Since I wrote my last column, I received an e-mail from my first cousin, once removed on my dad’s side of the family. She has become interested in the family history and both of her parents have passed away and she wishes that she had become interested before they died, as she has many questions. I baby sat her when she was quite small, but I moved away from Ellerton when she was barely 10 years old. Her great-grandmother was my grandmother. She was searching on the Internet for any information she could find on the family name and came across one of my columns in the Albert Lea Tribune and e-mailed me to see if I could help with some of her questions. I am going to Ohio for a family reunion this summer and plan to get together with her and see what questions I can fill in for her. After visiting she did remember me from many years ago, and has some memories of my grandmother. We have exchanged e-mails and caught up on the news of our siblings and it will be fun to see her again after all these years.

I will no doubt do some additional research on this side of the family when I go to Salt Lake City in the fall and it will be fun to have some new research angles to follow. As time marches on some new doors open and others close, so it is never too late to start on your family history, but there is no better time than the present! So if you have been procrastinating, stop now and begin to piece together the journey your family has taken through time and see what family stories you can collect to share with future generations. They will be thankful for all your efforts!

We, have just received the DVDs of the individual interviews of area residents that participated in the “See It Now, Freeborn County Memories” a project to collect audio and video memories of World War II. This project was funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008, which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s arts & cultural heritage. You may view these DVDs at the Freeborn County Historical Museum or you may check them out at the Albert Lea Public Library. If you are still interest in sharing your memories of World War II, please contact the Albert Lea Public Library or the museum.

The museum is hosting a historical bus tour on Thursday, July 22. The air-conditioned motor coach (with bathroom) will depart from the Freeborn County Historical Museum (by the fairground arches) for a day of historical stops and sights in Faribault and Martin counties. You must register for the bus trip by stopping by the museum or calling us at 373-8003 by July 15. The tour is limited to the first 45 paid registrants, so don’t delay if you are interested in attending. We will depart from Albert Lea promptly at 8:30 a.m. and return around 4:30 p.m. We will be joined by a local guide in Blue Earth that will give us a tour of town, the Faribault County Historical Society buildings and the Green Giant Museum. We will then have lunch and continue on the Martin County to tour the Martin County Historical Society. The cost is $50 for members and $55 or non-members. This fee includes the bus, lunch and admissions. Enjoy a day of historical facts and sights and leave the driving to someone else.

We will be hosting an AARP 4 hour refresher Defensive Driving Class on Tuesday, July 13, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Check to see if there are still openings in this class or register for the next class which will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Have a great week and remember to share your family memories with someone this week or start a journal to share with a grandchild, niece or nephew.

Pat Mulso is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum in Albert Lea.