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MINERAL RIDGE -- A special display is inside the Moss Ancestral Home showcasing the ancestors of local residents who served in the Revolutionary War as part of America's 250th celebration this year.
Marcy Buchanan, president of the Mineral Ridge Historical Society, said Mary Lou Godleski, curator of the Moss House, has done research on the histories of Mineral Ridge and Weathersfield residents. including the Buchanan family and family of historical society member Linda Ference.
"She has compiled the history and ancestors of many Mineral Ridge residents who live here or have ties to Mineral Ridge. Mary Lou has researched the families to see if they have any ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War,'' Buchanan said.
A display of the history of the local families is on the wall inside the house.
More than 30 families from the area are showcased on the wall. highlighting the members who served during the Revolutionary War.
Godleski, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, said she is active with the Daughters of the American Revolution and wanted to gather information on William Dunlap who was a Revolutionary War soldier who built the Moss House.
She also made a small booklet of the names of Revolutionary War soldiers who helped from the area.
Buchanan said this year the Mineral Ridge Historical Society has been focused on programs and displays related to America's 250th.
Godleski said she used different ancestry sites as MyHeritage, Ancestry and familysearch.org and was able to locate many patriots connected with local families.
"Some of the local families did not come here until after the 1800s so they may or may not have had any relatives who served in the Revolutionary War,;'' she said.
Brandon Fisher, a historical society member, said he was impressed when Godleski found some of his relatives from the Revolutionary War period.
"Mary Lou wants people to remember their ancestors who served and protected our country,'' he said.
Buchanan said the display will stay on the wall through the year for the monthly open houses held the second Sunday of each month through November.
Bill Moss, who for many years has done programs at the Moss House on Native Americans, said Godleski is a relative who has put in a lot of time doing research on local families.
Buchanan said Samuel Holden Parsons, who was a general in the Revolutionary War, purchased the salt springs in the township in 1788.
Godleski said after finding information on William Dunlap and his connection with the Moss House she knew she wanted to do more and find out the names of others who are connected to the township and the Revolutionary War.
She said she hopes people enjoy the display as well as the many other items displayed inside the house.
Keith McComb of Mineral Ridge said his ancestors were interesting to learn about and how they contributed to the community,
"It is fascinating to see the many local residents who did much for the community,'' he said.
McComb said he was fascinated by the history of the Dunlap family and their contribution to the Moss House.