|
December
2011
North Carolina Historical Society Awards
The
Lost Colony Research Group and several of our members received awards
from the North Carolina Historical Society.
Jennifer Sheppard was kind enough to represent our group at the
awards banquet and has kindly shared her experience with us.
We can all live vicariously through her.
As
the Director of the LCRG, I simply can't say how proud I am of our group
and of the researchers who are the heart and soul of the organization.
There is no "group" without our researchers, and
remember, we are all volunteers. These
accomplishments have not been made in the 424 years since the colonists
were left on Roanoke Island, not by people who were paid, not by people
who had grants and visited England for months to research, and not by
any other group. These
strides have been made by a group of dedicated volunteers - you.
I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize them and their
work.
What
many people don't realize is the months and months of in-depth research
that become accumulated in a research paper.
Often, the tidbits come from many sources and many helpful
people. This is certainly
the case with many of our awards. But
let's take a look at who won what....
The
North Carolina Society of Historians publishes a book each year of the
awards and their winners. The awards will be discussed in their order of publication.
The Society received 742 eligible entries and presented a total
of 109 awards in thirteen categories.
Judged are not board members and are an impartial group.
The
Lost Colony Research Group and members received a total of eight awards,
as follows:
1.
The Paul Green Multimedia Award was presented to Roberta Estes
for her paper "Following the Croataon".
These awards are given to people promoting North Carolina state
history of genealogy through any unique or creative means.
Judges
comments:
This is a very compelling
study whose data has been expertly recorded so as to not only educate,
but to tempt the reader to continue the search for a
"misplaced" colony of people who will never realize their
important to NC and US history. Data
seems to have been extracted from a myriad of sources that are
well-documented by someone with experience in paying meticulous
attention to detail. We
were very impressed with the footnotes, the color-coded census tables,
and by the reader-friendly arrangement of recorded/documented data.
Many times a reader can become lost in details, an in this study
there are many; however, Ms. Estes has skillfully recorded her findings
in such a way that careful study will result in a full understanding.
The
paper "Following the Croatoan" was published in our July 2011
newsletter and can be seen at this link on our website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~molcgdrg/nl/nl07-11.htm
2.
The Paul Green Multimedia Award was presented to Roberta Estes
for her paper "Beechland: Oral History Versus Historical
Records."
Judges
comments:
This study seems to have
generated a new-found energy and excitement as new data is
uncovered/discovered pertaining to the "Lost Colony."
Many people are involved in the study, with researchers and
specialists in their field working side by side with one common
goal...to try to track the "Lost Colony" through their
possible cohabitation/amalgamation with the local Croatoan Indians.
And, after reading this exceptionally interesting and absorbing
study, we have decided that if anybody can locate this lost colony of
people, the Lost Colony Research Group can.!
They seem to have already made great strides in the search, and
this booklet helped us to feel so much closer to finding out the truth.
Ms. Estes has applied her analytical mind to existing data,
topped it off with a common sense analysis of her findings, and arrived
with results that are not just a flurry of words, but are interesting
and rewarding. Well done!
The
paper "Beechland: Oral History Versus Historical Records" was
published in our November 2011 newsletter and can be seen at this link
on our website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~molcgdrg/nl/nl11-11.htm
3.
The Paul Green Multi-media Award was presented to Nelda Percival as the
creator and webmistress for the Lost Colony Research Group website at www.lostcolonyresearch.org.
Judges
Comments:
This website serves its
members well in that it keeps them up-to-date with both new and old
information about the "Lost Colony." It educated those of us
who are new to this in-depth research.
It also introduces DNA research studies with the hope that this
will bring to a close the mystery of the whereabouts of a group of
colonists who were left behind by John White who went back to England to
get supplies. Upon his
return, they were gone...leaving few clues that have archaeologists and
historians literally "digging" for answers.
The website is
reader-friendly, easy to maneuver from page to page, site to site; and
it has a wonderful art "theme" going for it with original
artwork provided by Nelda L. Percival and Dr. Ana Oquendo Pabon.
Both hold ownership/copyrights to this artwork and the
appropriate data is provided to protect their rights.
