FRIENDS now has volunteer speakers who can provide an interesting topic for your group’s next gathering for as little as $50 + mileage! Speaker’s fees are donated directly to FRIENDS to assist in the endeavors of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Our list of topics currently include:

TEA-LEAF, MOSS ROSE & WHITE IRONSTONE CHINA

Examples of the china are displayed and examined, interspersed with interesting tidbits about life in the mid-1800s. Presented by Riene Wells, charter member of the Tea Leaf Club International and owner of a 2000+ piece collection that has been displayed at the Wisconsin Antique Dealers “Special Attraction” booth. Riene is a frequent speaker at various historical group gatherings. For more information, contact info@eagle-house.com.

WHO’S YOUR DADDY’S DADDY’S DADDY’S DADDY’S DADDY?

Of particular interest to genealogy groups, this program explores the relatively new use of identifying the ‘y’ chromosome to trace paternal lineage for genealogical purposes. The use of yDNA can break down those brick walls researchers have been up against for decades. Presented by Debbie McArdle, founder and volunteer Group Administrator of 4 Family Tree yDNA surname projects, and 40 years of genealogical experience. For more information, watch the video at http://www.familytreedna.com/audio-video.aspx or contact jjmcard@comcast.net or 815/575-1272.

THE VICTORIANS & THE INFLUENCE OF THEIR DOGS

View examples from “not your usual dog collection” as Kathleen informs of the importance of the dog in the Victorian home, both as a helper and a companion.  Hear many interesting stories and see several unusual items celebrating dogs.   The informative talk features the Newfoundland dog.  Newfoundlands were owned by many famous people including Charles Dickens, Lord Byron, and President U.S. Grant. The presenter is Kathleen Krause, FRIENDS of Wisconsin Historical Society Board Member, who has an extensive collection of Victorian dog items, that have been featured in  ‘Collectable and Flea Market Finds’ magazine. Kathleen has raised and showed dogs for over 35 years. For more information, contact kknewf@aol.com or 262-495-4373.

WHALING HISTORY & THE WHALER’S ART: SCRIMSHAW

Scrimshaw is a 19th-century American sailor-made art form created primarily (but not exclusively) from the teeth bone of harvested whales during the heyday of the American whaling industry. Learn about this industry that was so important to America’s success and study examples of the art form created by sailors during their seemingly-endless trips at sea. Tom L. & Barb Conley are members of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and are annual presenters at the Scrimshaw Collectors’ Symposium. For more information, contact BarbConley1@sbcglobal.net or  847/669-5391.

VICTORIAN PEWTER-TRIMMED GRANITEWARE

Rare examples of this often misidentified ornate ware are displayed and examined. The history of its American manufacturers, circa 1870-1900, are discussed, as well as the status of the ware in the American Victorian-period household. For more information, contact jjmcard@comcast.net or 815/575-1272.

THE HISTORY & VALUE OF YOUR FAMILY’S HEIRLOOMS

Participants bring a family heirloom for discussion and evaluation. Presented by Debbie McArdle, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and Appraisals, founded in 1978, and member of the New England Appraisers Association. For more information, contact jjmcard@comcast.net or 815/575-1272.

THE 1875-1925 ‘MOM & POP’ GENERAL STORE

Explore the history of the neighborhood “Mom and Pop” stores and the birth of modern advertising. This PowerPoint program will illustrate the furnishings and offerings of the stores our great-grandparents frequented. Early examples of many such items are brought for hands-on examination. Presented by Debbie McArdle, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and Appraisals, founded in 1978, and member of the New England Appraisers Association. For more information, contact jjmcard@comcast.net or 815/575-1272.

Those of you who have any interest in presenting programs to benefit FRIENDS and the Wisconsin Historical Society, please contact Debbie at jjmcard@comcast.net