Discovering Your Patriot Ancestor

By Donald Partelow

“I just can’t tell you how I appreciate this opportunity. It’s a gift,” said one person during the program Discovering Your Patriot Ancestor.  This virtual Pawling Library presentation took place on the evening of December 14 and was presented by genealogist Sarah Gutmann.

Among the many things participants learned at the program were how to verify information about their ancestry, as well as review the entrance requirements for the Daughters / Sons of the American Revolution.

Many brave men and women from Pawling have defended our country, having served in the Continental Army and contributed to the patriot cause in the Revolutionary War. Their names can be found on the monuments that stand on our village green dedicated in their honor. Discovering Your Patriot Ancestor was one of a series of special presentations commemorating the Pawling Library’s centennial anniversary.

Praise for our guest host: “The way you’re walking through this is so easy. Everyone else who teaches genealogy mystifies this instead of demystifying it.” We thank Sarah Gutmann for this gift she has given to our library.   Sarah Gutmann will be offering her expertise for another free online genealogy program entitled Exploring Your Immigrant Ancestor on Wednesday, April 27, from 7-8 pm.

We thank you, our patrons, for attending these programs and events, and look forward to seeing you throughout the new year. You are the most important part of our history.