I Did Something I Have Never Done Before!

Yikes!

That is what I thought when the 

local Historical Society said they were having a 

Press Conference and wanted me there!

I have NEVER been to a Press Conference,

let alone presented at one!

This is conjunction with the

150th Anniversary of the Charleston IL Riot

I have been telling you about.

I am the Chairperson, I have never been a 

Chairperson of a historical event, let alone a 

3 day event and one in a town I don't live in!

I immediately called my hair dresser for a cut!

Here I am, not the best picture taken by someone there,

but that is OK!

If you would like to hear the audio and my voice,

you can go to WRJM

I luckily made the 2 hr drive, they had a snow storm the

night before, so the TV stations did not come,

guess they were on the overpasses!

You can also read about it at the local paper

Charleston Courier

Randy who is doing the Civil War Encampment and

Reenactment was there with his son all dressed in 

their military uniforms

Sam and Randy

The reason for the Press Conference was

that the Illinois Historical Society announced they are having their

2014 History Symposium in conjunction with 

our event.

So we just moved from a local commemoration

to a State Wide event!

I have so much to do over the next year,

but we started planning in October 2011.

I will tap my heels and just saying

"I think I can, I think I can"

We even have someone writing a play for us,

it will be based on Dennis Hanks going to 

Washington to ask for a pardon for the

Riot participants (my family).

Do you think we can get Tom Hanks to 

come play his ancestor? ha!

I was even more excited when I was told

my Great Great Grandfather WILL be in the play!

His name is in the letter from Dennis to then

President Lincoln.

I bet ole Young Ewing Winkler is giving 

me a wink from heaven