Contact information is
provided regularly on the site, as are disclaimers, notices and
copyright notices...all of which are necessary to protect a site such as
this from site predators which, unfortunately, do exist.
This type of data educates us all about to protect ourselves and
our sites should we decide to open a historical/genealogical avenue
online.
We enjoyed visiting the
website and feel it is an asset to not only the members and visitors,
but to the perpetuation of North Carolina history as a "work in
progress." By keeping
the site up-to-date, Ms. Percival has generated an excitement within and
the hope that maybe the next update will contain data that proves that
the lost colony is no longer lost!
We will visits this site regularly.
Well done!
4.
The Malcolm Fowler Society Award was presented to the Lost Colony
Research Group. This award
is presented to a local, regional or state historical, genealogical or
preservation society in North Carolina that is contributing to the
accumulation and preservation of North Carolina history.
Judges
comments:
We always love a mystery,
and this group is tackling the ultimate of mysteries...trying to locate
the Lost Colony. We, as
researchers, are so used to searching through old records to find the
answer to our genealogical/historical questions; however, this group has
to be much more creative because there are only a few clues to work
with, and finding this colony would be one of the greatest in history! We were fascinated with the DNA project; in awe of the
findings thus far; and excited about being able to visit their website
at any time to keep up with the progress they are making.
This is a very
professional group, yet ti takes in lay researchers, archaeologists,
students...anybody who wants to learn and to help. They ask nothing in return except dedication total interest
in the project, time and loyalty. Their
leader, Roberta Estes, seems to be a very intelligent and capable
person; an expert with regard to the Lost Colony, and we believe that if
anybody can find this colony, she can....with the help of other
dedicated researchers. The
group is to be commended for their efforts on behalf of our NC
history...one of the most important historically directed efforts of our
day.
5.
The Joe McLauren Newsletter Award was presented to Jennifer
Sheppard as the editor of the Martin County Historical Society Quarterly
Newsletter. These awards
are presented to a society or organization that through the use of a
newsletter is keeping membership effectively informed and making an
important contribution toward the accomplishments of the goals and
objective of the society or organization.
Jennifer
is our genealogist and contributes regularly to our newsletter as well.
Judged
Comments:
This four-page newsletter
is exactly what a newsletter should be...newsy, concise and visually
handsome! The latter draws the reader in through curiosity...its concise
nature does not bore a reader, and the actual content provides the
reader with data about upcoming meetings, contact information, a
calendar of historical events taking place in Martin County, NC, for a
three months span, reunions, DVD's that are for sale, publications for
sale by the historical society, a list of current officers. It also
includes a historical/genealogical story here and there to add to the
newsletters appeal; and it updates the reader with regard to the
restoration project of the Old Martin County Court House. New
publications are touted as they are made available to the public; and
book reviews are provided as books are donated.
This newsletter has NOT
crossed the line between newsletter and journal, which is a very fine
line indeed. It is refreshing to see a publication that is used as it
should be...to be a "news" letter, and to inform its
membership of any and all Martin County Historical Society happenings:
past, present and future. Kudos to the Editor for a job well-done!
We
also want to thank Jennifer for nominating many of our Lost Colony
Research Group award winners.
6.
The Joe McLauren Newsletter Award was presented to Roberta Estes
as the editor of the Lost Colony Research Group Newsletter.
Judges
comments:
This is a very appealing
newsletter to both the lay historian/archaeologist as well as the more
seasoned, professional researcher/archaeologist. It generates data regarding the "Lost Colony," but
in such depth that it draws in many areas of study that would appeal to
many different interests. We
are privy to the most marvelous maps from the 16th century, common sense
analysis of meticulously transcribed or abstracted data collected from
various primary sources, intriguing histories that are replete with
meaning, an insurmountable gathering of stories waiting to be proven or
dispelled, copies of primary source materials that are well documented
and the most remarkable data regarding the Indian population in the
1500s on up.
This group has a website
that boards 'more than 8000 pages of research, all free,' a Facebook
account and a blog. They
name sites one can visit to further research about the Lost Colony: from
DNA research to research regarding Hatteras Island.
