The Fourth Thursday in November - Just Why is That?

This blog post by Kim Bernard at the UNC Law School blog spells out the details for us. You will find her post here -     
https://library.law.unc.edu/2024/11/the-history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday/

When you are finished reading, enjoy these vintage Thanksgiving card images I have collected over the years.

Happy

Thanksgiving!

May you be surrounded by
wonderful food, friends and family!

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Give a Gift That Honors the Past and Preserves the Future

Are you looking for a meaningful way to honor someone special—a family historian, a loved one who cherished their heritage, or someone who helped you discover your roots?

The Wake County Genealogical Society (WCGS) invites you to make a donation in your loved one's honor and receive a beautiful, customized certificate to share with them.

Why Support WCGS?

Genealogical societies are the heart of family history preservation. They:

• Maintain vital records and historical documents
• Provide research assistance and educational resources
• Connect people with their heritage
• Preserve local history for future generations

Your donation directly supports these efforts in Wake County, ensuring that the stories of our ancestors remain accessible for years to come.

How It Works

It's simple:

1. Make a donation of any amount at wakecogen.org/donation.php?dc=1
2. Email President@WakeCoGen.org to request your free customized printable certificate. Note - Certificate arrives as a pdf file that you print.
3. Present the certificate to honor your loved one or family historian

Perfect For:

• Birthday or holiday gifts for genealogy enthusiasts
• Honoring the memory of a loved one
• Thanking a relative who has documented your family history
• Celebrating a genealogical breakthrough or discovery
• Recognizing a mentor or researcher who helped you

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Unlike traditional gifts that may be used and forgotten, your donation creates a lasting impact. You'll honor someone meaningful in your life while supporting the preservation of history and helping others discover their own family stories.

Ready to make a difference?

Visit wakecogen.org/donation.php?dc=1 today and honor someone who values the past as much as you do.

For questions or to receive your customized certificate, contact President@WakeCoGen.org.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

2025 Wake County Genealogical Society Virtual Meetings - next - Dec. 2, 2025 ** note time change

There is still time to register for this presentation. Note the change in start time.

Click to enlarge text

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 @ 7 pm – Virtual ** note later start time

Topic: Become a Power User of DigitalNC.org 

Speaker: Taneya Koonce

Unlock the full potential of DigitalNC.org! This invaluable resource offers North Carolina researchers access to a vast collection of historical newspapers, yearbooks, photographs, and more. In this session, you'll learn expert techniques to navigate the site efficiently, uncover hidden gems, and maximize your discoveries. Whether you're searching for ancestors, exploring local history, or piecing together family stories, mastering DigitalNC.org will take your genealogical research to the next level. Don't just browse—become a power user and make every search count!

 

 Join us!  Free and virtual!

*Please register by 4pm day of meeting.

*Please save your passcode and link for ease of entry at start time.

*Presentation starts promptly at 7 pm.


Link to register at the Wakecogen website events page. 

Registration is now open!

**Get the video recording to watch on-demand for 30 days and access to our webinar handout library with your WCGS membership!**

        ** At presenters discretion.

Upcoming Events 

View events page for details 

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Getting Started in Genealogical Research
Presented by Renate Sanders

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
NC Archives Digital Services: Using the Website Digital Collections and Online Catalog
presented by Anna Peitzman

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Who's your daddy? Exploring North Carolina Bastardy Bonds 
presented by A. Danielle Pritchett, MLS

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Researching Your Mom: Don't overlook researching your immediate family!  
presented by Diane L Richard

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Wake Wednesday - North Carolina Inspired Thanksgiving Cooking

I am posting early so you have plenty of time to browse. Here is a Thanksgiving cooking collection shared by the NC State University Libraries - Special Collections. I am sure you will find some old treasures, new favorites and a few surprises in the mix. Have fun planning your North Carolina Thanksgiving dinner! 

Governor Terry Sanford with turkey "Chef Boy" on leash.
University Archives Photograph Collection. Agricultural Extension and Research services (UA023.007), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries.

Blog post from NCSU - A Thanksgiving Feast from the Special Collections Research Center

Note there are several collections here. You may find a lag in loading time, but it should be worth it.

Extension Service miscellaneous pamphlets (S544.3 .N8 N657),
Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries, p.14.

I agree with all above but definitely include the celery, nuts, sage and onion!

Hope your Thanksgiving meal is the best!

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Upchurch and Allied Families Association Newsletter - November 2025

For those following along, here is the latest Upchurch and Allied Families Association Newsletter.

November 2025

View past UAFA newsletters here

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Have You Tried Researching With Ancestry Library Edition? Here is How!

A reader recently received the following message in an email from Wake County Public Libraries. Access to Ancestry.com Library addition is a great plus to your library services and its availability at any of the 23 library locations is a huge bonus. If you are an occasional researcher or just don't want to invest in a personal subscription at the moment, this is an excellent way to keep your research options open! Call your local branch for details.

Message from WCPL:

As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, many of us may find ourselves sharing stories about our grandparents, great-aunts, great-uncles and generations that came before us. This season of gratitude is the perfect time to explore your own family history, and at Wake County Public Libraries, we can help make that journey possible.

