Terrie O’Dierno
On Sept. 9, the Quail Creek Genealogy Club (QCGC) was back after our summer recess. Our topic was “Crossing the Line,” presented by Susan Lafo. In the later part of the 1700’s many people crossed into Canada, then referred to as “New France.” Some 8,000 people came to New England as planters obtaining free land. Because census records were not kept before 1880, it could be hard to trace your ancestors. Susan suggested using Naturalization records or state and country records. In all, Susan presented a very interesting and informative meeting.
Preparing for Halloween, we looked at Southwestern Witch Trials. Who knew this was a thing? Brujeria (witchcraft or “sorcery” in Spanish) on the “New Spanish Frontier: A look at Southwestern Witch Trials” was the topic.
Arizona Historical Society historian Jaynie Adams took a look into colonial America’s forgotten witch hunt—the witch trials of northern New Spain. We learned about the history of witch crazes in Europe and North America, compared approaches to the “witch problem” and explored how obscured history impacts us today.
We were fortunate to have Jaunie Adams, who besides being the history engagement manager for the Arizona Historical Society, she is associate editor of the Journal of Arizona History.
Our 2026 “Meet And Greet,” which is open to all residents, will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. It will be at the home of Rob and Janine Baxter, 1486 E Dahlia Dr. It will be catered by Green Valley’s Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant. Cost will be $10 per club member, $20 per non-member.
Bobbi Gordon will be selling tickets at our Oct. 7 General Meeting. You’re also welcome to contact her at ogbg@sbcglobal.net to reserve tickets. Please note: this will take the place of our 10 a.m. November General meeting.
It is also time to elect members to our Quail Creek Genealogy Board. If you are interested, nominees will be reviewed at the Oct. 14 meeting. There will be four Board meetings in 2027. You can email any or all of us with your nomination: Janine_Baxter@hotmail.com, slgennut1@gmail.com, or janicemesserrn@gmail.com.