August 2026 Newsletter

What is your favorite patriotic song?

What words from that song stir your sole and why?

After being inspired by so many patriotic songs these past few weeks, let's take a look at the role music played in the Revolutionary War.

Music was not just for entertainment; it was the lifeblood of military communication and morale. Through fife and drum corps, both the Continental and British armies managed battlefield tactics, signaled camp routines, and inspired troops through the deafening noise and smoke of combat. Fife and drum signals also told soldiers in camp when to wake up, fetch wood or provisions, and show up for church. By signals of the drum, the Army rose in the morning, assembled, paraded, saluted, marched, and retired. During battle, the drummers could also call for medical assistance.


Music has a way of uniting people and generations. Music was used to boost morale for the troops.

Music in General Washington's Army

George Washington recognized the practical necessity of the fife and drum, but also enjoyed music in general. No doubt this was known throughout the ranks. However, in his orders to his army during the American Revolution, George Washington complained on June 4, 1777, that the "music of the army [was] in general very bad."

He ordered that "the drum and fife Majors exert themselves to improve it, or they will be reduced [demoted], and their extraordinary pay taken from them." He went on to say that specific hours would be assigned "for all the drums and fifes, of each regiment, to attend them and practice."


In the bitter Valley Forge winter of 1778, Washington's spirit was warmed by a serenade outside his headquarters by the musicians of Proctor's Artillery on February 22. This would be the first public recognition of his birthday.


Washington rewarded the fifers and drummers with a gift of one pound ten shillings. He acknowledged the fortitude of the musicians who would perform, without orders, in the subfreezing temperatures.


Yankee Doodle is one of the best known songs of the Colonial era. It was originally written as a slap in the face to Americans. British doctor Richard Schuckburg penned the words to mock American allies.


The words made the Colonists look rude, crude, and cowardly. A "doodle" was a country hick, and a "dandy" was a conceited jerk.


Reports say that British fifers and drummers teased the colonists by playing "Yankee Doodle" as their columns snaked along rural roads. In the small town of Lexington, the British soldiers confronted a line of Minutemen on the village green. A gun went off, British muskets opened fire, and in an instant eight Americans were dead or dying. British forces then continued on toward Concord and destroyed what weapons they found.


Now the British army had to march back to the safety of Boston. Colonial militiamen swarmed to the attack, taking up positions along the route. They hid behind trees and rock walls, picking off soldier after soldier. Some British troops broke ranks and ran. Others, angered by American tactics, broke into houses and set them on fire. Eventually, more British troops arrived from Boston to rescue the survivors.


Legend has it the colonial militiamen returned the musical insult as they counterattacked. They sang "Yankee Doodle" as British soldiers retreated. It was as if the Americans were singing, "How do you like us Yankee doodles and dandies, now?" The American Revolution had begun. "Yankee Doodle" soon took hold as an unofficial anthem for what became the American Continental Army.


The last major battle of the Revolutionary War took place near Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. American troops and the French navy bottled up and blasted a big chunk of the British army there. Some witnesses reported that "Yankee Doodle" accompanied that British surrender, too. The Treaty of Paris, officially ending the war, was signed two years later. The United States of America was now its own, independent country.


Over time, new verses of "Yankee Doodle" were added, changed, moved, and removed. A verse about George Washington, for example, was tacked on after he took command of the Continental Army in June 1775. Interestingly, one of the most familiar verses did not appear until 1842. Today, it is the first verse of the song that every American knows:

Yankee Doodle went to town

A-riding on a pony

Stuck a feather in his cap

And called it macaroni.

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19th, for the Cassia County Fair Parade.  The Center will open at 2:00 p.m. and will be open until the regular closing time of 6:00 p.m.

There are no classes scheduled for August; however, please stop by the FamilySearch Center during our normal operating hours for help with your family history questions!

To schedule Wednesday night youth groups, please contact Trina Winn at 208-242-6217

July 2026 Newsletter

 

Women played a major role in securing the independence of the United States of America.  They acted as political strategists, battlefield combatants, spies, and fundraisers.  They managed farms and businesses, supplying troops and supporting the fight for independence.  They could be found both behind the scenes and on the front lines.

Can you match the names of these women to their patriotic contributions?

