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Blog Entries: 1 to 10 of 65
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Help Support Our Mission!
Giving Tuesday: Preserve Our Past, Secure Our Future
Help the Iron County Historical Society Keep History Alive
Giving Tuesday is here, and the Iron County Historical Society is asking for your support. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue our mission of preserving and sharing the rich history of Iron County.
Why Your Donation Matters Your donation will directly impact our ability to:
- Preserve Historical Artifacts: We carefully collect, catalog, and preserve artifacts that tell the story of our community.
- Operate our Museum: Our museum inside the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center is often the first stop for visitors to our historic county. It’s also the repository for our archives that family historians and historical researchers alike use to conduct their research. Our museum operating costs are the single largest expenditure and, as a reminder, none of our volunteers or anyone else in the historical society are paid employees.
- Educate Future Generations: We offer educational programs, tours, and exhibits to inspire young minds and foster a love of local history.
- Digitize Our Archives: We're digitizing our vast collection of documents, photographs, and maps to make them accessible to researchers worldwide.
How to Donate
You can donate online through our website's Donate Page or by mailing a check to:
Iron County Historical Society
P.O. Box 183
Ironton MO, 63650
Thank YOU for your continued support!
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PSA - An Unwelcome Holiday Guest
 It’s that time of year again. The holidays are rapidly approaching and so are all those gatherings of family and friends. It’s also the start of cold and flu season and, this year, there’s something else that is making the rounds in our area. It’s a rather nasty respiratory infection. You can read about it here and about the steps that you can take to help protect yourself and others from getting it. |
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Strategy for Sharing Your Family History
It Starts with You
A recurring theme of many of my Family History Blog posts deal with writing down your family stories and sharing your family history. Why do I think this is so important? This blog post will answer that question by focusing on two central points. The first point concerns why sharing our work is so important. The second point will discuss a specific strategy that you can use to interest others in your work.
Are You the One?
There’s at least one person in every family that is the keeper of the family history, the records, the photos, the stories, etc. I am one of those people. I’ve been researching my family history off and on for more than 30 years. I have gigabytes worth of data, a two-drawer vertical file cabinet full of records, and hundreds of photographs. I am also 68 years old. My children don’t share my passion for family history. They put up with me when I tell them stories, but I don’t see either of them picking up the torch to carry on my research when I go. I know that I’m working against the clock here, but I still hold out hope that I will find that person to carry on my research.
I say all of this because I have seen what happens when someone passes on without someone to carry on their work. If they are very lucky, family members will recognize the value of the person’s work and donate that work to a local historical / genealogy society, library or archive so the deceased’s work can be preserved and shared. In my experience though, the opposite is more often the case. Instead of preserving the years’ worth of research, it is instead discarded and lost for eternity.
This may be the long way around to getting to my first point, but I think it highlights the bottom-line of why sharing our work is so important. Obviously, the best solution is to find someone while you are alive, to pass your work on to when you are ready to do so. Failing that, you need to take the steps necessary to see that your work is preserved. You need to write your wishes down, perhaps even document them in your will, about what is to be done with your research. If you have a place in mind for it to go, you need to get their assurance that they would be able to store, preserve and share your work. Still, the best solution is to pass your passion for family history research on to others in your own family. That’s where we’re headed next.
Getting Others Interested in your Work
As I mentioned earlier, previous Family History blog posts on this website have broached this subject and I would suggest you go back and look at those at your leisure. For now, I want to concentrate on my personal belief on the one best approach to get other family members interested in your work. What is that approach? Sharing family stories.
Family stories can be long or short. They can cover one particular incident in a person’s life or can cover the person’s entire life and possibly even multiple generations. Think about it for a minute, in your own research, what is more exciting, finding a missing date or record, or finding an interesting story about the person or family that you have been researching? For me, it’s the story every time.
Don’t get me wrong, documenting those dates is important, but it’s the stories that we find that really put the “meat on the bones” of our family history. The rest of this blog post deals with recording those stories and offers a pathway to writing them down when a story doesn’t just fall into your lap.
Write Your Own Story First
There are two reasons why I think you should write your own story first. The first is, that in doing so, it can lay the foundation for using the same approach (using your research as a starting point) for writing the stories of your ancestors or other family members. The second is that no one knows more about your own life than you do. Writing down your own stories about your life preserves your legacy for future generations. How valuable would it be to you to discover that one of your ancestors wrote down their life stories and recorded how and why they made certain decisions that influenced the course of their life?
There are multiple ways to approach this task, there are even books that you can buy that ask you the questions and you just write down your answers. Whatever approach you choose, the important thing is to be honest. In my own life, I think I have probably learned more from the mistakes that I made than from the things I got right the first time. This is what makes us human. Wisdom comes with age and experience and sharing what you have learned is a gift that your descendants will treasure.
