I received this press release this morning from the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS).
BillionGraves
and The Federation of Genealogical Societies partner to image all cemetery
markers for War of 1812 Participants
The
Federation of Genealogical Societies also launches a major fundraising campaign
for the Preserve the Pensions Project to honor the memory of these veterans in
the month of July
·
Effort will include national War of 1812 cemeteries
·
Includes persons with individual markers in local and
private cemeteries
·
July is a great month to remember the participants of
the
“Second
Revolution” as well as the American Revolution
·
The Federation seeks to raise an average of $1,812
each day of July!
AUSTIN, TX – 1
JULY 2014 The Federation of Genealogical Societies and cemetery website BillionGraves
announced today a joint project to image all of the gravestone markers for
participants of the War of 1812. “The images from these markers, coupled with
the Federation’s current project to raise the funds to digitize the 7.2 million
images of the pensions for those who participated in the War of 1812 are a
natural fit,” said D. Joshua Taylor, President of FGS.
Hudson Gunn, President of BillionGraves said, “This July our
focus is to see that the nation’s military headstones are documented and
preserved for future generations. Headstones from early American history are
quickly deteriorating, making it only a matter of time before they are lost
forever. We are very pleased to have the Federation lend its help to spread
this message for the War of 1812 veterans.” It is estimated that as many as 350,000
men may have served in the war. Although it is impossible to know how many may
have cemetery markers, there could be as many as 50,000-80,000 markers for
these veterans.
BillionGraves and The Federation of Genealogical
Societies are asking anyone with knowledge of a cemetery marker for a War of
1812 veteran to upload the image of the marker to the BillionGraves website
(www.billiongraves.com) using their free mobile application during the month of
July to honor and remember the service of those who served in the “Second
Revolution.”
If you upload an image for a War of 1812 veteran during
the month of July or anytime thereafter, please let us know on Facebook or
Twitter by using the hashtag #1812today and/or #warof1812 and/or #billiongraves.
The Federation will also be posting the progress toward the fundraising goal of
$1,812 per day on Facebook and Twitter, so check often and pass the word!
The efforts from these two organizations will provide a
very valuable asset for researchers and historians researching 1812 veterans. With
the Federation raising awareness of the project to digitize the War of 1812 pension
records during the month of July and BillionGraves making the cemetery markers
of War of 1812 veterans immediately searchable, it should be an exciting month
for all genealogists and historians – everyone wins!
Those interested in preserving this valuable piece of
America’s documented history can make a single contribution or become a monthly
contributor of the Preserve the Pensions project. For more information, go to http://www.preservethepensions.org/
.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
BillionGraves Inquiries
Hudson Gunn, President
Phone: 801-885-4659
Preserve the Pensions Inquiries
David E. Rencher, Preserve
the Pensions Project Coordinator
Phone: 801-240-3997
FGS Media
Inquiries
FGS Marketing & Publicity
Phone: (888) 347-1500
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