1.    Margaret Corbin: _____

2.    Esther De Berdt Reed & Sarah Franklin Bache: _____

3.    Nancy Morgan Hart: _____

4.    Abigail Adams: _____

5.    Lydia Darragh: _____

6.    Mary Katharine Goddard: _____

7.    Mercy Otis Warren: _____

8.    Martha Washington: _____

9.    Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley (Molly Pitcher): _____

10.    Sybil Ludington: _____

11.    Deborah Sampson: _____

12.    Phillis Wheatley: _____

A.    An enslaved woman in Boston who gained fame as a poet, writing celebrated verses in support of    George Washington and the American cause.

B.    A 16-year-old who reportedly rode 40 miles through the night in New York to rally militia forces against advancing British troops.

C.    Assisted her husband at the artillery cannon and took his place in combat during the Battle of Fort Washington, making her one of the first women wounded in action.

D.    Formed the Ladies Association of Philadelphia, raising immense funds and organizing women to sew thousands of shirts for the Continental Army.

E.    A Patriot fighter in Georgia who is credited with holding off and capturing a group of Loyalist soldiers in her own cabin.

F.    A Quaker woman who used her home's proximity to British headquarters in Philadelphia to eavesdrop and pass critical troop movement intelligence to George Washington.

G.    Fired a cannon at the Battle of Monmouth after her husband was injured, and later received a formal pension for her wartime bravery.

H.    A fierce advocate for women's rights, she famously advised her husband to "remember the ladies" in the new nation's laws, and provided him with vital political intelligence from the home front.

I.    A prolific writer, poet, and political satirist whose works advocated for independence and criticized British rule.

J.    Traveled to winter camps to boost troop morale, hosted meetings and dinners, and petitioned for better conditions for the soldiers.

K.    A printer for the Continental Congress who risked her life and livelihood to typeset and print the very first broadside of the Declaration of Independence that included the signers' names.

L.    Disguised herself as a man to enlist in the Continental Army, fighting in the Hudson Valley until she was wounded and her true identity was discovered.

If you found this quiz challenging, I'm sure you are not alone.  Women were great defenders for the cause of liberty - yet are given very little recognition.  Perhaps you will not remember their names, but by completing this quiz, you will come to know some of the contributions of our early American female patriots and honor them along with their patriot male counterparts.

ANSWER KEY:

1 - C          7 - I

2 - D          8 - J

3 - E          9 - G

4 - H        10 - B

5 - F         11 - L

6 - K        12 - A

NOTE:  The DAR Genealogical Research System has a free online database for Revolutionary War Patriots and their descendants.

REMINDER:  The Declaration of Independence scavenger hunt is posted on the walls of the FamilySearch Center for you to test your knowledge of this great American document.

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on Sunday, July 5th

for the 4th of July Weekend!

 

There are no classes scheduled for July; however, please stop by the

FamilySearch Center during our normal operating hours for help

with your family history questions!

To schedule Wednesday night youth groups, please contact Trina Winn at 208-242-6217

June 2026 Newsletter

What did freedom from British rule mean to the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

Richard Henry Lee challenged the British with these courageous words:

"Our struggles will be glorious, our success certain; since even in death we shall find that freedom which in life you forbid us to enjoy." (1)

On June 7, 1776, Lee introduced his famous resolution: "Resolved: That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states."  (2)

Samuel Adams, the mastermind of the opposition to British rule, was sent a bribe to stop his traitorous speeches, articles, and pamphlets.  This was his reply:

"Sir, I trust I have long since made my peace with the king of kings.  No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country." (3)

John Hancock, who was Sam Adams' fellow revolutionary, made his statement with two words "John Hancock".

His signature was the boldest name on the Declaration of Independence.  His name was synonymous with the cause of liberty.  Both Sam and John were on the most wanted list to be hung for treason.

At Sam Adams' caucus club, John Hancock showed his resolve with these words: "Burn Boston, and make John Hancock a beggar, if the public good requires it." (4)

We honor these men (and 53 others) for risking their lives, their livelihood, and all they held dear for the cause of freedom.  They had many faults and weaknesses, but they came together to unite the colonies and assist in the formation of the greatest county on earth.

The last lines of the Declaration of Independence declare:

"And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

It is worthy of our time to study the lives of these men.  They were born in a different time, with different values, customs, and beliefs.

Quotes have been taken from:

Visions of Freedom by Michael DeGroote and Ronald L. Fox.  This book includes a brief history of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.  A very worthwhile read.

1. Founders of Freedom in America: Lives of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence and so helped to Establish the United States of America, 144 by David C.

2. Ibid, 145

3. Ibid, 49

4. Ibid, 100

NOTE: Don't forget to come to the FamilySearch Center and do the Declaration of Independence Scavenger Hunt.

