Perhaps the most interesting thing that I've seen happen there, other than some amazing discoveries, was what happened this afternoon.
A woman walked in slowly, looking around the room. There were only about 5 or 6 people in there at the time. Since I'm the volunteer of the moment, I asked if I could help. "Yes," she said. "I'm supposed to be meeting my cousin here between 12 and 12:30." Her name is Ellen and she went on to say that she had engaged a professional genealogist in Poland. He informed her that she had some relatives right here in the area, a woman she had never met this woman! While we were talking about that, I had to pitch our "Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society" since she told me that where she lived and it's very close to out meeting location. Turns out, she's a former member and was interested in getting involved again. Needless to say, I handed her an application! I just happened to have about 50 or so apps in my bag...
Back to the story: As we spoke, another woman walked through the door and I immediately thought that although she looked familiar to me although I had never seen her at the Chicopee lab. It was Ellen's mystery cousin, Cathy! Ironically, they were both wearing a pink top! Small detail, but I found it interesting. Somewhat like long lost cousins who both like Caesar Salad! Cathy attended one of my classes a couple of years ago....another coincidence!
Here they are at their first meeting! On the left is Cathy with Ellen on the right....