Today though, I want to introduce this subject of telling your own story by referring you to an article published on the Family Tree Magazine’s website: “How to Write a Must-Read Memoir for Your Family” by Richard Campbell. This article is a great introduction to the topic. Using the strategies outlined here, you can not only preserve and tell your own story, but you can then go on to incorporate those same strategies to tell the stories of other ancestors and family members.
Once written, you can use these family stories to interest others in your research which, in turn, may lead to someone taking up the torch to continue your family history quest. After all, none of us wants to see our research discarded like unwanted mementos of our lives.
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Honoring Veterans Today and Always
A History of Veterans Day - From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a day dedicated to honoring all American veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces. But how did this important holiday come to be?
The Origins of Armistice Day
The roots of Veterans Day trace back to the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice was signed, effectively ending the war. To commemorate this significant event, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day in 1919. The day was originally intended to honor the veterans of World War I and to promote world peace.
The Evolution to Veterans Day
As time passed, the scope of Armistice Day expanded to honor veterans of all wars. In 1954, Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day. This change reflected the growing appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans of World War II and the Korean War.
A Day of Remembrance and Gratitude
Today, Veterans Day, is a time to honor all American veterans, past and present. Pioneers of Iron County and their descendants have served in every American conflict from the American Revolution to on-going operations in numerous locations around the world. I am a proud veteran, and I am thankful for all of our veterans, past and present. Their service and their sacrifices have shaped our nation and secured our freedoms.
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Using LIDAR to Open a Window to Our Past
 Using LIDAR to Open a Window to Our PastLIDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth's surface. By analyzing the reflected laser pulses, researchers can create detailed 3D maps of landscapes, both natural and man-made.
Unveiling Hidden Histories
One of the most exciting applications of LIDAR technology is its ability to reveal hidden archaeological sites. By penetrating dense vegetation and soil, LIDAR can detect subtle changes in the landscape that may indicate ancient structures, roads, and settlements. These discoveries can provide invaluable insights into the past, shedding light on the lives of our ancestors.
A Closer Look at the Past
Here are some specific examples of how LIDAR is revolutionizing archaeological research:
- Lost Cities and Civilizations: In recent years, LIDAR has been used to uncover entire lost cities, such as the ancient Mayan city of Caracol in Belize. By mapping the dense forest canopy, archaeologists were able to identify previously unknown pyramids, palaces, and roads. A recent discovery by a team of archaeologists used LIDAR imaging to discover the lost Mayan city of Campeche, identifying some 6,674 previously unknown structures in the process. You can read more about that discovery here.
- Ancient Landscapes: LIDAR can also be used to reconstruct ancient landscapes, including river systems, coastlines, and agricultural fields. This information can help us understand how people adapted to their environment and how climate change has impacted human societies over time.
- Battlefield Archaeology: LIDAR has proven to be a powerful tool for military archaeologists, allowing them to identify and map battlefields, fortifications, and other military sites. By analyzing the data, researchers can gain a better understanding of military tactics, logistics, and the impact of conflict on the landscape.
- Closer to Home: Historical society member, Dr. Russell Meyers, a retired economic geologist, used LIDAR images of Pilot Knob Mountain along with topographical maps, historic images and documents to advance our knowledge of the history of iron mining on the mountain.
A Future of Discovery
As LIDAR technology continues to advance, we can expect even more groundbreaking discoveries in the years to come. By peering through the layers of time, LIDAR is helping us to piece together the complex puzzle of human history.
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Historical Society Member's New Book
I had the pleasure this past weekend of sitting down with Iron County Historical Society member, Armand Kinslow to discuss the publication of his new book, “They Will Not Be Forgotten”. Armand is part of an amazing line of eight generations who each served in the U.S. conflict of their era. Once he discovered this heritage, he began documenting his ancestors’ stories, re-constructed from historical research and combined with his gift for storytelling, so that They Will Not Be Forgotten.
While technically a work of fiction, Armand’s book combines sound genealogical research and family stories passed down through the generations to create a first-person narrative of each of the veterans whose stories are contained in the book. Readers of the book from Iron and surrounding counties will recognize many of the family names in the book. Included are stories of veterans from each of America’s conflicts from the American Revolution to the war in Vietnam.
After graduating from Mizzou on an NROTC scholarship, Armand was commissioned in the USMC as an infantry officer. He later served as an intelligence officer during the Cold War, Gulf War, and Global War on Terror, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Between his military and government service, Kinslow spent four decades working in intelligence gathering and analysis. He is an avid history buff, particularly of America’s military campaigns.
They Will Not Be Forgotten is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. The book is available in paperback for $14.49, paperback or as an e-book for $6.99. Armand is donating 50% of the royalties from the book to veteran support groups.
