Thankful Thursday: Fundraiser for War of 1812 Pension Records

[Editor's note:  Today's post was written by Denise Hibsch Richmond.  Image credit: Richard L. Hanson.]

Thank you Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society members and friends for your generous response!

Nearly two weeks ago, the Society announced that it was joining the "Preserve the Pension Records - War of 1812 Project" spearheaded by the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS).  The initial challenge to membership was to match the $300 issued by the Board.  The goal was met within days.  Root Cellar issued the same challenge to all Northern California genealogical societies.

Noting the excitement of its members, the Board increased the challenge to $500.  Again, members responded overwhelmingly.

As of today, $460 has been raised toward the Society's goal of $500 for the fund to digitize the fragile pensions records of the War of 1812.  Double this amount with the match from Ancestry.com. (Image update pending.)

The Numbers, updated

• $920 raised by Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society including the dollar for dollar match by Ancestry.com
• 2,045 pages digitized

Challenge to Northern California Genealogical Societies
Days ago, Root Cellar issued a challenge to all Northern California Genealogical Societies to initiate their own fundraiser to help preserve the pension records for the War of 1812.  Meet, beat or establish your own goal - any amount will help pay for this mass digitization project.  Root Cellar is waiting to hear from its sister societies!

Root Cellar members and their friends can donate to the fundraiser through June 2013.  All donations will be forwarded to FGS shortly thereafter.  Updates about the progress in donations will continue through June.  Thank you again for supporting this project.