Voices of the Past Video Netcast: Genealogy Gems’ Lisa Louise Cooke on establishing roots in the social web

In this edition of the Voices of the Past Netcast, we’ll meet Lisa Louise Cooke. Lisa created and maintains Genealogy Gems–one of the world’s most popular genealogy websites. She’ll tell us about the learning curve involved in using online media, and how she uses the web to create a deeper connection to her audience.

Voluntourism and More Meaningful Vacations – Volunteer your Vacation Time to Preserve Natural Heritage

by Dylan Staley

Everyday, all around the nation, families are taking vacations not to relax, but to help and volunteer their services to help preserve nature. Through partnerships with many organizations such as The Ocean Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, The National Park Service, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and The Surfrider Foundation, families can donate their vacation time to serve a better purpose: to help take care of the world we live in.

U.S. National Park Service designates four new National Natural Landmarks

A rare ecosystem in Pennsylvania, the sixth longest cave in Texas, and major fossil sites in Kentucky, New York, and Vermont were recently named National Natural Landmarks. The National Natural Landmarks Program, administered by the National Park Service, recognizes significant examples of natural history and supports property owners and managers in conservation efforts. There are now 586 listed sites.

Judge urges Nov. 7 resolution in Gettysburg Cyclorama dispute

According to the Gettysburg Times, Judge Alan Kay has told the Recent Past Preservation Network and National Park Service officials to discuss a possible relocation agreement for the old Gettysburg Clyclorama. The park planned to demolish the building in mid-December.

National Landmark "Kate Chopin House" is lost to fire

CLOUTIERVILLE, LA–The Kate Chopin House, named for the legendary feminist writer who lived there during the 1880s, burned to the ground in an early morning fire today. The structure had been named a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of Interior in 1993.

Saving heirlooms from storm damage

Tropical storms and other flood events are often termed disasters because of injuries, fatalities and the destruction of homes and businesses. Part of the disaster is the loss of family heirlooms.
“I am saddened by the stories of people who have lost so much from floods and storms,” said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. [...]

8/08 NPS Heritage News Rundown

The National Park Service’s Heritage News for August 2008 explores topics including the addition of World Heritage Sites, new National Register listings and recommendations for Historic Landmark designations.