Someone pointed out to me that I’ve not provided a method for people to join the Babb Family Association. I can’t believe that I somehow missed that when creating this new blog. Historically, we have collected dues via the newsletter and I hadn’t considered that there were people out there who appreciate the work we do, but haven’t yet joined the BFA.

Members of the BFA support all the work I do.  Membership is simple. Find your renewal period, Add-on (aka Tag On) kids or parents (Your Spouse/Significant Other is included in the base membership) and send us the following info along with your check or money 0rder.

Mission Statement:

Since its inception in 1989, the Babb Family Association has sought to provide the information necessary for Genealogical researchers to connect with their family tree. In 2004, a new mission was taken on to Protect and Preserve related historical artifacts. All programs benefit both its members and the general community who show interest in our work.

Educational Supporting Programs:

• Newsletter: Our semi-annual newsletter is the primary fund-raising mechanism for our organization and provides updates on all the associations’ workings and goes out to all members. It is also posted on the web for the general public as well as sent to a variety of Public Libraries.
• Electronic Book of Research Findings: Free to the public, this 1600 page electronic book helps people find their lost ancestors and presents a uniform environment to keep all genealogists in sync with the findings. The book is free to anyone who is interested.
• DNA Scholarships: DNA testing is underway to prove the assumptions made in our research. It is hoped we will be able to connect several disparate lineages through this testing. Scholarships are available to pay for the tests to the first volunteer from each branch.

Preservation Supporting Programs:

• Log Home Rescue/Restoration: Our most important project is the Rescue and Restoration of the Seth Babb Log Home in Greeneville, TN. The log home is to become the centerpiece of a new historic park that will be open to the public. The Museum plans to use it as the tool to educate students from area schools on the history of Greene County. Additionally, the park will provide space for weddings, concerts and other public gatherings. Seth’s cabin will be located on a plot of land adjacent to the home of the 17^th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson which is maintained by the National Park Service. Each year about 50,000 people visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and a large percentage are expected to continue to Seth’s cabin. The 225 year old structure was rescued in 2004 when it was in danger of collapse. It is the oldest surviving building in Greene County, TN. The homestead has been placed on permanent loan to the Nathaniel Greene Museum and the City of Greeneville.
•  Digitization of Paper’s of Jean Sargent: This collection of 29 years of research was bought by the Association and donated to the Handley Research Library in Winchester, VA. It spans 34 boxes. The collection was digitized and copies are available to researchers around the globe.