The Down East Seniors Club held its Oct. 10 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Gary Brinn led the meeting. Jim Hackney played for the singing of “God Bless America,” which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Hamrick gave the invocation and read factoids for the date in history.

James Lupton introduced Russell Tyson as the speaker. Tyson is very involved in genealogical studies. He has served as the president of the Beaufort County Genealogical Society. He has traced his family history back to 1639 in Virginia. They first came to North Carolina in 1708, settling in Hyde County and later moving into Beaufort County. Tyson said there are two reasons for studying your family history: to learn where your family came from and to determine whether there were any medical problems in your family that you didn’t already know. The study should start by talking to family members you know. Then go to the courthouse and look at birth, death and marriage records and deeds. Also look in family Bibles, libraries, state archives and the Mormon Church records. Some of these records are available online.

Joe Rose won the 50/50 drawing.

Next week Ed Bolen will present Chris Avery to tell about the Roanoke Christian Service Camp.

The Down East Seniors Club is a group of older men who meet every Wednesday from

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. They enjoy fellowship and an interesting program. Guests are welcome.