FREE Houston Family History Conference

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kingwood is hosting a FREE Family History Conference for the Houston community in two weeks! 

We are excited to bring you professional genealogists, experts in Hispanic research, classes catered to youth 12-18 years old, and much more! 

The Conference is on March 24th from 9 am - 3 pm.  Registration is not required, but is appreciated for logistical planning.  Also, class materials will be printed for those who do register. 

All the details are available at the event's website: Houston Family Search.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Great Lakes & Upper South in the News: "Is Hosting The Super Bowl Worth It?" from NPR

"This is what it's like to host the Super Bowl: For one weekend, your city is the focus of the sporting universe. Fans flock in droves. They eat at your restaurants and sleep in your hotels. They buy the "I ♥ [your city]" t-shirts.


The NFL estimates that hosting the country's premier sporting event will give the local economy a $300-500 million jolt.


Economist Victor Matheson of the College of Holy Cross doesn't buy it.


In today's podcast, co-hosted from Indianapolis by NPR's Mike Pesca, Matheson presents the case against hosting the Super Bowl.


He argues hosting the Super Bowl pushes out the economic activities that occur on normal, non-Super Bowl hosting weekends. No conventions are held. Museums are closed. Local residents do not come downtown simply because it's too crowded.


What's more, Matheson says, the majority of the money that's being shelled out by out-of-towners does not even stay in the city. It flows to the big, national hotel companies and restaurant chains."


Link:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/02/03/146363292/the-friday-podcast-is-hosting-the-super-bowl-worth-it

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_101579883236151&ap=1

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Picasa Web photo site:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmaihoferii

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Google Earth/Panoramio photo site:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/5023543

Destination: Indianapolis for the Lucas Oil Stadium

Ground Zero for all the festivities.  Built in the southern section of downtown, Lucas Oil Stadium, it cannot be missed.  Tours are normally available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $7.00.  The on-site Colts Pro Shop is open year-around.  


Lucas Oil Stadium 
http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/
500 South Capitol Avenue  
Indianapolis, IN 46225-1117
(317) 262-8600

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_101579883236151&ap=1


Great Lakes Casual Traveler Picasa Web photo site:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rmaihoferii


Great Lakes Casual Traveler Google Earth/Panoramio photo site:
http://www.panoramio.com/user/5023543

Destination: Indianapolis for the National Art Museum of Sport

Like adding chocolate and peanut butter (g)!  The NAMS's a well curated collection of sport-inspired art will be on special display downtown in Monument Circle.  


National Art Museum of Sport
http://www.namos.iupui.edu/
850 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-3627

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_101579883236151&ap=1

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Picasa Web photo site:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmaihoferii

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Google Earth/Panoramio photo site:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/5023543

Destination: Indianapolis for the Indianapolis City Market

This market has a little of everything, well, other than reasonable hours, current and easy to use web site.....Okay, enough of the negatives.  While the landing page gives Wednesday as the only open hours, if you dig enough, you will find that the core city market hours are perfect for a Super Bowl visitor.  Besides a range of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and bread, the market has its a tap room on the second floor.  Also this week are special tours of the catacombs under Whistler Plaza. 


Indianapolis City Market
www.indycm.com/
222 East Market Street  
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3336
(317) 634-9266

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_101579883236151&ap=1

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Picasa Web photo site:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmaihoferii

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Google Earth/Panoramio photo site:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/5023543

Destination: Indianapolis for the Indiana State Museum

Located in the Indianapolis' Museum Row, the Indiana State Museum has a little for everyone.  It is though the few state museums that has an entry charge (Adults: $7, Children: $4). Two on-site restaurants offer a nice break from the action.    Just outside is the famous Indianapolis canal walk. 


Special exhibits at the Indiana State Museum-
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition:
through Feb. 19, 2012
Amazing Maize:
through Jan. 20, 2013
Heartland Art:
through Sept. 15, 2013


The Indiana State Museum
http://www.indianamuseum.org
650 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_101579883236151&ap=1

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Picasa Web photo site:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmaihoferii

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Google Earth/Panoramio photo site:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/5023543

Great Lakes & Upper South in the News: "Museum planned in Louisville Water Co. pump station" from Courier-Journal

"The Louisville Water Co. plans a $2.35 million interior restoration of its landmark original Pumping Station at Zorn Avenue and River Road.


Part of the project will be a “Water Works Museum” designed to showcase the utility and its 150-year history.


It will be the first interior restoration of the site since 1978, with plans calling for Pumping Station No. 1 to be restored as closely as possible to its condition when it began operating in 1860. Exterior renovation of both the Pumping Station and companion Water Tower were completed in recent years.


In 1971, both were designated National Historic Landmarks.


“Louisville Water’s history is Louisville’s history, and it is rich with scientific and engineering innovation and architectural achievement,” said Greg Heitzman, the company president and chief executive officer. “This project is part of our long-standing commitment to preserve the infrastructure and stories about the people who have guided us.”


The museum will include photographs, film and interactive displays that tell how Louisville Water has helped shaped the city’s past and present."


Link:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120129/NEWS01/301300030/water-company-project

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_101579883236151&ap=1

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Picasa Web photo site:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmaihoferii

Great Lakes Casual Traveler Google Earth/Panoramio photo site:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/5023543