AFFORDABLE SPEAKERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR GROUP!

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.

The FRIENDS of WHS History Speakers Road Show 

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 DNA 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, contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

THE VICTORIANS & THE INFLUENCE OF THEIR DOGS Offered by canine professional Kathy Krause.

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.

FOR THE FUN OF IT!  THE NEW HAMPSHIRE TOY ROOM AT THE DAR MUSEUM Presented by Debbie McArdle, DAR Museum Correspondent Docent of Kishwaukee Trail Chapter  NSDAR, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and member of the New England Appraisers Association.  Participants are encouraged to bring a pre-1920 toy for discussion and evaluation.  For more information contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

CHRISTMAS IN THE DAR PERIOD ROOMS, WASHINGTON D.C. Presented by Debbie McArdle, DAR Museum Correspondent Docent of Kishwaukee Trail Chapter  NSDAR, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and member of the New England Appraisers Association.  Participants are encouraged to bring an early Christmas item for discussion and evaluation.  For more information contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272. 

MYTH OR TRUTH, STORIES WE’VE HEARD ABOUT EARLY AMERICA  An overview of some of the common myths heard in museums and various historic places.  Presented by Debbie McArdle, DAR Museum Correspondent Docent of Kishwaukee Trail Chapter  NSDAR, owner of Iron Horse Antiques 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