AUGUST MEETING
Our monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Clay County Genealogy Library, located at 309 Main St., Center Point, IN.
AUGUST PROGRAM
Following a brief business meeting, member Barbara Campbell Pell will present a program on the Kaiser Trunk and its journey to the United States. These trunks were known for their large size, sturdy construction, and the challenges they posed for immigrants who carried them across oceans and continents. It promises to be a fascinating look at a unique piece of history.
JULY PROGRAM RECAP
We had an excellent turnout for last month’s program on Madge Oberholtzer. Author Charlotte Halsema Ottinger shared insights from her compelling book about Madge and her role in bringing down D.C. Stephenson and the Ku Klux Klan.
Charlotte has generously left a few copies of her book at the library for purchase. If interested, please contact the library at 812 835 5005 during open hours (Monday & Wednesday 10–4, Friday 11–4) or email researchclaycounty@frontier.com.
GRANTS
We are thrilled to announce that the Clay County Genealogical Society has been awarded $1,800 from the UDWI REMC Community Fund. These funds were used to purchase durable metal bookends—simple tools that make a big difference. Quality bookends help keep books upright and prevent warping, reduce stress on aging bindings, protect rare and irreplaceable genealogical volumes, improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
This grant directly strengthens our preservation efforts and helps safeguard our collection for future generations. We are also proud to share that the Brazil Rotary Club has awarded us a $5,200 grant. This funding will be used to purchase metal shelving for the fragile Brazil Times volumes, which have been stored on the floor due to their weight and size. These shelves will allow us to properly preserve and display these important historical newspapers.
LANDSCAPING IMPROVMENTS
Last month we announced a generous donation from a community member to complete the landscaping around our building. We are happy to report that:
• New plants have been added
• A fence has been installed
• A new sign for the front of the building is currently in progress
These improvements help make our library welcoming, attractive, and representative of the pride we have in CCGSI.