NGS 2025 Louisville: Memorial Day Ceremony at Cave Hill National Cemetery

             Monday, May 26, 2025

 

Cave Hill Cemetery

A post-conference activity for a modest $40.00 was an excursion to Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum, “one of the most historically rich and beautiful landmarks in the region. Upon arrival, attendees will be invited to explore the cemetery’s lush, tranquil landscapes at their own pace. The 296-acre grounds feature stunning gardens, towering trees, and iconic monuments, making it not only a historic burial site but also an urban arboretum with over 500 species of trees. Following the self-guided exploration, we will gather for a respectful Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery section. This poignant ceremony will honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces, offering attendees a moment of reflection and tribute.” From the NGS description.

 

Our small groups set out to explore the vast and breathtaking cemetery. In my group were my South Carolina friend Cheri Hudson Passey, two representatives from the NGS—Susan Yockey and Andre Kearns—and two other ladies. Our mission was to visit Muhammad Ali’s memorial, with a secondary goal of seeing Colonel Sanders' resting place, though time ultimately didn’t allow for it. Along the way, we strolled under towering, magnificent trees, admiring an array of stunning headstones, grand monuments, and towering obelisks.

Muhammad Ali's Memorial

 

After a few missteps—thanks to Google Maps leading us astray—we finally reached Ali’s monument with the help of a friendly cemetery employee who rescued us in an electric golf cart. After taking a group photo, we headed back to the rendezvous point for the Memorial Day service. To our surprise, the event was far larger than we had anticipated, with attendees including members of the VFW, state leaders, and even Senator Mitch McConnell. Who would’ve thought?

Video link to a newscast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9_lu2SLelw

And here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbYBxSMo7Wg

 

PICTURES

 

Kate Smith of NGS

After I returned to the Galt House Hotel, I had a quick bite to eat, then toured the riverfront, where I unexpectedly met up with Cheri Hudson Passey. We spent the next couple of hours walking around and hanging out in the hotel lobby, where all of a sudden, David McCorkle, President of the North Carolina Genealogical Society, joined us. After a while of chit-chatting, I said my goodbyes and returned to my room to prepare for an early flight the next morning to San Diego. What a great day and great conference!

NGS 2025 Louisville: Day 2

                  Tales & Trails: Day 2

 

Morning from my 20th. floor room

Sunday, May 25, 2025

 

Another enriching day of classes here at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville! As someone who thrives on curiosity and growth, I embrace the motto, "Always learning something new." Today was no exception. I found myself captivated by innovative methods and unexpected sources that shed new light on my personal family history journey. Every session deepens my passion for uncovering the stories of the past and inspires me to continue this fascinating exploration.

Katherine Schober's Germanology Unlocked

My friend and teacher, Kelvin Myers of Texas

My friend and past president of NGS, Kathryn Doyle

Agenda:

·      “Ways of Life: Tracing Ancestral Pathways, Power, and Production through the Control of Water” by C. Ann Staley, CG®, CGLSM

·      “Courting Kentucky: The Courts of the Bluegrass State” by Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

·      “Using Tax Records to Address Genealogical Issues” by LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CG, FASG

·      NGS LUNCHEON & AWARDS: “Murder at the Galt House Hotel: Friendly Fire During the Civil War” by Michael L. Strauss, AG

·      “AI-Powered Genealogical Research Planning: From Organization to Creation” by Diana Elder, AG, AGL and Nicole Dyer

Ann Stayley's class

 

Judy Russell's class

DNA Cousin LaBrenda's class

AI class (Part I)

Takeaways From Day 2

 

What an incredible day of learning and inspiration! I won’t delve into critiquing or commenting on each individual class—they were all outstanding. Truly, every speaker delivered an exceptional experience, and I say that without a hint of exaggeration.

 

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the two-hour class led by the dynamic mother-daughter duo. I had been eagerly anticipating their session for weeks, and they exceeded all expectations. Their insights and expertise made the extended class feel like it ended all too soon.

 

Earlier, during the luncheon, NGS shared some thrilling announcements about upcoming events. In 2026, the conference will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana—a genealogist’s paradise! Its proximity to The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, home of the renowned Periodical Source Index (PERSI), is reason enough to be excited. But there’s more: the timing aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence from Britain. The aptly titled "America at 250" conference promises to be unforgettable.

 

Looking even further ahead, 2027 will take us to Madison, Wisconsin. Madison boasts treasures like the Norwegian-American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library, the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society, and the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives. It’s shaping up to be a genealogical dream!

 

With these future events on my radar, my calendar is filling up fast—and I couldn't be more thrilled about it!

 

Additional Photos

Gwendolyn White, LaBrenda, and I

GeneaBloggers group (Part II) pic

 

Flag bearers during the NGS Luncheon

Michael Strauss at the NGS Luncheon

Connie Knox of Genealogy TV and I

Can't wait!

Looking forward to it!