Finally, you can see a recent interview of Armand discussing his book on our local Fox 2 TV station by clicking here.
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PSA - Avoiding Phishing Attacks
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a cybercrime technique where scammers disguise themselves as legitimate entities, like banks, social media platforms, or trusted businesses, to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. This information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, can be used to steal identities, access accounts, or commit financial fraud.
How does phishing work?
- Email Phishing: Scammers send fraudulent emails that appear to be from a trusted source, often urging recipients to click on malicious links or download attachments.
- Smishing: Similar to phishing, but done through text messages (SMS).
- Vishing: Phishing attacks carried out over the phone.
How to protect yourself from phishing:
- Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages: Verify the sender's address and look for unusual requests or urgent calls to action.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments: Hover over links to see the actual URL and be wary of unexpected file formats.
- Use strong, unique passwords: A strong, complex password can make it difficult for hackers to crack.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Keep your software and devices up-to-date: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities.
- Be aware of social engineering tactics: Scammers may use emotional manipulation or flattery to trick you.
Want to know more? Just click here.
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Political Correctness in AI
I seem to be stuck in a rut of late. In multiple blog posts I have talked about accuracy in research, both in researching your own family history or when doing historical research. It’s a big deal for genealogists / family historians, but it should also be a big deal for all of us in our everyday lives. We live in a world that continues to become more and more polarized. Bias is everywhere. It’s on the so-called news networks, in our newspapers, and of course on social media where it takes on a whole new life of its own. Let me be clear, I am NOT pointing my finger at one side or the other (conservative or liberal). BOTH are guilty.
Because we live in a world of “alternative facts” it is up to each of us to use our brains to critically evaluate all that we see, read, or hear. While the brain isn’t a muscle, it can be exercised and strengthened by such critical thinking. Not accepting something at face value, even if you agree with it, is the first step.
I’ve sort of buried the lead to this week’s topic, but it is related to what I have already said. This week, I want to talk to you about hidden biases in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As the use of AI continues to grow, we all need to be aware of these biases and to use our brains to analyze what we find there. Also, let me be clear once again, when I use the term, “Political Correctness”, I am applying it equally to both ends of the political spectrum, as both sides will try to continue to use AI to their own advantage.
Political Correctness in AI: A Sneaky Threat to Objectivity
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize countless aspects of our lives. However, a growing concern is the creeping influence of political correctness within these systems. This bias can lead to distorted outputs, limiting the true potential of AI and potentially perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
How Does Political Correctness Enter AI?
- Biased Training Data: AI models learn from massive datasets. If these datasets are skewed towards a particular viewpoint, the AI will inherit those biases. For example, a dataset predominantly curated by a specific political group could lead to AI that echoes that group's ideology.
- Developer Bias: The individuals creating and programming AI systems bring their own worldview to the table. Unconscious biases can seep into the code, shaping the AI's responses and decision-making processes.
- Social Pressure and Public Opinion: Developers and companies may feel pressured to align their AI with prevailing social and political trends. This can lead to the suppression of alternative viewpoints or the promotion of specific narratives.
The Dangers of Politically Correct AI
- Limited Perspective: A politically correct AI may struggle to understand and process diverse opinions, leading to a narrow and potentially inaccurate understanding of the world.
- Suppression of Free Speech: AI systems could be used to censor content that challenges dominant narratives, stifling open debate and critical thinking.
- Perpetuation of Stereotypes: Well-intentioned efforts to be inclusive can sometimes lead to oversimplification and the creation of new stereotypes. For example, assuming everyone in a certain group thinks the same way.
Conclusion
Political correctness in AI is a serious concern that demands our attention. By understanding how it creeps into these systems and by using our brains to critically analyze what we find there we can gain a more accurate understanding of our world and its history.
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Verifying Historical Resources
One of my all-time favorite westerns is John Ford’s, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. In the movie, Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) tells a newspaper reporter and his editor, Mr. Scott (Carleton Young), the true story about who shot the gunslinger and all-around bad guy, Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). Stoddard had always been credited with shooting Valance and had gained considerable fame and respect from doing so. Upon learning the truth, the newspaper editor, takes the reporter’s notes and throws them into a wood stove. Stoddard asks the editor, “You’re not going to use the story, Mr. Scott?” Mr. Scott, replies, “No sir. This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.”
I’ve written blog posts previously about verifying facts when it comes to family history research. The same applies to researching history in general. Over the years, many “legends” have become accepted as facts when they either didn’t happen or didn’t happen in the way they actually did. Here are a few of those myths and the actual facts about them.
1. George Washington and the Cherry Tree: This iconic tale, often used to teach children about honesty, is largely fictional. While Washington may have been known for his integrity, there's no concrete evidence to support the story of him chopping down a cherry tree and admitting his wrongdoing.
