2013 OFHS Annual Meeting

Fort Wayne, Indiana

2013 OFHS Annual Meeting

Dear cousins and friends,

Come with us to Fort Wayne, Indiana, home of the second largest genealogical collection in the United States--at Allen County Public Library.  Invite your relatives and friends whether or not they do family history research--as there is plenty to do and see in this historic city.  Connie Howard has arranged for us to meet at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Fort Wayne, which has a pool, fitness center, and breakfast buffet.  See Information sheet for details.  Request brochure from Ft. Wayne Visitors' Center (800) 767-7752. 

Thursday, June 6th, 3-5 p.m. is early registration and Board meeting.  Dinner is on your own with cousins and friends.  Our traditional Thursday night dessert social begins about 7 p.m. at the hotel.  This is a fine time to share photos, scrapbooks, genealogical finds, and tall tales.  And you know we visit in the lobby from early to late when not in session.

Friday morning begins with registration from 8:30-9 a.m.  Then Ronny Bodine presides at our annual Business Meeting.  After, Todd Pelfrey, Director of the Fort Wayne History Center, will show us artifacts from the History Center's museum collection--revealing the history of the area as he tells the story of each item.  We'll hear of Native Americans who came to this area at the end of the last ice age, fur trappers, the Fort built in 1794 and much more.  History Center's website is www.fwhistorycenter.com.  Then Sheila Patterson will compare DNA testing labs--with genetic testing and other results plus costs.  Discussion will follow on the prevalence of diabetes in some Owsley, Ousley and Housley lines--with the same confidentiality followed in the Owsley Surname Project (i, e., ancestral lines will be mentioned, but not individuals who had or have diabetes).

After lunch at the hotel, we'll carpool to the Allen County Public Library for a tour of the genealogy department.  Remainder of the afternoon free for Library research, sightseeing, or visiting in the hotel lobby.  Friday evening, those who register for dinner at the History Center can walk to this Richardsonian Romanesque building near the Library to enjoy a buffet dinner at 6 p.m.--followed by a visit to museum exhibits.

Saturday morning Milancie Hill Adams will give a presentation at the Library on dating old photographs and using Photo Shop to enhance them.  Then we'll hear from cousins who haven't yet shared about their lives and their branch of the family.  It's lunch on your own.  We'll spend Saturday afternoon at the replica of the Fort--seeing costumed guides busy in the hospital, stockade, officers' quarters, etc.  Preview:  www.oldfortwayne.org.  We conclude with our Saturday evening banquet, book raffle, and speaker. 

See you all in Fort Wayne!

 Sheila Patterson and Connie Howard, Co-Program Directors

2013 OFHS Meeting Registration Form

2013 OFHS Meeting Information Form

Information for our 35th OFHS Annual Meeting in Fort Wayne, Indiana:

PARTICIPANT FEE 

The $95 participant fee includes the Thursday evening dessert social, Friday luncheon, and Saturday evening banquet at the hotel plus beverages at meetings and registration. 

Please add $25 per person if you will attend the Friday evening dinner at the History Center's Museum.  The $25 includes admission to Museum exhibits, a catered buffet dinner, taxes/gratuities.

EXTRA GUESTS FOR MEALS 

Guests may attend any event without registering for conference. See Registration Form. 

WHAT TO BRING/WHAT TO WEAR 

We're gathering to have fun and "catch up" with family and friends--so bring casual, comfortable clothes.  Some like to dress up a bit for Saturday banquet, but that is optional.  Please bring family memorabilia, photos and stories to share.  Bring any books on Owsley ancestry you might like to donate for Saturday raffle (HBO, etc.). Sheila will contact those who haven't shared about themselves and their ancestry previously re cousins sharing this information during morning meetings. 

HOTEL INFORMATION 

We're meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Fort Wayne, Indiana--8615 U. S. 24 (at intersection of I-69 and U.S. 24 west (exit 302).  OFHS special room rate is $89 plus tax 

space available--so reserve early.  Be sure to mention Owsley family.  Reservation deadline is May 7th--(260) 435-1777.  Check in is 3 p.m.  Complimentary airport shuttle 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.  Take virtual tour by Googling hotel. 

Room have microwaves, mini-frigs, coffee makers, and free wi-fi.  Indoor pool, fitness center, Pavilion Pantry (frozen meals, snacks, sundries, and beverages including wine & beer).  Room service from nearby Appleby's 5-9 p.m.  Hotel offers full breakfast buffet, but no lounge nor restaurant.  Free parking. 

NEED MORE INFORMATION? 

Hotel, meal and registration:  contact Connie Howard at (870) 892-9364 CDT or rh23@centurytel.net.  Program:  contact Sheila Patterson (541) 343-8093 or email through May 31st:  LMNOP9@juno.com.  Please include phone in emails.  During conference, call us at hotel. 

DEADLINES 

Be sure your Reservation Form reaches Connie Howard by April 24th.  Exceptions re OFHS deadline, contact Connie Howard.  Last day to receive $89 rate at hotel is May 7th.  Conference cancellation deadline is May 13. 

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY--GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT 

Visit website at www.acpl.lib.in.us/ to see collections, search the catalog and some databases, plus take virtual tour.  Download guide on how to use the catalog. 

2013 OFHS Meeting Registration Form

2013 OFHS Meeting Information Form