Update on Scanning Project

As of Thursday, September 28th, 2017. I have completed the scanning ALL the minutes that are included in the Archives at the Missouri Historical Society; that means from 1944 to 2007.  I am over 3/4 of the way through the Penn Valley files currently archived and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  At this point, "all" I have left are the Friendly Connection newsletters that are that included, roughly 1974-2007.  That means that our archives at the Missouri Historical Society are now 10 years behind!  So, it's time to collect our minutes, reports, newsletters, and anything else that belongs in the archives--preferably in digital form--and get them ready to give to the Historical Society.  So, if you have them, be thinking about getting them ready for inclusion.

As of June 16, 2017, I have scanned 2207 pages in the Penn Valley Archives residing with the Historical Society of Missouri--and made available to me/us with the Society's incredible cooperation in allowing me to visit once a week for 6-7 hours of scanning.  They would welcome me more frequently, but my body can hardly handle that amount of dedicated scanning as it is.  

To give you some sense of the scope of the whole project, those 2200 pages covered from 1944 to 1977--i.e., 35 years, and I have not yet completed Box #1 of 5.  Most of what I have scanned are minutes, membership lists, correspondence--including letters of application for membership, and financial reports.  I have not been able to study what I have scanned or I would not be as far along as I am.  I do catch glimpses, however; and, continue to find myself amazed by the energy and commitments to social justice/peace I see reflected there.

You might be interested to know two things about 1977: (1) that is the year the Meeting purchased and moved into the current Meetinghouse; and, (2) that is the year the Meeting became a part of Iowa Yearly Meeting - Conservative (October).  It would appear that we may want to celebrate the anniversary of the latter in the Fall!

I would cherish being held in the Light as I do this.  It is a mammoth undertaking that cannot really be shared given the equipment (I provide) and process entailed.  But. it truly does stress my body considerably.  I do not say this to complain nor to suggest that we step back from the project.  Indeed, I am more convinced of the value of it than ever.  I just would greatly appreciate your spiritual support for my body as I work on this.  

In the Light, 

Shirley