2. Paul Revere's Ride: While Paul Revere did play a crucial role in warning the colonists about the British troops, the famous engraving by John Trumbull depicts a romanticized version of the event. Revere was actually captured by British soldiers, and it was primarily other riders who spread the alarm.
3. Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address: The famous speech delivered by President Lincoln at the Gettysburg Address is often misquoted. The most common misquote is "government of the people, by the people, for the people," which is actually a paraphrase of the original text.
4. Benjamin Franklin and the Kite Experiment: The image of Benjamin Franklin flying a kite during a thunderstorm to prove that lightning is electricity is a popular misconception. While Franklin did conduct experiments with electricity, there's no evidence that he ever risked his life by flying a kite in a storm.
5. The Boston Tea Party: The Boston Tea Party is often portrayed as a spontaneous act of defiance. However, the event was carefully planned and executed by a group of colonists known as the Sons of Liberty. The tea was not dumped into the harbor; it was thrown overboard from ships.
6. The Alamo: "Remember the Alamo": This battle cry is synonymous with Texas' fight for independence. However, the phrase "Remember the Alamo" was not actually used during the battle or immediately afterward. It gained popularity in the late 19th century as a symbol of Texas' struggle for independence.
It's important to remember that historical accounts can be influenced by various factors, including cultural biases, political agendas, and the passage of time. By critically examining these misconceptions and seeking out reliable sources, we can gain a more accurate understanding of American history.
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Disasters and Family History
 Unraveling the Past: Researching Disasters for Family History
For the past few months, I’ve been working on a presentation that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the deadliest tornado in American History, the Tri-State Tornado of 1925. You can read more about my upcoming presentation on our Events Page. Throughout my research, I’ve been touched by many of the personal family stories related to this event. The tornado travelled some 219 miles, through 13 counties in three states leaving 695 people dead and thousands of other people injured. The photo at the left portrays the damage left in Annapolis, Missouri in the wake of the tornado.
Disasters like the one mentioned above or others, both natural and man-made, can leave indelible marks on our family histories. These events can disrupt lives, displace families, and lead to the loss of records and traditions. However, by researching past disasters, we can gain valuable insights into our ancestors' experiences and strengthen our understanding of our family's resilience.
You may disagree with me, but I believe that we are each the combined result of all our ancestors that have come before us. I’m not just talking about genetics and the passing of physical traits down through the generations. Of course, that’s part of it, but so are all the experiences that have impacted our ancestors’ lives. How they reacted is reflected in what their children saw and were taught. These experiences and their emotional responses can become just as ingrained as any physical trait. This being the case, when something like a disaster happens, it can change a family forever.
So, Why Research Disasters for Family History?
- Understanding Ancestral Experiences: Disasters can provide a unique lens through which to view our ancestors' lives. By understanding the challenges they faced, we can better appreciate their triumphs and sacrifices.
- Preserving Family Stories: Disasters often lead to the creation of oral histories and family legends. By documenting these stories, we can ensure that they are preserved for future generations.
- Identifying Lost Connections: Disasters can disrupt family connections, leading to the separation of loved ones. Researching these events can help us identify lost relatives and reconnect with our family tree.
Where to Begin Your Research
- Local Archives and Libraries: These institutions often hold valuable records related to past disasters, such as newspaper clippings, photographs, and government documents.
- Online Databases: Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and FindMyPast.com offer a wealth of resources for genealogical research, including records related to disasters.
- Historical Societies: Local historical societies can provide valuable information about specific disasters and their impact on the community.
- Oral Histories: Interviewing family members and friends can help you gather firsthand accounts of disaster experiences.
- Books: Depending on the disaster, one or more books may have been written on the subject. Don’t just read one book, read them all. Often times, family stories contained in one book might not be in the others.
Tips for Effective Research
- Start with the Basics: Begin by identifying the specific disasters that may have affected your family. This could include natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, or man-made disasters like wars or economic depressions.
- Use Keywords: When searching online databases, use relevant keywords such as the disaster's name, location, and date.
- Be Patient: Disaster research can be time-consuming. Be patient and persistent in your search, as you may need to explore multiple sources to find the information you're looking for.
- Document Your Findings: Keep a detailed record of your research, including sources, dates, and any relevant information you uncover.
Overcoming Challenges
Researching disasters can be emotionally challenging, especially if you discover tragic events in your family's history. It's important to approach this research with empathy and understanding. If you find the process overwhelming, consider seeking support from a counselor or support group.
By researching past disasters, we can gain a deeper appreciation for our ancestors' resilience and strength. This knowledge can help us connect with our family history on a more personal level and build a stronger sense of identity.
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