Dedication of the Donaldson Room
The WVGS Open House, held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, had some new elements this year. The highlight was the dedication of the Donaldson Room as thanks to the late Dr. John Donaldson and his wife, Jean. His donations to the Library collection and her donation for the refurbishment of the room have resulted in a significant upgrade to the Library, including not only the room painting and new technology, but also included the painting and new carpeting of the entire library. The extended Donaldson Family were present for the festivities.
We thank several organizations who sent representatives to the Event:
- Saguaro Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)
- Aqua Fria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
- Estrella Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
- Daughters of the American Colonists
- Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century
- Genealogical Society for Hispanic America-Southern California (GSHA-SC)
- Sun Cities Area Historical Society/Del Webb Sun Cities Museum
For those who never knew Dr. Donaldson, he was a doctor of chest diseases in Sun City practicing for 32 years beginning in 1984. Once he discovered our genealogy library he became a member and proceeded to research first his ancestors and then many more, especially medical men who served in the military. His discoveries resulted in the history, names and stories of more than 90,000 people.
Upon his passing his collection (more than 600 individual items) was donated to the West Valley Genealogical Society and our Collection Development Committee spent two years reviewing, organizing, and consolidating his works into our collection. Our Library Administrator in those years remembers that on his lunch hour he would come to the WVGS library to research. His nurse would have to call to come back to his clinic as his patients were waiting. A very dedicated researcher!
The Open House was made possible by the time, effort, and generosity of the many members who volunteered. A very big thank goes to President Lou McLean and 1st Vice President Stephnie Sparks for their tremendous help as I learned my way on how to prepare for the Open House. The other amazing volunteers were: Sally Pavia (sign-in/greeter), Jackie Menasco (Zoom operator), Charlie Mannino (photographer), Barbara and Susan Shroyer (classes/SIGs), Alice Foust (seminar/Salt Lake City trip), Lou McLean (website) and Christa Minogue (membership). Due to the large attendance, many members volunteered their skill in giving tours of the library. A big thank you to the following members: Chris Palmer, Sandy Enkey, Sheri Erickson, Diana Wittenberg, Lou McLean, Pat Tomaro, and Stephanie Sparks.
Photos of the Event
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