Information on
archaeological digs is provided before, during and after a dig.
It is truly exciting when something is actually found, like a
snaphance lock from a gun dating back to the late 1500s, bone rings,
pipes, copper rings and plates, shell beads, ceramic. Much
is included about the significance of each artifact found...and each dig
is an education in itself.
This newsletter is so
interesting it is very difficult to put down.
It is technical at times but never without explanation.
The layout and design varies from issue to issue; however, each
one is eye-catching and creative and one wonders what 'adventure' will
be taken on in any following works.
After reading all of the
issues included in this entry, we have no doubt that this group will
play a significant role in locating the 'lost colony' and in North
Carolina history.
All
of our newsletters are available in their entirety, and for free, on our
website at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~molcgdrg/nl/anl-index.htm
where you will find a newsletter article index from the beginning of
2008 through the currently published version.
Our newsletter is published monthly and we welcome contributed
information. By the end of
2011, we will have published a total of 214 articles over four years.
7.
The Willie Parker Peace History Book Award was presented to
Andrew Thomas Powell, of Bideford, England, for his book entitled
"Grenville and the Lost Colony of Roanoke."
Andy is our British historian.
Judges
comments:
After reading this book
we have decided that, just like the people from the Outer banks believe,
we believe that the Lost Colony isn't actually lost...just misplaced and
waiting for somebody to discover them, either through physical research
(records), archaeological research or DNA research.
In the meantime, Mr. Powell has given us a vast amount of
impressive information to read and mull over, and he has provided us
with a series of events, some which are enhanced by his analytical
comments. He has also
provided us with some extensive footnotes containing terms and words
unfamiliar to many and helpful to all
We cannot say enough
about this marvelous book except, if you read it, you will be taking one
of the most exciting adventures of your literary life...an adventure
that is ongoing and that you can become a part of should you so choose.
It is an education in itself, where you will note the importance
of Sir Richard Grenville, the savvy and courageous characters of the
colonists, and the mystery of the misplaced colony.
This history book has everything! We are so glad we were chosen
to judge it, and for the privilege of being able to read it.
8.
The Paul Green Multimedia Award was awarded to Patsy Miller
(Martin County Historical Society Oral History Interviewer) and Jennifer
Sheppard, Videographer and Lost Colony Genealogist, for a DVD entitled
"Deborah Brown & Gloria Hassall, Cousins After All."
Even
though this award does not pertain to the Lost Colony, we are certainly
proud of Jennifer.
Judges
Comments:
What an amazing story of
consternation, persistence and success! In our work, we have seen many
situations similar to this where a child was born in a foreign land
parented by an American soldier only to be left behind upon the return
of that soldier to his homeland. Sometimes the soldier was aware of the
child, sometimes he was not. In this case, he married the British lady,
she had a daughter, and he disappeared. This daughter grew up thinking
that her American family did not want anything to do with her when in
all honesty, they were not aware of her existence! This problem was
remedied, however, after a very determined search by Gloria Hassall of
Great Britain. She became connected with her American ‘family’ and
it seems ‘never the twain shall part.’ It is a heart-warming story
of many emotions. Only after we watched the DVD did we realize the
impact one person’s actions can have on so many. We also realize that,
now that Ms. Hassall has made this connection, it is only the true
beginning of her journey back in time as she traces her ancestors back
as far as the paper path will lead her. Wouldn’t it be comical if her
search took her back to England! Kudos to Patsy Miller for leading a
very interesting interview and for allowing the interviewees plenty of
time to answer questions posed and to tell their stories. Kudos to
Jennifer Sheppard for capturing the moments.
Again,
congratulations to our award winners, not just for earning and receiving
the awards, but for doing the quality and in depth work necessary to be
judged worthy. We would be
sunk without all of our researchers and the incredible work they do.
Thank you everyone for your contributions to all of the resources
we provide to our members and the public as well.
We hope this encourages people to research, contribute and
participate. You never know
what tidbit will be the thing that leads to the discovery of the
colonists descendants today!!!! Will
that critical piece of information come from you?
Next
Page
|