With your Wake County Public Library card, you have free access to one of our many online databases known as Ancestry Library Edition. This is a genealogy resource of military, court, land, probate, vital and church records, directories, passenger lists and more. This resource is available on-site on library PCs only. With your library card, you can uncover stories that bring your family’s past to life and deepen your appreciation for the people and places that shaped you.

We are more than just 23 library locations filled with books; we are gateways to discovery, connection and heritage. This Thanksgiving, as you gather with friends and family, take a moment to celebrate both the stories you know and the ones waiting to be found. Visit your favorite Wake County Public Library and give this resource a try.

Ancestry Library Edition is one of our many databases. While this database is only available in the library, most others can be accessed from home with your library card. Check out the full list of databases and descriptions on our Research Page.

From all of us at the library, Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with warmth, love and the joy of discovering where your story began.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

WCGS Holiday Dinner at Relish - Dec 4 - 3 Seats Left - Sign Up by Nov 30

Join Wake County Gen Soc Dec 4 for our Holiday Dinner At Relish Craft Kitchen - 3 seats left!

The Wake County Genealogical Society annual holiday dinner is open to everyone, members and non-members alike! This year's dinner will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 pm at Relish Craft Kitchen, 5625 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612.

We are not limited to a fixed menu at Relish. Everyone can order to their preference. Here is a peek at the menu.

Up to 30 of us will be seated in a semi-private raised area which is up three steps.

Members and non-members are all welcome so bring your spouse, friends, etc.

Reservation link and details - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CA9A72CAAFA7-58203190-wcgs

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Wake Wednesday - The loss of the Original State Capitol Building in 1831

Fire gutted the original State Capitol building on June 21, 1831. How did a previous fire, an iron pot and zinc roof shingles factor into Raleigh's near demise as the center of our state government? How did this event seal Raleigh's place as Capital City in North Carolina history?

Read the terrifying and fascinating account in detail at NCPedia here:

The Fires of 1831:  Fayetteville and Raleigh in Flames

The remodeled North Carolina State House about 1831 by W. Goodacre. - source
Looking not very much different from today with the exception of its wooden roof.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Wake Wednesday - Has Raleigh always been the capital of North Carolina?

Not the original capital of North Carolina, in the early days of the colony, Raleigh wasn't even in the running. You will want to check out this NC Archives blog series for the evolution of the state capital in all its iterations.

Great maps, great stories....A Capital Affair. Read here.

Source

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Friends of the Archive November 2025 Meeting Video - available now

The Friends of the NC Archives held their yearly meeting this past Saturday, Nov 1. After their business meeting, they offered four presentations and a Q&A session, all focused on their theme of Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the Armed Forces. 

If you were not able to attend, you are in luck. The proceedings were captured on video and can be viewed at the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources YouTube page. 

Here is the link - https://www.youtube.com/live/PsZO7OCcS4g

The business meeting run for the first 30 minutes and then the focus presentations commence. Here is the schedule from the event so that you can approximate the timing on each individual topic.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Shiloh Community Celebration Recap - Oct 18, 2025

Editing to add more photos - 11/2/25

Despite much competition in the way of scheduled events for the day, we had a great turn out for the Shiloh Celebration on October 18. The audience was interested and engaged in the history of the Shiloh Community founded in the late 1820's by Free People of Color. They were equally excited to learn of the Free Black Patriot, Jesse Harris that many in the community can claim as kin. The weather was beautiful. It was an all round perfect day. Here are some photos of the day.

Click image to view larger.
Photos by Belle Long of Wake County Historical Society and
Barbara McGeachy of Wake County Genealogical Society.

Photo Details clockwise from upper left - Our audience awaits; Belle Long of Wake County Historical Society opens; Lynette Barber and Will Ellis provide beautiful music; Mills Cemetery presentation by Saundra Russ Cropps; Jermaine Pulliam - Deputy Grand Master of Prince Hall, dist.19 presides over the wreath ceremony at Rev. James H. Dunston's grave; Esther Dunnegan presents Shiloh Church history.

The following photos were taken by Taniyah Justice photos, a descendant of both Jesse Harris of Shiloh and Jesse Harris Revolutionary Soldier. Taniyah is also the great-niece of WCGS Board member Saundra Russ Cropps. Taniyah's interest in family history is rare in a young person, but she is just the sort needed for future preservation of family history. Many thanks to Taniyah for her participation as photographer and videographer. 

Photos by Taniyah Justice

Clockwise from upper left - Ms. Nathanette Mayo, Presider; Audience; Mayor T. J. Crawley; Rev. David L. Jones, Pastor, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Photos by Taniyah Justice

Clockwise from upper left - Cyndi Deal introducing Shiloh: The Founders' Legacy; Saundra Russ Cropps introducing Jesse Harris: A Free Black Revolutionary War Soldier of the NC Continental Line with connections to Wake County and the Shiloh Community; The Mills family plot in Shiloh Cemetery.

The event was jointly planned by the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Wake Historical Society, the Town of Morrisville, and Wake County Genealogical Society. 

 

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Wake Haunts! Happy Halloween

If you missed out on the Wake Haunts series from last year, read about all of local ghosts here! Get by these spooky locations as soon as you can. The most recent that I have visited is the Andrew Johnson house. Not too spooky on a hot Sunday afternoon in August, but I still wonder...

Which window and who is waiting there?

source

Happy Halloween. Stay ghosty!

Access all Wake Haunts posts.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org