September 11, 2025 - Timpson Area Genealogy and Heritage Society will host Gina Reneau Bradshaw as speaker at our meeting Wednesday, September 17, at 2pm, in the Timpson Public Library annex.
Gina Bradshaw, a lifelong resident of Garrison, Texas, never even considered her ancestry and did not enjoy history until she visited Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC eight years ago. That experience inspired Gina to dive into researching the history of our country, as well as the story of her ancestors and local cemeteries. Her enthusiasm led to Gina serving the past five years as Wreaths Across America coordinator for the Garrison area. Gina, with several volunteers, places wreaths each Veteran's Day on the graves of every veteran in five Garrison area cemeteries. Gina, with her friend, Janie Ramsey, researched and produced new documentation and connections for each person buried in Caledonia Cemetery. They uncovered buried stones documented in mid 1970s Rusk County research.
Attendees will find Gina's enthusiasm for history and heritage contagious, as she, claiming she is no expert in these fields, speaks of the latest projects in which she is involved. Gina, working with Sheron Kimbrough and Garrison Heritage Society, are producing a historical tour project for November 8. Historical information of families buried in Greenwood Cemetery, along with a performance by a descendant, dressed in period attire, will be presented. Artifacts and the Wiley Hotel will be on display November 8. Very importantly, Gina will share the tools and insights she has acquired in researching the past with TAGHS audience.
