The Kimball Family Association

Greetings Kimball Cousins 

Now that spring has finally arrived, I have to confess that with all the outdoor activities; yard work, gardening, hiking and so on, I find it somewhat difficult to keep my genealogy interests active. This spring is a bit different for me for two reasons.
First, I’m still inspired by having attended the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium’s (NERGC) conference in Springfield MA back in May. Although I was only able to attend one of the three days I was in awe of the number of attendees and the vast array of genealogical and historical topics available to take in. The conference included an exhibition hall with dozens of commercial societies and venders; a society fair for noncommercial groups; and a vast array of speakers and presentations. Carol Stahl-Kimball, Anne Falk and I represented the KFA during the Society Fair. We spoke with numerous visitors and met two Kimball cousin’s and talked with a few folks that knew a Kimball. The overall attitude of the conference was infectious, so much that I expect to attend all three days when it returns in two years. I highly recommend attending the next conference to anyone looking to deepen their genealogy skills and knowledge.

The second came from reading the book “The Seven Daughters of Eve”, by Bryan Sykes. This book details the research, methods, means, and controversy of using mitochondria DNA to trace back what became seven distinct genealogical lines to the Cro- Magnons of the Paleolithic era. The research predominately centered on the European population. I found it most interesting that the mitochondria DNA could only be traced back through the maternal lines of ancestors. This form of DNA is only passed on from mother to daughter. Any Kimball cousins who have had a DNA test done would find this book a fascinating read.

In the final chapter Syles writes “When two people find out they are in the same clan they often experience this feeling of connection. Very few can put it into words, but it is definitely there”. I have had this same feeling at every Kimball Family Reunion I’ve attended. With every “cousin” I’ve met there becomes a distinct bond by having generations of past connections. I’ve worked with the other members of the Board of Directors for a couple years now and it’s like we’ve known each other for far longer than that. As members of the KFA I encourage you to make an effort to attend this year’s reunion, and perhaps feel this same inherent bond to your cousins, no matter how distant. As in the past numerous speakers will provide us their stories or update attendees on current KFA activities. Based on last year’s interest the two Ipswich walking tours have returned this year. Further details can be found in this issue of the Connections Newsletter or on the KFA website.

I’m looking forward to re-establishing bonds with those cousins I’ve already met and making new ones with first time attendees at the KFA reunion in August. See you then!

     Doug McBride
KFA President (12th generation descendent of Richard Kimball) 

  Kimball Family,

If you are attending the Kimball Family Reunion on August 10-12th, 2023 and are interested in

purchasing any of theGenealogy books please contact Sylvia to ensure we have them

available at the Reunion, it will help avoid shipping costs.

Sylvia Stevens – Phone: 603-424-3550 or by Email: [email protected]

NERGC 2023 RECAP

2023 Biannual New England Regional Genealogical Consortium (NERGC)

The conference included an exhibition hall with dozens of commercial societies and venders; a society fair for noncommercial groups; and a vast array of speakers and presentations. Carol Stahl-Kimball, Anne Falk and I represented the KFA during the Society Fair. We spoke with numerous visitors and met two Kimball cousin’s and talked with a few folks that knew a Kimball. The overall attitude of the conference was infectious, so much that I expect to attend all three days when it returns in two years. I highly recommend attending the next conference to anyone looking to deepen their genealogy skills and knowledge.

For more information, including reservation form, please go to NERGC.org.

Please contact Sylvia Stevens regarding survey questions

Phone: 603-424-3550

Email to: [email protected]

Mail to: 81 Turkey Hill Road, Merrirmack, NH 06054

Save The Date 

August 10th — 12th, 2023

 

We are glad to announce the reunion for the
Kimball Family Association will be held on
August 10th — 12th, 2023 at the
Courtyard, Marriott, Nashua, New Hampshire.

We are contemplating making arrangements for a
day trip to a point of interest. More information to follow.

KFA RESOURCE BOOK

At the 2021 Reunion, we handed out 28 copies of the new KFA Resource Book. The contents of the 3-ring binder consists of “all things Kimball,” according to a Board member. The book tells of the beginnings of the KFA and provides information on the immigrant Richard. The benefits of membership are described. A fledgling section, “Notable Kimballs,” tells the stories of a few special Kimballs; more biographies will be added as we go forward. There are sections on developing your own “Notable Kimballs” and guides for research as well as storage of copies of the newsletter or special articles. A favorite section, “Location, Location, Location,” list 43 pages of places named, “Kimball,” across the nation reminding us of the depth and diversity of Kimballs.

We still have about 150 binders to compile and mail to those members who have paid their dues through at least December 2021; some members are paid for many more years! Although the costs of materials, copying, and mailing are being underwritten by a special, very generous donor, it has been suggested that members might want to acknowledge the uniqueness of the Resource Book and make a financial contribution toward those expenses. However, the benefactor has suggested that members show their appreciation by making a donation to the scholarship fund. A letter giving more detail will be included in each mailing. Those of you who have already received your copies may wish to make a similar contribution.

Please be sure that you are paid through the end of 2021 to receive your copy.