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!