MHGS News and Updates

The vote has been tallied...

2009-03-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

The membership meeting this afternoon was interesting, with much good discussion and exchange of ideas. At the end of the discussion, out of the 37 voting members present, 22 voted to tell Apex that MHGS was not interested in selling any of its real estate at this time. It was also voted to establish a Planning Committee, co-chaired by Margaret Lucas and Betty Hattan, to explore any and all options for the future of the MHGS library.

Where there is hope, there are always possibilities.

Apex is Still Interested

2009-03-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

After emailing, calling, and finally banging on their front door, Roy Hughes and Linda Klingman were able to talk with Jeff Landreth at Apex on Saturday, March 7. Jeff Landreth is the owner of Apex, and he told Roy and Linda that, although he no longer needs the MHG property for office space or other expansion, he is still interested in purchasing the MHGS real estate.

Since we don't have a contingent contract in hand to present to the MHGS membership, the vote on Saturday, March 14, will be limited to:

MHGS should pursue the sale of all the MHGS real estate to Apex Engineering
MHGS should pursue the sale of the piece of undeveloped real estate north of the MHGS parking lot to Apex Engineering
MHGS should not pursue a real estate sale to MHGS at this time

If you have other thoughts or opinions, please send an email to mhgs1121@aol.com. Thanks!

It’s not about the money!

2009-02-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

My apologies for being so slow in posting information to the blog; it’s been a busy month so far!

When I was at the library yesterday afternoon, I heard that some members of MHGS think the reason we are considering selling the MHGS real estate and library building is because MHGS is seriously in debt. Actually, MHGS is debt-free. Since Apex has again expressed an interest in purchasing the MHGS real estate, and due to the decline in volunteerism, the board felt we needed to present these choices to the membership.

My contact at Apex indicated on February 10 that they are still interested in the MHGS real estate, but I have heard nothing since.

Remember when you first started researching your family and had no idea where or how to begin?

2009-01-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

Peggy Thompson, a relatively new MHGS member but an experienced family history researcher, suggested that MHGS look at putting together a mentoring program. This would be a one-on-one pairing of an experienced family history researcher with someone new to the hobby.

Mentor and protégé would communicate on their own schedule, and by whatever means is most convenient for them, whether it is by email, telephone, snail mail, or face to face meetings. The Mentor does not have to live in same location as the protégé; and if both happen to live in or near Wichita, meetings do not have to be at MHGS library. Mentoring would be a way of helping someone new to the hobby, and “paying it forward”.

But Mentoring is *NOT* intended to be a lookup service! It is intended to answer questions about where and how to look for information, tips and techniques, etc.

If you are interested in mentoring someone, or if you would like to be paired with a mentor, please send an email to mhgs1121@aol.com.

MHGS is an All-Volunteer Society and Library

2009-01-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

Recently several people were surprised to learn that all MHGS members who hold a position or provide a service to MHGS are volunteers. No one is paid anything for the time spent transcribing records, copying records, filing quarterlies, helping in the library, maintaining the MHGS website, etc., and that has been the case since MHGS was started in 1966.

THANK YOU to all those wonderful volunteers!

Bike Path Construction at MHGS Library

2009-01-24T10:18:00.001-08:00

The City of Wichita is building a bike path along the railroad right-of-way that runs immediately to the west of the MHGS library. The bike path takes a detour at the MHGS library, running along the south and east borders of the MHGS property. Access to the MHGS library's parking lot has been cut off until the cement used for the bike path cures. It is anticipated that access to the parking lot will be restored by Tuesday, January 27.

WANTED: Library Volunteer for 2nd Saturday Mornings

2009-01-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

MHGS needs a volunteer to work in the library on the second Saturday morning of the month from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Please send an email to mhgs1121@aol.com or leave a message at 316-264-3611 if you are able to help. Thanks!

Blog Purpose

2009-01-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

This blog is to keep the members of Midwest Historical and Genealogical Society up to date with the latest information about MHGS.