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Bette Jane Wogen of Roseville is a recipient of the 2005 Alexander Macomb Award. She has researched genealogy since the late 1960s.Good deeds: Celebrating unsung heroes
County honors Roseville historian's work
Genealogy expert belongs to five historical societies and helps area residents research their families.
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Bette Jane Wogen said she's been interested in history since she was a little girl.
"My father was always interested in history and that's where I got it from," said the 84-year-old from Roseville.
"History is important because you have to know where you've been to know where you're going," she said.
Wogen's passion for the past led her to become active in local historical societies and an expert in genealogy.
She belongs to the historical societies of five communities -- Chesterfield Township, Eastpointe, New Baltimore, Roseville and Warren. She also volunteers to help people research genealogy at the Roseville Family History Center at the city's public library.
Wogen has researched genealogy since the late 1960s.
"I've always thought it was important for people to pass on to their children and grandchildren," she said.
Her work prompted the Macomb County Historical Commission to award her the group's 2005 Alexander Macomb Award.
Nancy White, chairwoman of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, presented Wogen with the award on behalf of the historical commission and the county's citizens a couple of weeks ago.
"Bette Jane Wogen ... (has) earned the respect and thanks of the citizens of our county for her generous contributions to history," White said in a statement. "(She) sets an example for all to follow."
Karl Mark Pall, chairman of the Macomb County Historical Commission, said Wogen was given the award for her impressive contributions over the years.
"(Wogen) is one of the most caring and loving persons with a passion for preserving history," he said. "She has fostered and nurtured numerous historical organizations with her unfaltering expertise."
This year is the second year the group has given out the award, named after General Alexander Macomb, a hero of the War of 1812.
Wogen said she was overwhelmed when she found out she was getting the historical commission's award.
"I almost cried," she said. "I've never received anything like it before. It is really an honor."
"Some of my friends say it's my lifetime achievement award because I'm so old," she said. "In a way it is."
The commission also gave a 2005 Alexander Macomb award to the Mount Clemens Rotary Club. The awards were presented to Wogen and the Rotary Club as part of the opening ceremony for the Bath City Festival in Mount Clemens.
You can reach Charles E. Ramirez at (586) 468-2905 or cramirez@ detnews.com.
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The Detroit News.
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