For an example of what excellent genealogical research can bring to all kinds of historical topics, see the new book, "The Old Plantation: The Artist Revealed," by Susan Shames, who is the decorative arts librarian at Colonial Williamsburg and an excellent genealogist and researcher. Through diligent research and genealogical sleuthing, she identified the artist who painted the very famous (and often-reproduced) watercolor owned by Colonial Williamsburg, "The Old Plantation." Mark Erickson, the arts report for the "Daily Press," wrote an article about Susan's discovery in this past Sunday's paper: http://tinyurl.com/27rjp6v The book is available now via the CW website. Martha Katz-Hyman ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html