By Linda Chuss

On Oct. 22, the Mendon Historical Society will present the results of their research into the ancestry of lifelong town resident David Lowell. The event is a fun and interesting way to link the history of Mendon to people living in town today on a personal basis. 

Society Treasurer Rich Schofield said an inspiration for this format was the popular program, ‘Finding Your Roots’ on PBS.“David is a dear friend,” said Schofield. “In talking with him, I realized his lineage extended much further than he knew. So, I worked with David to build his family tree. He took a DNA test and answered questions.” 

When asked about his roots, Lowell replied, "I know a lot from my cousin Harvey Trask's genealogy research. and that I have connections to past Mendon residents. I'm looking forward to what Rich's research has turned up."

Schofield relied on the historical society’s records and some original source documents. The expertise of Richard Grady, who Schofield described as “the most knowledgeable Mendon historian around,” was also very useful.

“The results will be a surprise to David,” said Schofield. “One finding is that he’s a descendant of many of the town’s founders, the 39 names you see on the marker at Founder’s Park. One is Robert Taft, who was an ancestor of the 27th U.S. President, William Taft. It will be interesting to see David’s reaction. We expect that people attending, and not just those who know David, will also be intrigued by the results.”

“This event is one way our society is bringing Mendon’s history to life for today’s residents. Not just dates and facts, but the connections. Learning what townspeople from the past had to provide to create what we have now, whether they are your ancestors or not, gives current inhabitants an increased appreciation of what it took to form and preserve a town. From that, more people will understand why it’s important to maintain the village center, which is now a historic district.

“We expect this program will engage people, similar to how our popular ‘Rock the Block Historic Trolley Tours’ did last year. People who are interested can then visit the museum, become members of our society, and volunteer with us.”

The public is invited to attend “Finding Your Roots” on Oct. 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 13 Maple St., Mendon. A $10 donation is requested. For more information about the Mendon Historical Society, visit mendonhistoricalsociety.org