From what I gather, as of late, genealogy has become a very popular hobby. With the marketing of websites like ancestry.com, even the novice can learn how to climb up his or her family tree.
Those who are not interested in their own roots, but are curious about those of celebrities, might enjoy the television show Who Do You Think You Are? It’s a program that allows the viewer to watch as well known personalities go through the process of finding out about the lives of their distant and not-so-distant ancestors. According to TLC.com, some of the folks who have been featured on the show are: Cynthia Nixon, who discovered her relationship to prison reform; Valerie Bertinelli, who learned about her connection to medieval royalty; and Kelsey Grammer, who came to know of his link to Oregon Trail pioneers.
Being ahead of the game, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and organizations such as Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have helped people with their genealogy searches for more than 100 years. As of this year, I will have been a member of DAR for 40 years. During that time, I have met many other DAR members who are absolutely obsessed with genealogy.
Another group who works diligently with those wanting to discover their roots is Questing Heirs Genealogical Society, Inc. of Long Beach, California (QHGS). Their website, qhgs.info, reports that their organization was founded in 1969 for the purpose of collecting, preserving and publishing data relating to genealogy.
Also related to ancestry and the preservation of local history is the Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB). Many of our readers are familiar with the HSLB’s annual fundraiser, The Historical Cemetery Tour. Celebrating their 20th anniversary of hosting the event, the non-profit group is once more conducting their annual living history tour at the city’s two oldest cemeteries. Located on Willow Street between Orange and California avenues, this year’s event promises to be as interesting and entertaining as their 19 preceding festivities. Having the event take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, should add a nice touch.
The event will be from 9am to 2:45pm. Admission cost is $20 general admission, $15 for members, $8 for kids ages 5 to 18, and $1 for kids ages 4 and under.
In years past, HSLB has provided a printed program for those attending the tour. Within the pages have always been a map of the tour areas, a time schedule of graveside actor portrayals and advertising for the sponsors who make the tour possible. This year the Signal Tribune is going to help add a bit of personal memories to the publication.
Folks who are interested will have the opportunity to purchase tribute ads for those who have passed. Included in this year’s program will be memorials to friends, family members, ancestors, dignitaries or veterans who individuals or families want to pay tribute. Those being honored need not have been a local resident or even born in this century.
Costs for the black-and-white tribute ads are as follows:
1/6 page/horizontal (4″ x 3.5″ ) will include 50 words for $125
1/3 page/horizontal (8″ x 3.5″ ) will include a photo and 100 words for $200
2/3 page (8″ x 8″ ) will include a photo and 175 words for $375
Full page/vertical (8″ x 10″ ) includes a photo and 250 words for just $550
If you would like to purchase a tribute ad or ads for your loved ones, give me a call at the Signal Tribune at (562) 595-7900. Our staff will be happy to help you create a tribute you will treasure.
For more information, see the Tribute Opportunities ad on our website, signaltribune.com . Keep in mind that space will be limited.
