library.html




Volume 34, #2			December, 2001


	From the Desk of the Librarian by William L. Willard, Sr.

	A little over ten years ago, Bill and Barbara Willard of Willimantic, Connecticut, started the "Willard Library of Genealogical Research." Since then they have put together one of the larger private family history libraries in New England. They have a collection of books, newspapers, family Bibles, original documents such as deeds, apprenticeship agreements, wills, probate records, old family photographs and other items related to family and genealogical history. These are from many early New England families as well as the Willards. The mission of the Library is to preserve family history for generations to come. Last summer Ruth Willard, our historian of many years, decided it was time to pass along the Willard archives. Many of you have corresponded with Ruth over the years and know what a wonderful job she has done. Who knows how many genealogical requests she has dealt with and all the questions she has answered! Ruth's room with the WFA archives was full and she knew where to find all of the information.	Ruth will continue as the WFA Historian, but the Willard archives were moved to the Willard Library in Willimantic. Now, the combination of the two extensive resources will make available to the members of the WFA an archival library that will triple the amount of information. This material will also be useful to genealogists and historians. In the interest of preserving Willard history, we request that members who have old books, papers, letters, deeds, or other such items consider donating them to the Willard family archives. Many old documents and photographs are often tucked away or even sold. Items donated to the WFA archives will be properly cared for and preserved and will become part of what we hope will be the largest collection of Willard memorabilia in existence. For genealogical queries, questions about the Library or the Willard Family Association of America, Inc., or bequests, please contact the Library by writing to: The Willard Library 445 Windham Road Willimantic CT 06226 (860) 423-6999 willard-library@snet.net

From the Desk of the Librarian