This exchange represents one of the earliest unsolicited inquiries that helped shape what would later become the MyCousins project. Keri Lucas, a grandchild of Madeline Elcik Lucas, reached out after discovering the family website and expressed both curiosity and admiration for the genealogical work already underway. Her message affirmed that the effort resonated beyond its original audience and had the potential to connect generations.
At a Glance
- First Contact: May 30, 2009
- Primary Surname: Lucas
- Medium: Email
- Role in Project: Early correspondent; next-generation family researcher
Correspondence Log
Contact #1 — May 30, 2009, 6:30 PM — Email
Keri Lucas:
Hello John and Pam,
My name is Keri Lucas. I have been doing some research on my family tree and found your website. I am one of Madeline Elcik Lucas’ grandchildren from York, Maine. I am very interested in putting the pieces of my family tree together, and I am very impressed by the family tree work you and Pam have done. I would love to hear from you and maybe some tips on how to do the research.
Thank you very much,
Love, Keri
Contact #2 — May 30, 2009, 10:10 PM — Email
Keri Lucas:
John,
Thank you for the helpful information. I am one of two daughters of Rosemary and Rodney James Lucas. My dad is one of the seven children of John Lucas and Madeline Elcik. I think that the big house you are referring to was in York Beach. It has since turned into a lovely bed and breakfast, and all of my aunts and uncles have toured it to see how it was restored. If you ever come up for a visit, I would highly recommend staying there.
I signed up for Ancestry.com and have traced the Elcik side pretty far back, although I am never sure that it is tracing correctly. For instance, the name Byras is coming up as Byros, and I am not quite sure why that is, since I have always seen it spelled with a U.
I would love you to send me the project that you are working on called “My Cousins.” When I asked my dad about the family history, he didn’t seem to know very much. I think this is an essential piece of history that families should keep for generations, so I decided to do the research. If I find anything interesting, I will send it your way.
Thank you again,
Keri
Why This Contact Mattered
This inquiry validated the project’s original purpose at a time when its future was uncertain. By demonstrating that younger generations were actively seeking connection, accuracy, and preservation, Keri’s outreach confirmed that the family history work had relevance beyond its initial circle and deserved to continue.