orientation to the hard facts of our country’s past. It is critical because we need a truthful telling of America’s history that acknowledges the contributions of all Americans.“
“Our history is not without pain. Neither is our present. Nor will our future be unless we own our history and grow from it together. Our real history is our children’s right. It is their legacy. And it must be their truth. And if we do this right, the ability to discuss, understand, acknowledge, and reconcile our collective history will be our children’s power.”
Pat Wilson Pheanious, JD, MSW Chair of the Board of Directors Witness Stones Project, Inc.
Hey there, we’re all about diversity, equity, and inclusion! It’s super important to us that everyone feels valued and respected, no matter who they are. We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where all voices are heard and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together to make our community awesome for everyone!
The Witness Stones Project’s purpose is to uncover, restore, and honor the history and humanity of enslaved individuals.
We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion must be at the center of how we think and act in order to fulfill that mission.
We value the diversity of the students, educators, parents and families, communities, staff and board members, and funders, and we recognize how each stakeholder contributes to the development of the organization in unique, impactful ways.
We seek to create equitable access to our curriculum and program resources, along with opportunities within and in partnership with the organization.
We prioritize creating spaces where all are recognized, honored, and welcomed.
Approved by the Board of Directors, 2022.
On Sept 13th 2023 they accepted us as one of their projects (super exciting) and started with plans to move forward with project.
Laura McCarty emailed me the rundown of activities:
The Witness Stone Project: We will be following the curriculum of The Witness Stones Project to commemorate the life of those who were enslaved in Connecticut. We’ve chosen to commemorate the life of James Chaugham, as he was enslaved in Rhode Island. https://witnessstonesproject.org/ We will produce two pieces to commemorate James Chaugham’s life, a book and a ceremony. The ceremony will be held in April/May and we will host and event to share our learning’s about his life, share our reflections, and lay a Witness Stone.
The students participating in the project: the students who will be going through this project are from a few different Northwestern Connecticut Community College groups—Team Success Scholars, History Association, and Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for two-year colleges). The majority of students will be from Team Success Scholars. The Team Success Scholars program has to do Community Action Projects, which is affiliated with Oxford Consortium on Human Rights. Two of the students will be going to Oxford University to talk about their work on the Lighthouse Community in March, 2024.
One group of students will be looking at the genealogy of the Lighthouse Community. I am asking this group to interview three descendants on their connection to the Lighthouse Community. I am hoping that you would help us with this!
Troutbeck Symposium: The Troutbeck Symposium is the culmination of local history project-based education. This symposium is held the historic Troutbeck Inn, which was the site of two critical meetings of the NAACP. The symposium will be held April 28-30th. Here is a website that hosts the work that has been done to this point: https://coloringourpast.org/
We are kicking off our year tomorrow with a tour of the Lighthouse Community. The WitnessStones Project will share a lecture on the History of Slavery in Connecticut on Sept. 28th, and then the students will be broken into their workgroups to make the plans. They will present their workplans on October 13th at Quinnipiac University. This presentation is part of the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights work.
Thanks! Laura
Email via Laura McCarthy: The students and I toured the Lighthouse Community yesterday to give them a sense of this project. On September 28th from 12:30-1:45pm, we are having Liz Lightfoot from The WitnessStones Project give a lecture on the History of Slavery in Connecticut. This will be in Founders Hall Auditorium and is open to the public. You are welcome to join. This initial work is laying the foundation for the students to conceptualize the life and times of James Chaugham.
Thank you for your assistance! Laura
I was overjoyed to discover that the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village archaeologist and author Kenneth (Ken) Feder was also participating in the project.
Ken is also the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project which studies the prehistory of the region in northwest Connecticut and author of books on that of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village.
I donated my research & genealogy book I have been working on – of the Lighthouse People. Sent them several files to help the students.
It was at this time, that I was also introduced via email to Liz Lightfoot (Director of Operations – Witness Stones Project), Dennis Culliton (Witness Stones Project), Jessie DePonteand team.
On Oct 23rd 2023 I received an update via email from Laura McCarty
Hi Everyone!
Thank you all for your support with the Lighthouse Project. I feel like we are officially launched. Our students have a firm understanding of the project and its parameters. On October 13th, they presented the project at the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights. It was a real delight to see them be able to communicate the project and its importance to faculty from Oxford University, Quinnipiac University, Bridgewater State University, and Sonoma State University.
We have broken the students into teams—Genealogy, Narrative Writing, and Social Media. We will begin meeting with these teams to launch their individual work in the next two weeks. The students’ goal is to produce a documentary film, with assistance from Ben Willis. Ben is funded through the Troutbeck Symposium and is free to us! We have begun a repository for film documenting our work…. We have aspirations for a social media presents and a book. Of course, all of this will conclude in May with a placing of a WitnessStone in James Chaughum’s memory.
