Discovering Rye Roots

LFA gives back to the community by extending our annual reunion with an educational and fun collaboration joining Rye Public Library and Rye Historical Society. On Friday, LFA is sponsoring free Genealogy Workshops for Beginners open to the public and Locke Reunion Attendees. This day is designed with interactive lessons appropriate for all ages starting at 6 years all the way to the young at heart!

Saturday afternoon, New England Curiosities will be taking us on a personalized tour of Fort Constitution. We will be walking in the shadows of Elijah Locke who was recorded to be a key figure in a Colonial "Trojan Horse" type takeover of the Fort. The Fort has been profiled by the History Channel and ghostly activity has been examined by nationally known psychics and paranormal investigators. Maybe we can entice Elijah Locke to attend our reunion this year!

Something new on Sunday Morning "til We Meet Again" will be the laying of wreaths at the cemeteries to honor our Locke Family Forefathers.

This year's reunion meeting will be held at:
Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites
580 US Hwy 1 Bypass, Interstate Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7600

Accomodations are also available at this location. Ask for "Locke Family Reunion Group Rate" ($121.95 + tax). Valid Thursday July 30 through and including Sunday, August 2, 2009. Limited number of rooms reserved until July 1! After that date any reservations will be on first come first serve basis at the regular room rate.

For more information on other available accommodations, recreation and tours: www.portsmouthchamber.org.

*Gift basket raffles have been a success for the past couple years. Not only did the sale of tickets help defray some of the cost of the reunion but it was fun for all. Last year we expanded the idea to include a framed seaside sketch, a gas card and LFA pins. Participation is appreciated so please check "yes" on your registration form. Thank you!

The Schedule

Friday July 31 in Rye, NH
"Genealogy Workshop for Beginners"
by Rob Locke, LFA and Connecticut Ancestry Society; Elizabeth Yeaton, Rye Town Clerk; Kerry E. Cronin, Rye Librarian and staff; Alexander Herlihy and volunteers, Rye Historical Society; LFA members Janet Locke, Don Hayes, Kate Aghaghiri and Sandra Munsey at the Rye Public Library, 581 Washington Road (Across from Rye Congregational Church, Parking off Old Parish Road)

9:45 a.m. Registration

10:00 a.m. Presentation

Genealogy 101: How to Get Started

Noon Brown Bag Lunch

BYO or order at Registration

After lunch - 4:30 p.m.

Three rotating hands-on one hour sessions including Library archives, Historical Society exhibits, how-to guidance for submissions to Locke Supplement III and Family Tree Games and Crafts ages 6 on up. Participants are welcome to attend all day or focus on one or two.

Friday July 31 in Portsmouth, NH
6 p.m.

Meet and Greet Dinner
Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites
580 US Hwy 1 Bypass
Interstate Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7600

Saturday August 1 in Portsmouth, NH
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites
Meeting Room
580 US Hwy 1 Bypass
Interstate Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801

9 - 9:30 a.m.

Registration

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

LFA Business Meeting

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Catered Lunch and Gift Basket Raffles*

2:00 p.m.

Tour Fort Constitution

Sunday August 2 in Rye, NH
11 a.m.

Till We Meet Again - Laying of the Wreaths