Discovering My Ancestral Home (Webinar) | American Ancestors | Hopwood DePree

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Live Broadcast: June 23, 2023
Presented by: Hopwood DePree
Moderated by: Curt DiCamillo
Online Event Hosted by: @AmericanAncestors - New England Historic Genealogical Society

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WELCOME to Hopwood Hall Estate (AKA "Downton Shabby") in Middleton, England.

This channel follows the unexpected adventures of American Hopwood DePree who, whilst living in Los Angeles, traced his family tree online, and discovered his abandoned 60-room ancestral home "Hopwood Hall Estate" that dates back to 1426! Hopwood was informed that if he didn't do something very soon to save the Hall, it would be lost forever. So he packed his bags and left LA to take on the madcap challenge of his life with a passionate team of supporters and community volunteers, in England.

We share the ups & downs, failures & triumphs of this group effort DIY rescue emergency: learning new skills, discovering house & garden secrets and seeking the inspirations that will be needed to get this Estate back onto her feet once again!

Thank you to all our Patreons, Friends and Supporters who have decided to come along on the ride with us as we transform this irreplaceable British treasure back to her original grandeur! It may take us some time, but we embrace it, as the fun is in the process!! We hope you agree and that you will gain as much from watching the journey as we are experiencing it - and do feel free to contact us via the comments section below.

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Webinar Chapter Times:

00:00 - Intro
00:32 - American Ancestors Intro
01:06 - Journey Overview
02:40 - How did you discover Hopwood Hall?
07:40 - What have you discovered about the history so far?
11:44 - The Local Community and Archive Club
18:09 - Who owns the Hall?
20:29 - What is the long-term vision?
24:37 - How long will it take?
25:33 - Can people visit?
26:09 - The surrounding land
27:48 - The Progress
31:22 - Theft of History
33:05 - Passionate Friends and Volunteers
35:50 - Accommodation and Rooms
36:32 - Writing Downton Shabby | Book
38:00 - How has the journey changed your life?
39:48 - Storied Collection
42:03 - How to follow the journey!
43:14 - Future American Ancestors Events
44:18 - How many staff worked at the Hall?
44:55 - How was the family story passed down?
45:58 - How much land surrounds the Hall today?
47:10 - Have you considered doing a TV documentary?
47:55 - The Hopwood Brothers and Staff
51:21 - Leaving Hollywood - Tod or Hopwood?
52:37 - Film Credits | Rhinoskin: The Making of a Movie Star
53:28 - What has been your favorite moment so far?
55:16 - What is the most surprising artifact discovery?
58:00 - Downton Abbey
58:41 - Generations | Hopwood's in the USA
59:18 - Family Tree Connection
01:00:03 - Will you live at the Hall?
01:00:52 - Stand-up Comedy Tour (Yank is a Manc)
01:02:00 - How many fellow Hopwood's have you met?
01:03:16 - Which historical era or period will you restore the Hall to?
01:05:20 - Is your family connected to the Hopwood Writing Awards in Michigan?
01:05:46 - Local Conservation Officers
01:06:40 - Lancashire and Manchester | British Industrial Revolution
01:09:17 - International Volunteers?
01:10:17 - Outro and Thanks