Kim Hanks lives in West Peoria with her husband Joe, adult son Dustin, and dog Casey. She grew up in Brimfield, but West Peoria has been their home for over 20 years. Kim is a retired school teacher, administrator, and superintendent and former co-owner of The Wellness Connection consulting business. Research had always been a big part of Kim’s professional life, so when she retired, genealogy research became her passion and obsession.
With the help of the Stark County Genealogical Society researchers, Kim became a member of the Mayflower Society of Illinois through her Alden ancestors-great great grandfather Orastus Alden who died in Toulon. She also has 4 Pioneer Certificates through Stark County; Hervey Justus Rhodes, Salome Rhodes, Mehetebel Rounds (1844) and Orastus Alden (1853). Kim is also a member of the Peoria Chapter of DAR, Marion County Genealogical Society, Tazewell County Genealogical Society, Stark County Genealogical Society, Peoria County Genealogical Society, and the Illinois State Genealogical Society.
Kim has become very involved in volunteer work related to genealogy. In the past she has served as Society Liaison Chair, Advocacy Chair/Member, and Newsletter Editor for the Illinois State Genealogical Society. Her volunteer work for her local Peoria County Genealogical Society in the past included Newsletter Editor, Website Committee, Webmaster, Nominating Committee, and projects committee. Currently Kim is a member of the Membership Committee of FGS (Federation of Genealogical Societies), Projects Chairperson for Peoria County Genealogical Society, and the newest board member for Stark County Genealogical Society. Kim is also a student through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, having finished the Basic Level of American Records Studies.
Kim’s genealogy goals this year are to organize her photographs digitally and write stories of her ancestors for her cousins to read.
Please direct your questions for Kim at: pcgsprojects@gmail.com