A committee that includes area residents Glenn Zehr, Herb Schultz, Ruth Steinman and Lynn Yantzi is coordinating the event. Ruth Steinman who works at the Conrad Grebel University College library noted that
Lorraine spent many hours doing research in the Mennonite Archives of Ontario at Conrad Grebel. Both our library and archival collections have been enriched by her significant contributions to local genealogies and histories.
Over the years, Roth has compiled about 25 genealogies and has assisted with many more. She has also written more than 100 introductions to Amish Mennonite individuals or families. One of Roth’s better known books is The Amish and Their Neighbours: the German Block, Wilmot Township, 1822-1860 published in 1998.
There are plans to expand and renovate the Library and Mennonite Archives of Ontario facilities at Conrad Grebel in Waterloo. Board member Lynn Yantzi stated that,
We want to honour Lorraine’s important role in documenting the Amish-Mennonites of Ontario by naming a space for her. We’ve set $75,000 as our fundraising goal to name the archives reading room in her honour.
The dinner, which will be catered by Quehls restaurant, will be followed by a program in the sanctuary. This will include tributes to Roth by family and community members and a presentation by Archivist Laureen Harder-Gissing that will focus on historical documents from the local area and items from Lorraine’s collection.
Tickets for the fundraising dinner are $50.00 (with a $25.00 charitable receipt) and can be purchased from committee members or by contacting Conrad Grebel University College at 519-885-0220 x24223.