Historical society launches Facebook page By Staff Reports
Published 1:11 pm Monday, August 12, 2024
The Crenshaw County Historical Society museum on Airport Road will be open Saturday Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
Owens and other society members are available for in-person research assistance in the genealogy room at the Luverne Library (pitured here) every Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon and at the Brantley Public Library every Tuesday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Photo courtesy of the CCHS.
The new 'Crenshaw Connections - History, Heritage and Honor' Facebook page celebrates and explores the rich history and heritage of Crenshaw County. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
One branch of Shackleford’s family tree finds him as the two-times great grandson of some of the county's first pioneers, Joel Lafayette Nichols, Sr., (1831-1901) and Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker (1834-1897), who settled in the Mt. Ida Community near the Patsalagi River. Photo courtesy of Kenny Shackleford.
Oleta Owens, president of the Crenshaw County Historical Society, gives tours and answers any questions from visitors during a museum open house. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
A young history lover enjoys a book in the Genealogy Room located inside the Luverne Public Library. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
The Crenshaw County Historical Society (CCHS) has made a significant step into the digital age with the launch of a new Facebook page, titled "Crenshaw County Historical Society 1988."
By Staff Reports
The Crenshaw County Historical Society (CCHS) has made a significant step into the digital age with the launch of a new Facebook page, titled “Crenshaw County Historical Society 1988.” The page, alongside a sister page, “Crenshaw Connections-History, Heritage and Honor,” aims to engage individuals passionate about the history of Crenshaw County.
The CCHS page is a hub for information on events such as open houses at the CCHS museum on Airport Road in Luverne, “Let’s Talk History” gatherings, meetings, workdays, bi-annual yard sales, Pioneer Day, Christmas Open House and more. The page also provides a platform for individuals seeking specific genealogical or historical information to connect with CCHS moderators and members.
“With today’s online world, where many get their news and information from social media, we thought it was time for the historical society to join the world of social media,” said CCHS President Oleta Owens. “We’re dedicated to preserving the history of Crenshaw County and its people and the CCHS appreciates the opportunity to branch out, reach more people and hopefully preserve more history. We hope you join us on Facebook and become a part of preserving and celebrating the heritage of Crenshaw County.”
The social media initiative has already proven valuable, Owens said. Tammy Vaughn Winger of Colorado sought information about her great-great-grandmother, Martha Ann Bristow, who died in Crenshaw County in 1883. Owens, CCHS president, and Kenny Shackleford, moderator for the “Crenshaw Connections-History, Heritage and Honor” page, provided valuable assistance with the effort.
“CCHS fills out a query form when we get a request like this and keep it on file,” said Owens. “Often, one query connects to another, and we can link people looking for similar information. The Facebook page is an excellent tool for connecting and sharing history.”
Shackleford, who has deep roots in Crenshaw County that spread in all directions, directed Winger to the findagrave.com profile of Abner Lafayette Bristow and provided other helpful information. One branch of Shackleford’s family tree finds him as the two-times great grandson of some of the county’s first pioneers, Joel Lafayette Nichols, Sr., (1831-1901) and Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker (1834-1897), who settled in the Mt. Ida Community near the Patsalagi River.
“The history of Crenshaw County is very important to me and I am thankful for the chance to play my part in helping to preserve the history of Crenshaw County,” Shackleford said. “It is awesome being a part of this research team and I look forward to interacting with both pages and continuing to help with the preservation and promotion.”
“Crenshaw Connections – History, Heritage and Honor,” is an interactive space, dedicated to capturing and discussing anything that helps tell the unique story of Crenshaw County. Members and visitors can share pictures and interesting tidbits about days gone by, exchange stories, make connections and perhaps solve old family mysteries.
Haley Mitchell Godwin, the page’s admin and creator, emphasized the importance of preserving oral histories not found in official records.
“Local history is my passion, specifically the oral histories that can’t be found at the courthouse or on the internet,” Godwin said. “The histories in our minds, especially the minds of our elders, have to be preserved, or these priceless stories and lessons, and invaluable information from days gone by will be forever lost.”
According to Godwin, knowing, preserving, and sharing family histories offer endless benefits for individuals, families, future generations and entire communities.
“Family history isn’t just censuses and pedigree charts,” Godwin said. “It’s about what makes us who we are or who we aren’t. It’s about people with whom we can form deep connections, whether living or dead. It’s about roots and branches and leaves and entire forests. It’s about all of us and what we will be tomorrow as individuals and as the human race and in order to continue this march with our best foot forward, we have to not focus not only on preserving but also promoting our history or the work is for naught.”
Lisa Smith Bruno of Gainesville, Florida, expressed appreciation for the information she obtained through the Crenshaw Connections page. Bruno, the great-granddaughter of George Washington (Wash) Compton (1884-1979), has fond memories of visiting Alabama and her Compton family near Brantley. She shared her gratitude for the family pictures and stories she discovered.
“I love seeing the old photos and stories of ancestors,” Bruno said. “I am so thankful for Kenny and Haley [Mitchell Godwin] creating this group. The pictures and oral histories shared in the group are priceless.”
Bruno has also contributed to the group by sharing information and pictures, including a picture of the Compton memorial marker located in Mt. Ida Cemetery near Brantley. The marker is in memory of pioneers Walder D. Compton (1793-1867) and his wife Nancy Ann (1797-1860), Bruno’s four-times great-grandparents.
The CCHS offers several publications that can be purchased at The Luverne Journal Office, the Luverne Public Library or by contacting a CCHS member, including the “1890 Crenshaw County Tax List,” “Crenshaw County Marriages,” “Happy 150th Birthday Crenshaw County” and “Newspaper Abstracts: Crimes in Crenshaw County 1890-1973.”
Membership is $20 annually and includes four quarterly newsletters. Sponsorships start at $50 a year, helping to preserve Crenshaw County’s history. Sponsors are mentioned in newsletters and via other avenues.
Owens or another society member is available for in-person research assistance in the genealogy room at the Luverne Library every Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon and at the Brantley Public Library every Tuesday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.
The CCHS museum on Airport Road will be open Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.For more information, contact Oleta Owens at oowens@mon-cre.net.
