The Roane County Historical Society met Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Roane County Library for its regular monthly meeting with seventeen members and one guest present.

The meeting was called to order by Rick Greathouse, President. Jack Nida led an opening prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited by all. Susan Tucker read minutes from the March meeting which were approved as read. Carol Board Westfall gave the Treasurer’s report and Linda Liss, Membership Secretary, reported current membership at 201.

Liss reported on the 2012 Essay Scholarship. To encourage young people to learn of their family genealogy, the society is awarding a $750 scholarship to a Roane County High School senior who writes the best essay on their family history. This year’s $750 scholarship goes to Miss Mariah Moore of Spencer, who wrote about her Moore and Bateman ancestors. The scholarship will be presented to Miss Moore during the high school’s awards ceremony, 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 22nd.

Board-Westfall reported that the Roane County Historical Society has recently received the $2,000 Governor’s Community Participation Grant which was applied for and used in 2011. The grant theme is “Protecting the Past Historical Times.” A grant in the amount of $1,000 is being applied for & appropriated for 2013. The "project specified" funds must be used locally to benefit the general historical and genealogical community.

The society maintains a valuable collection of family histories, county records and all sorts of books and papers relating to genealogy and Roane County history. The R.C.H.S. Genealogical Library is located on the lower level of the Roane County Library in Spencer. The research room is open to the public during regular library hours. The book, Roane County WW II Veterans, by Hildreth has been added to this extensive collection. The society also publishes several genealogical related books, including cemetery books, family trees, Roane Co. birth records, etc. etc. which can be purchased at the library. You may write R.C.H.S. at P.O. Box 161, Spencer, WV 27276 or see this website wvroane.org to receive a complete publications price list.

If you have not done so, mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Roane County Genealogy Fair scheduled for Saturday, September 22nd, 9 a.m -3 p.m. at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer. The 2012 fair committee includes: Johanna Nutter, Carol Board-Westfall and Melissa Swisher.

The meeting adjourned. Those present were: Bernard and Patty Wyatt, Jack and Jean Nida, Susan Tucker, Hazel E. Gandee, Jerry R. Morgan, Phyllis Counts, Marvin Stemple, Brenda Whited, Peggy L. Starcher, Phill “P.J.” Miller, Rick Greathouse, Carol Board-Westfall, Melissa Swisher, Linda Cottrell Liss, Reva Paxton and guest, Carl Paxton.

The next meeting of the R.C.H.S. will be held on Thursday, May 24th, 7 p.m., on the lower level of the Roane County Library. Our special guest will be Miss Mariah Moore, 2012 Essay Scholarship recipient. She will tell about her future plans and give an overview on her family history. Members are urged to attend and visitors are welcome.