The leads for these projects are: Genealogy—Jessie DePonte, Narrative Writing—Todd Bryda and Laura McCarthy, and Social Media/Event—Maggie Sullivan. We will be reaching out to Liz and Coni for research support with the students’ work. Coni, thank you for your years of dedication to documentation and researching your family. These connections and documents are impressive!Thanks to all your work, I easily located another descendant, who is a former student of mine, Jess Tessman!I worked closely with Jess when she was a student here and having her involved makes this project so much more significant to me personally.
I will be attending a presentation by Kenny Feder on Sunday at the American Indian Studies Institute in Washington, CT. Mr. Feder did the monumental archeological work of uncovering the remains of the Lighthouse Community.
Thanks!Laura
Email from Liz Lightfoot 0n Oct 26, 2023:
Hi again, Coni. I just wanted to say again how terrific it was to speak with you, how grateful we are for your remarkable research and your generosity in sharing it, and how much I admire you for devoting so many years (and so much love) to this important work. What an extraordinary job you do – it’s truly inspiring and vitally important!
All best, Liz
Sometime in November 2023 Ken Feder and I had a video conference with the students.
Feb 2024 I receive an email from Liz Lightfoot:
Coni, your research was beyond helpful! What a phenomenal job you have done, and clearly it’s been a labor of love. I’m so excited to see what the students come up with.
Thank you all for helping me learn about this fascinating man and his family. It’s a story everyone should know.
All best,Liz
Upcoming: I will be Zooming with students this week to answer questions they have prepared for me~
“I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of this incredible project and its team. Collaborating with the entire team has been an amazing experience and I am eagerly anticipating the final results from the project’s students.“
My final thoughts,
It is crucial to share the entire story, holding nothing back. By allowing others to follow the Barkhamsted Lighthouse narrative, we can present a fresh perspective to younger generations. Witnessing their unique viewpoint on this piece of history will undoubtedly be intriguing. Let’s not shy away from the truth and embrace the opportunity to educate and inspire the future.“ Coni Dubois
We’re currently in the process of finalizing the times and dates for the placement of the Witness Stone at Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village. As soon as they are confirmed, we will make sure to keep everyone informed.
Thank you for your patience.
Books by Ken Feder via Wikipedia
Feder, Kenneth (1998). Lessons From the Past: An Introductory Reader in Archaeology. McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. ISBN978-0-7674-0453-2.
Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Michael Alan Park (1989). Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-0-87484-828-1.
Feder, Kenneth (1993). A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Site. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-1-55934-255-1. Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – David A. Poirier (2001). Dangerous Places: Health, Safety, and Archaeology. Bergin & Garvey. ISBN978-0-89789-801-0.
Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Thomas R. Hester; Coauthor – Harry J. Shafer (2009). Field Methods in Archaeology, 7th Edition. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-1-59874-428-6.
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.
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.
Kenneth Feder’s 2nd book on Barkhamsted Lighthouse is NOW AVAILABLE 😁 He is also providing a 30% discount code for both the physical hardbound book and the eBook.
Ken had included me in his dedication of this amazing book ❤️ & to the “generations speeding onward in an ever widening circle.” Truly warmed my heart to see this~
My love for my family is my whole being – every ounce of me… loves every ounce of each of you~
I can’t believe I will be 55 this year. In short… my life has been a very hard one. Being a strong-wheeled woman I have had to fight my whole life and in turn, I have some family members to this day who can’t stand me. But that’s ok~ They truly never got to know me, or tried to understand me. We all have those people in our lives…If only they would see…family is everything to me~
THIS post though is for my family & friends that chose to love and care for me, truly…thank you from the bottom of my ❤️ know I love you and will always be here for you – as you have been for me~
In all the bad that happened throughout my life, you all have stepped in to be there to hold me up and to push me forward~
I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life.
You have been my rock…my solid ground…my saving grace~ You are deeply loved by me~
Families have their fights, their sadness & their pain. But it always has its joys, it’s happiness & it’s wonderful moments~ Family is tied by blood and love… and no matter what happens family should always surround those in need and protect those that need us~
I have spent my life searching for family… And have truly been blessed to find so many cousins and family in my life’s journey. You truly amaze me with all your support throughout my time on this earth. Your amazing love is shown to me daily – I am called, texted, emailed, messaged.. in some form, reminded daily at how many truly love me~
I am humbled by each of you~
PLEASE find forgiveness for those who are nillynallys in your life, move past the hatred and the fighting. We have lost so many family members…life is too short, and we need to find love for one another, and get pasted this separation of family. We truly need to bond together to face this unknown world we have ahead of us… I truly worry for our descendants at the world we are leaving them~
I have found my calling…I was meant to be my family Historian/Researcher/Genealogist. I feel I must record all I can on our ancestors….before it is lost~
This is my purpose in life~
It is my legacy… bound by my love for family~ I will be doing it till the day I die~
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 