Twenty Members and guests attended the 2025 Reunion. The group attended the annual business meeting, toured Charlottesville, Virginia historical sites, and were presented a historical overview of Michael Griswold by Dr. Sara French. Sara reported on the research trip she made to England in March on Michael Griswold’s origin in England and emigration to Wethersfield, Connecticut. She also explained a basic chart showing how the 4 emigrants to America — Edward, Matthew, Michael, and Francis Griswold were related. Sara also presented lineage charts of the Griswold Family, recent DNA evidence revealing surprises in lineage, and an overview of English towns and churches where our ancestors have established citizen and church records. Coralee Griswold, our genealogist, reported on the inventory of publications including the Twelve Generations in England book; a discussion was held at the Executive Board meeting to consider a 2nd edition of that to include updates on the Michael Griswold origins. An inquiry about the copyright for the earlier editions of the GFA publications was presented and Coralee will investigate further. Coralee also encouraged direct male descendants of Michael Griswold to do the Big-Y DNA project. During the business meeting, the members accepted the recommendation to have the next reunion in Wethersfield, CT, in August 2027. A tour of the Michael Griswold House and visiting Wethersfield historical sites will occur in addition to the annual meeting and Saturday evening banquet meal.
On Saturday the group was transported to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate for touring. Afterwards, a tour of President James Monroe’s Highland home occurred. Saturday evening our group enjoyed a buffet meal and Dr. Sara French’s presentation on Michael Griswold.
Sunday’s event was a walking tour of the University of Virginia Rotunda academic building and adjacent The Lawn – small residential rooms for students built in the early 1800’s.
Here are some photos from the weekend:
