I am on vacation in Cape Breton with sporadic internet access and not even the basic materials to hand write a letter. I am just now learning the distressing news regarding the possible dismissal of Barbara Dix. Would someone on the list please forward the following letter in print or by email wherever you think it should go. ============================================ August 11, 2003 To whom it may concern, I have just learned of the impending dismissal of Barbara Dix. I am one of the legions who have been helped by the services and resources of her office and in particular by the special expertise she possesses. At least 5 generations of my family were born in Oswego County. With her help I will probably be able to determine even deeper roots in the area. Barbara's unique knowledge of Oswego County has already been well documented by others who have written letters of support. I also agree whole-heartedly with the letter writer who pointed out that such specialized expertise cannot be just put down and picked up as budgetary flux allows. If she is removed, the loss will be permanent. But what good is history? What good is genealogy? Why should the government shell out valuable tax dollars so that silver-haired wonders (like me!) can pursue a hobby? "The justification of all historical study must ultimately be that it enhances our self-consciousness, enables us to see ourselves in perspective, and helps us towards that greater freedom which comes from self-knowledge." (Keith Thomas, British Historian). History is a record of the footprints each of us leaves on this planet while we are here. It is far too important to be discarded. Few people stop to think that the history of Oswego County is being written by genealogical "hobbyists." Their research is valid, authentic, based on primary sources and expands the historical knowledge base of the area. History is not a dead subject -- it is dynamic. It would be quite naive to assume that the materials currently available in the historian's office constitute the entire history of Oswego County. Keeping that in mind, it is essential that all genealogists following this debate submit the results of their research to this knowledge base for the benefit of all. I'm sure Barbara will be glad to catalog it!!! Instead of removing the historian and relegating the historical materials to dead storage, perhaps some consolidation of services between the historian's office, the public library, the historical society and the genealogical society could result in cost reduction and reduce duplication of services. Please save the historian's position and retain Barbara in it. Judith S. Wright Ocala, FL

A call to all researchers: Thursday 2:00 in either the County Legislator blg or The City court bldg (To be announced) is going to be a meeting of all our county legislators to vote on Barbs job. If you live in the area and can be there please come. Votes have been turned around twice already this year from people showing up and making their wishes known. Lets see how many we can muster to show how much support she does have to turn this travesty around. See you there!!!!! Marilyn Rowsey Dirk.