Tommy Beatty writes "Moments in Time"
Tommy Beatty, Olde Meck member, has been an active member of the Family Writing Group since the beginning. He has compiled his stories into a book and shared the following, excerpted, introduction to inspire the rest of us to write our stories as well:
For many years, I had considered building a family tree. But how would I build one? I knew little about my mom's family and  nothing about Dad's. At first, it was going to be no more than a chart that told who my parents were and their parents and so forth, as far as I could take it. Then I realized that I needed to document how I had reached my conclusions. I started with an online account at Ancestry. Then came trips to the National Archives in Washington DC, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library – Carolina Room and the York County, SC Public Library in Rock Hill. Eventually, I reached out to the folks at Olde Meck Genealogical Society: Family Research Center (FRC) after I encountered a road block. They helped me get beyond the roadblock and then some.
I learned that one of the volunteers was starting a writing workshop. By that time, I had started working on documenting my conclusions. I decided to go to a meeting just to see what they were all about. At first, I started writing about my ancestors, in a story that stated the boring facts. Some of the stories are still in that form, but many are in a first-hand dialogue format. The stories are my memories; the stuff no one else will remember.
My sister Diane and I are almost two years apart in age. This book is a collection of some of our stories. It presents the facts from my memory. Many of the memories are over 65 years old.
If you would like to start writing your memories to pass down to your family, join us on Thursdays, 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, at Olde Meck's FRC, 3500 Shamrock Dr.
Tommy Beatty is a project manager, programmer, painter, family historian, and author of "Moments in Time: Memories of a Younger Me."
Organize Your Family History Research
At May's monthly meeting, Lynn Bancroft presented a program on methods to help us organize our family history. She discussed useful hints and presented a sampling of different charts which can enhance our research. Based on Family Tree Magazine’s 8 Habits of Highly Organized Genealogists, Lynn described how the following tips may be helpful:
- Keep the big picture in mind.
- Take charge of paper files.
- Go digital.
- Establish an organization routine.
- Take advantage of tech tools.
- Designate a workspace.
- Color-code folders and files.
- Create a kit for on-site research.
Lynn gave explanations of how to implement each of these habits and had copies of the charts she presented available for attendees to take home. Lynn's Research Organization Presentation is available to Olde Meck members who missed attending the meeting.
American Revolution Sites, Events, Troops
Bill Anderson, longtime Olde Meck member, has created an impressive website that maps troop movements and significant events of the American Revolution, superimposed on modern day maps.
The website - American Revolution Sites, Events, Troops - includes battles, skirmishes, and other significant events throughout the war and the  entire theater of operations. From the first forcible resistance at Salem, MA, through Captain Jack's famous ride, the movements of General Greene's forces, and culminating in Washington's farewell to officers at Fraunce's Tavern, the site pinpoints troop movements and important events. The user can select items of interest and watch their movement through time. If any of your ancestors served in the Revolution, you will want to check out Bill’s website to view precisely where and when they fought and bring their experiences to light.
Bill has also shared another link - Applications, Reports, Articles - that includes the above plus many other research reports and articles about Charlotte and Mecklenburg history, and the American Revolution. General Greene Visits Olde Meck
Olde Meck members were treated to a visit from Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene at the March monthly meeting.
John  Misenheimer, another longtime Olde Meck member, appeared as the "Fighting Quaker" and described the events that made Mecklenburg County a key player in the success of his campaign. John provided well-researched details and many interesting stories to complete his narrative.
One noteworthy revelation was that John was able to reconstruct some important troop locations that are now lying under Lake Norman by consulting Fishing Hotspot Maps of the area that include contours underwater. You may view this program and others behind the "Members Only Login."
Ancestor/Memoir Writers Group
The Olde Meck Writing Group is still going strong! We usually have 7-9 people each Thursday (12:00 noon to 2:00 pm). We read stories aloud and often have a writing exercise. Recently, we spent time writing about memories of High School. Do you still remember High School? Your grandchildren would probably love to know what you did back then!
 Do you want to preserve your family stories for future generations but don't know where to start? Come to the Olde Meck Family Research Center and join with others who have the same goal. We share our stories, provide constructive comments, and generally encourage each other to begin this worthwhile process that we've been putting off.
This group is free for all Olde Meck members AND you can bring a friend. No RSVP is needed. Please come any Thursday you can.
What to bring:
- Memoir writers: pictures of yourself at various ages.
- Ancestor writers: clippings or timeline or pictures of your taret ancestor.
- Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch for yourself.
CMH & The Hezekiah Alexander Homesite
The Charlotte Museum of History serves as both the physical home and a valued partner to Olde Meck. The museum was recently featured on the Trail of History series on our local Public Television channel. The program described the importance of the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite and the many other resources available through the museum. We think you would enjoy viewing the video to discover more about what this local treasure has to offer.
 "On this Trail of History, we explore the oldest house in Mecklenburg County, a rock house that you can still walk into. The Hezekiah Alexander Homesite takes us back to 1774. We’ll also show you how the Charlotte Museum of History is redefining itself to best serve the region by making our history relevant, engaging and timely." --- PBS Charlotte
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July 20
SAR Meeting and Appearance of General Greene
SAR Meeting and Appearance of General Greene, Saturday, July 20 at 11 am, Norwood Community Building, 247 West Turner St, Norwood, NC 28128. After the Battle of Colson’s Mill Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony there will be a lunch ...
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July 23
The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, Tuesday, July 23 at 7 pm. Lawyer and author Scott Syfert will discuss the controversy surrounding the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Sponsored by the Mount Holly Historical Society.
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July 28
Teas of the British Isles: Agatha Christie & Detective Hercule Poirot
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, (704) 568-1774; For ticket info: http://www.charlottemuseum.org Teas of the British Isles: Agatha Christie & Detective Hercule Poirot, Sunday, July 28 at 4 pm. Spend an afternoon with Agatha Christie and her best-known creation, the ...
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August 14
Monthly Meeting
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August 25
Teas of the British Isles: A Downton Abbey Tea
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, (704) 568-1774; For ticket info: http://www.charlottemuseum.org Teas of the British Isles: A Downton Abbey Tea, Sunday, August 25 at 4 pm. Get a head start on Downton Abbey before the film comes out ...
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