The Fifty Acres is the digital repository for a vast physical collection of papers, artifacts, and photographs preserved across multiple generations of the Haushalter and interrelated families of Erie County, New York. The core of the physical archive consists of original farm records, family documents and personal correspondence, alongside an extensive photographic record spanning from the late 19th century through the late 20th century.

The collection exists today due to a clear, unbroken line of family custody. As a descendant and the designated family archivist, these materials were passed down directly into my care to protect them from degradation and ensure their survival.

This website serves as the public, searchable interface for that physical inheritance. Rather than leaving these generational records tucked away in storage boxes, this platform digitizes, catalogues, and organizes the collection into curated exhibits and searchable galleries. By establishing clear provenance and pairing high-resolution document preservation with narrative history, the site allows researchers, genealogists, and family members to explore the primary sources directly and trace the real stories of the people who lived on the land.

Liz Casler Loomans (email: [email protected]) is a historical researcher, family archivist, and former book editor. Her work focuses on organizing primary sources, verifying lineage records, and translating archival data into clear, human-centered historical narratives.

As team leader for their collaborative effort to research Black soldiers of the American Revolution, Liz works closely with the leadership of WikiTree's 1776 and US Black Heritage projects, serving as a specialized researcher for Black American Revolutionary War soldier lineages. In collaborative research environments, she leverages a strong technical background to manage data structures, navigate digital platforms, and bridge the gap between traditional historical methodology and modern web infrastructure. Her approach combines professional editorial experience with advanced technical capabilities, genealogical accuracy, and digital archiving.

Areas of Focus

• Exhibit Narrative Design: Organizing historical documents, photograph collections, and primary sources into structured, readable digital exhibitions.

• Historical Editing: Applying professional editorial experience to regional histories, family biographies, and archival documentation.

• Technical Data & Lineage Research: Conducting targeted analysis of 19th and early 20th-century public records, land tracts, and family correspondence while utilizing modern data management tools to streamline digital archive accessibility.