Pam Wilson’s love for genealogy started not long after she, the daughter of a Belgium immigrant, married a man with ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. Pam wondered, “Who were these people who led us to this union?” Thus, her journey back in time via genealogy began.
A self-described “dogged researcher” and graphic designer, Pam says, “Genealogy connects us with history.” After she finished her and her husband’s genealogy (“but, are you ever really ‘done’ with your family’s evolving history?” she asks), she went on to publish several books on the subject.
Fast-forward a few decades, and Pam and her husband moved from North Carolina to Barrington (“because we couldn’t find anything like The Garlands back there”). As they began meeting their new neighbors, Pam couldn’t help but share her passion for genealogy.
“If you are a genealogist, you talk about it to everyone who will listen!” she laughs.
Pam eventually found that others were interested too, so she invited her new-found friends to share strategies, learn more, and help each other research. Soon thereafter, The Garlands Lifelong Learning Genealogy program began.
Although Pam lived an academic-adjacent life (her husband is a retired college professor), she really doesn’t consider herself a “teacher.”
“Let’s just say, I’m more an enthusiastic mentor,” she quips.
Either way, her wealth of knowledge, astute computer skills, and tenacity (“I don’t give up!”) are an inspiration and asset to all who share Pam’s passion for preserving the past.