Stay tuned ladies.  Next month we will look at contributions of historic women of 1776!

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on Sunday, June 21st for Father's Day!

 

There are no classes scheduled for June; however, please stop by the FamilySearch Center during our normal operating hours for help with your family history questions!

To schedule Wednesday night youth groups, please contact Trina Winn at 208-242-6217

May 2026 Newsletter

Are you doing anything special to celebrate the Semiquincentennial; the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence?

Honoring our American heritage comes in many forms.  You might choose to do some community service; decorate with red, white, and blue; read the history of the founding fathers; participate in a patriotic program; or research an early American ancestor (we can help with that)!

Whatever you choose to do - this is a great opportunity to reflect on the nation's past and honor the contributions of all Americans.

At the FamilySearch Center, we have an on-going scavenger hunt that will test your knowledge of the Declaration of Independence and help you learn many fun facts about the early days of this great country (including Colonial clothing, food, and games).

Just come to the front desk and ask for an answer sheet.  The first station is directly across from the front desk.  All other stations are scattered around the Center.  When you complete the hunt, return to the front desk and receive a small treat.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors.

Are you related to any of the founding fathers?  Using our discovery screens, you will be able to find your famous American ancestors.  (You could be related to John Quincy Adams or Marilyn Monroe).

Here is a bit of a teaser.  Can you match the famous American to his part in history?

1.  Thomas Jefferson                   

2.  John Hancock                         

3.  Benjamin Franklin                 

4.  John Adams                           

5.  Samuel Adams                        

A.  The mastermind of the opposition to British rule in America.

B.  He lost his closest companion and friend when his son was arrested as a traitor.

C.  He made his way in utmost secrecy as a diplomat to help craft an alliance between the new United States and France.

D.  He was a great philanthropist.  He gave money to rebuild burned homes and purchase bibles, glass, pulpits, and bells for churches.  He funded a concert hall and bought streetlamps for Boston.

E.   He was tired of leadership and couldn't wait for his term to end so someone else could take over.

Answers: 1-E, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C, 5-A

When John Adams was asked to come up with a toast for a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he said two simple words, "Independence Forever!"  The signers of the Declaration of Independence knew the importance of those words.

Alma 46:12-13

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it - In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children - and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethern, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land-

Just a reminder:  The FamilySearch Center offers many classes and opportunities to help you find your ancestors.  You can call the Center (208-878-7286) to schedule an appointment for your group.  We will get you in touch with a person that will provide the training you want.

Youth Night is on Wednesdays.  You may call Trina Winn (208-242-6217) to schedule your youth activities.  Call two or three weeks in advance to get the date you want.

You can also check the calendar for ongoing classes at the FamilySearch Center at burleyfamilyhistorycenter.blogspot.com

Jolene Hunsaker is willing to teach a class on "Writing Your Life History; Your Story Matters" or "Turning the Hearts of the Children to Grandma."  Call the FamilySearch Center and they will get in touch with Jolene and she will call you to schedule.

📅 Upcoming Center Classes

 Spanish Consultant Training
Family History in 5 Minutes
Using AI for Family History
All About Memories
Bring Your Own Questions

Ancestry

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on Sunday, May 10th for Mother's Day and on Sunday and Monday, May 24th and 25th for Memorial Day Weekend!

 

 PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR DATES AND TIMES!

April 2026 Newsletter

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

How well do you know the history of the Declaration?  Why was it written?  Who wrote most of it?  How many signatures are attached to it?  Can you name any of the men who signed it?  What were their ages and occupations?  What was life like in 1776 (food, clothing, games they played)?

Beginning April 1st, the FamilySearch Center invites you to a Declaration of Independence scavenger hunt.  Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and search for answers to questions like those listed above.

The hunt begins at the front desk.  Pick up a Question/Answer sheet and search for information cards posted throughout the Center.  You may also use the Discovery Screens to see what famous people you are related to.

The Burley FamilySearch Center is open:

Sunday           2:00 p.m.    -    6:00 p.m.
Monday        12:00 p.m.    -    4:00 p.m.
Tuesday        10:00 a.m.    -    6:00 p.m.
Wednesday  10:00 a.m.    -    6:00 p.m.
Thursday     10:00 a.m.    -    8:00 p.m.

Drop by the FamilySearch Center and see how many new things you can learn about our amazing Declaration of Independence and those who signed it.

