The Moore County Genealogical Society celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open house Saturday, July 18, at the Moore County Agricultural Center in Carthage.

Over 60 were in attendance from all over Moore County, as well as Sanford, Raeford, Fayetteville, Hamlet, Asheboro, Colfax, Seagrove, Durham, Randleman, Franklinton, Ellerbe, Wagram, and Raleigh.

Presenters and their subject matter included: Dorothy Thomas, MCGS member, starting your research; Kay Lund of the Tufts Archives, an overview of the Tufts Archives; Pat Tomasetti, registrar of the Temperance Smith Alston DAR Chapter, DAR membership requirements; Martie Mullenbach, director of the Family History Center LDS Web site information and research, and Judy Martin, Moore County Register of Deeds, and Jeanette Chisholm, Deputy Register of Deeds. ROD research options and the Marriage Preservation Project.

Entertainment was provided by 4-H'ers Darren Lefler on guitar and Austin Cameron on banjo. They performed a bluegrass instrumental medley. The boys were recently recognized for their talent at the South Central District 4-H competition.

MCGS members served a variety of refreshments including cheeseball and crackers, fruit kabobs, vegetables and dip, doughnuts, chips, nuts, cookies, brownies, a sheet cake featuring a family tree, lemonade and soft drinks.

A table of genealogically-related materials and books, donated by members and Tucker Jo's Used Books were available for sale as a fundraiser for the society.

Goody bags were distributed.

Door prizes were provided by MCGS members Joan Campbell, Wade Copeland, Norma Jones, Kathy Lawrence, Blanch Reeder, and charter member Sarah Ruth Currie Thompson.

Other door prizes were provided by Highlander Farm, Moore County Historical Association, Tufts Archives, and Reunions Magazine. The grand prize, a $50 savings bond, was donated by First Bank.

Current officers of the Moore County Genealogical Society are: Norma Jones, president; Kathy Lawrence, vice president; Blanch Reeder, corresponding secretary; Dorothy Thomas, recording secretary, and Tom Stewart, treasurer. Board members are Paula Caddell, Wade Copeland, Beth Maness and Mackie Paschal.

The next meeting of the Moore County Genealogical Society will be Saturday, Sept. 19, at the restored Jackson Springs depot building, with state senator Harris Blake. A visit to the nearby Copeland family home site is also planned.

Visitors and new members are always welcome, says a spokesman.

For more information call (910) 947-2689 or by e-mailing kayla@carolina.net.