The Year Ahead – May 18

In the January/February 2024 issue of Family Tree Magazine, they have introduced The Year Ahead, 366 genealogy tips will make 2024 your best research year yet by Lisa A Alzo. Lisa mapped out a day-by-day research plan.

May 18 – Explore a museum in your local area, or Google virtual museums to explore one from your easy chair.

I love museums, especially historical museums. The town I moved to, has a Historical Museum that I need to go and explore. In the lower level they have created the Plank Road Trail, a street scene of downtown Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Construction of the Plank Road began in 1851 and was completed in 1852. This allowed settlers to travel from Sheboygan to Fond du Lac (42 miles) on a somewhat paved roadway. 

Today, the Old Plank Road Trail parallels Hwy 23, the original plank road route. The trail is used year round and accommodates bicyclists, runners, walkers, in-line skaters, horseback riders, moped users, Nordic skiers and snowmobilers on 10 feet of asphalt and 8 feet of turf. It's seldom flat, making for more interest and exertion than many other trails. The Trail was only 17 miles long, and extended from Sheboygan to Greenbush, location of the Old Wade House. However, with the upgrade to Hwy 23, the trail was extended all the way to Fond du Lac.

Remember to have fun and Just do Genealogy!