📅 Upcoming Center Classes

 Basic - Intermediate Spreadsheet Functions
Tips to Improve Your Tree
Attaching or Not Sources
Dealing with Duplicates
Creating a Task List

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on Sunday, April 5th, for Easter!

 

 PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR DATES AND TIMES!

March 2026 Newsletter

🌷 Welcome to March at the Burley FamilySearch Center!

March invites us to look both forward and back—toward springtime renewal and toward the foundations of our families and our nation. At the Burley FamilySearch Center, we love helping individuals and families discover the stories that shaped who they are today.

Whether you are new to family history or continuing long-time research, our friendly volunteers are here to help you make meaningful discoveries.

February 2026 Newsletter

 Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday — Semiquincentennial Edition

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🔴⚪🔵 250 Years of Freedom — 1776–2026 🔵⚪🔴

Honoring Our Ancestors Who Helped Build a Nation

Red, white, and blue remind us that America’s story is not just found in textbooks—it lives in the lives, sacrifices, and courage of our own ancestors. As we approach the 250th birthday of the United States, we invite families to celebrate by discovering how their ancestors lived, worked, and contributed during the founding era.

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Family History & the Birth of a Nation

In 1776, ordinary men, women, and children lived through extraordinary times. Some fought for independence. Others farmed, sewed, cooked, taught, or prayed for safety. Each family—free or enslaved, immigrant or native-born—played a role in shaping our country’s story.

Family history helps us see history not as distant events, but as personal journeys that connect directly to us today.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities: Experience Life in 1776

1️⃣ Find Your 1776 Ancestors

• Look for ancestors living during the Revolutionary War era.

• Search census, military, land, or immigration records.

• Ask: Where were they in 1776? What was daily life like?

2️⃣ Create a “Day in 1776” Challenge

• No electricity for an hour

• Write with a quill or pencil

• Imagine cooking over a fire

3️⃣ Write a Declaration of Gratitude

Inspired by the Declaration of Independence:

• What freedoms are you thankful for?

• What values matter most to your family?

4️⃣ Research Revolutionary War Service

• Soldiers, nurses, spies, or suppliers

• Explore pension and military records

• Save stories in FamilySearch Memories

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⭐ 250th Anniversary Family Challenge

Learn one ancestor’s story connected to early America and share it with the next generation.

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KIDS ACTIVITY PAGE

Life in 1776 — When America Began!

👋 Hello History Explorer!

In 1776, kids didn’t have electricity, phones, or TVs—but they still had fun and helped their families every day. Try these activities to see what life was like when America was born!

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🕰️ TIME-TRAVEL CHALLENGE

Pretend you are living in 1776. Check what you would do:

☐ Write with a feather (quill)
☐ Help cook over a fire
☐ Walk instead of riding in a car
☐ Play outside with no electricity

What would be the hardest part?

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🔍 FIND AN ANCESTOR

You might have an ancestor who lived long ago!

☐ Ask an adult to help you look at your family tree
☐ Find someone who lived a very long time ago

Draw your ancestor.

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🎲 PLAY A 1776 GAME: MARBLES

1. Draw a small circle

2. Put marbles inside

3. Take turns knocking them out

☐ I played marbles today!

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🎶 SING A SONG

🎵 “Yankee Doodle went to town…” 🎵

Sing together and talk about how music spreads ideas.

☐ I sang ☐ I clapped ☐ I laughed

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🍞 MAKE A 1776 SNACK: JOHNNYCAKE

Ask an adult to help you make this early American food.

Johnnycake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup boiling water

• (Optional: butter or honey)

Directions:

1. Mix cornmeal and salt in a bowl.

2. Slowly stir in boiling water.

3. Cook like pancakes on a pan or bake in a shallow dish.

4. Serve warm.

☐ I helped mix
☐ I watched it cook
☐ I tasted it

Did you like it?

😋 Yes 😐 Maybe 😝 No

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🧵 CRAFT TIME: TRICORN HAT

☐ Fold paper into a triangle
☐ Tape or staple
☐ Wear it and say “HUZZAH!”

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⭐ MY FREEDOM PROMISE

Write or draw something for which you are thankful.

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📅 Upcoming Center Events

 

Using Puzzilla 
Using Temple Tools 
Editing in FamilySearch  
Bring Your Questions
FamilySearch 101
Consultant Training

 

 PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR DATES AND TIMES! 

Opportunities for Youth Groups

To schedule Wednesday night youth groups, please contact

Trina Winn at 208-242-6217

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