“Unlocking Your Roots: Mastering Ancestry and Genealogy Searches for a Strong Sense of Belonging”

I belong to several ancestry and genealogy research groups, chats, organizations, and regularly participate in training sessions. This aids in my development as a genealogist specializing in African Diasporan family searches.

One of my favorite organizations is the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., especially the metro Atlanta chapter. Here’s a sample of the great connections you are provided by AAHGS when you join the organization:

 

 

21 JUL 2024(pictorial generated by AI)

 

These events are provided as a courtesy to our AAHGS Metro Atlanta members but are not the responsibility of our chapter.

 

Timelines for Genealogy, Dottie Baugh

Mon Jul 22nd

Presented by Charlotte County Genealogical Society
10:30am ET

All classes are free and open to the public. For a Zoom link, send an email to President@ccgsi.org

For details see www.ccgsi.org

 

The Homestead Act, with Ranger, Amber Kirkendall, Homestead National Historic Park

Mon Jul 22nd

Presented by Heritage Seekers Genealogy Club
7:30pm ET

Ranger, Amber Kirkendall, Homestead National Historic Park

This is a Zoom virtual meeting. To get a link to attend, you must:
– be a paid member, or
– subscribe to our email list at https://heritageseekersar.com/subscribe/ or
– follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/heritageseekersar.club

Zoom link available closer to the event – See the website!

For details see heritageseekersar.com/

 

Pins & Needles: Adding Social Media to Your Genealogy Repertoire

Mon Jul 22nd

Presented by Plainfield Area Public Library
8:00pm ET

Many of us have used Facebook to find distant cousins and former high school friends. Join us for a fun session on using sites like Pinterest, Flickr, Instagram and more to locate, identify and share ancestors.

This is a virtual program. Login information will be sent when you register for the program

For details see plainfieldpubliclibrary.librarymarket.com/event/virtual-pins-needles-adding-social-media-your-genealogy-repertoire-65597

 

Researching LGBTQ Genealogy, with Stewart Traiman

Mon Jul 22nd

Presented by Denver Public Library
8:00pm ET

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer folk have always been a part of our history and family stories. Our trees’ confirmed bachelor or spinster aunt may not have been single. Perhaps they did have partners but there is no legal documentation or family acknowledgment. This class will explore census, newspapers, obituaries, military records, photographs, phone books, and archives for clues on our ancestor’s sexuality. We will also explore LGBTQ History and many individual stories giving context to the available records. Discovering our LGBTQ ancestors’ stories and inviting them back into our trees will enrich our entire family history.

For details see www.denverlibrary.org/event/researching-lgbtq-genealogy

 

Beginning Ancestry by Scott Jones

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
2:00pm ET

What and where?

For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

 

Using the FamilySearch Catalog by Clark Jenkins

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
5:00pm ET

Learn how to search the entire FamilySearch database using the Catalog. This will include searching indexed and unindexed records, book titles and authors, and keyword searches. Learn how to navigate through unindexed record collections to find digitized original records.

For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

 

What’s the Tea in Your Family Tree?

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library / West Boulevard Library
6:00pm ET

Unearth secrets, reveal truths, and explore the colorful stories hidden within your ancestral lineage.

This is a HYBRID program, so you can attend in-person at West Boulevard Library or online via Zoom.

*Registration Required* Registration begins the first day of the month.

For details see cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/664e02e3e3e1ee30003fe2c7

 

Genealogy for Beginners: Census records and obituaries

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Cincinnati Public Library / Pleasant Ridge
6:30pm ET

Census records and obituaries are the most popular and easiest to find genealogical records. Learn how to search for and use these records when digging into your family history.

This event will be in person at the Pleasant Ridge Branch and also live streamed over Zoom. The Zoom link will be shared a few hours before the program starts.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

For details see cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/65d74df01e57af280037c162

 

Finding and Using City Directories for Genealogy – Fourth Tuesday Genealogy Series

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by The Erie Society for Genealogical Research
7:00pm ET

Fourth Tuesday Genealogy Series: Session is repeated via Zoom at 7 p.m. For handouts and to register for the session go to: events.erielibrary.org/ and search for genealogy.

23 Jul 2024: Finding and Using City Directories for Genealogy: Information which might be found in city and county directories. What you might be missing in these resources. Locating city directories. Hints for using city directories. Abbreviations. Other historical directories.

For details see www.genealogyerie.org/p/Calendar/event/Finding-and-Using-City-Directories-for-Genealogy-387

 

The Genealogist’s Google Search Methodology

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Louisville Genealogical Society
1:00pm ET

Presented by Lisa Louise Cooke

It’s a new decade, so if you think you know how to Google, think again! Technology changes rapidly and keeping our search skills updated and sharp is key to search success. Come learn the latest Google Search Methodology for Genealogy. You’ll hear about the latest and best search innovations and learn the process that will dramatically improve your genealogical search results. These skills can be used with all associated Google tools.

Free but REGISTRATION REQUIRED at www.kylgs.org

 

Genealogy Quick Start TV – LIVE with Andre Kearns

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Genealogy Quick Start TV
8:00pm ET

Fact or Fiction: Which assumptions are you making about your family history? In “Getting Past Your Assumptions” provide a method for understanding the truth of family-lore. Then our special guest Andre Kearns will dive deeply into the assumptions we make with 1870 census in “Emancipating the Stories of Blended Families in the 1870 Census”

JOIN Live from our YouTube Channel or Facebook Page, LIVE every other Tuesday @ 8:00 PM ET
www.youtube.com/@GenealogyQuickStart/streams

This is an interactive genealogy TV show, not a genealogy webinar. We invite you to chat, comment, and ask questions.

For details see www.facebook.com/events/1011977810605274/

 

Introduction to Genealogy

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Plano Public Library / Haggard Library
8:00pm ET

Learn the basics of common genealogical research tools and techniques.

For details see plano-cep.bc.sirsidynix.net/event/introduction-to-genealogy-2/

 

Latest Updates to the MyHeritage Mobile App, with Gilad Katz

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by Legacy Family Tree Webinars
2:00pm ET

More and more, people are preferring to use their mobile devices to access their favorite software and services — and genealogists shouldn’t be left behind. MyHeritage continues to improve the genealogy-on-the-go experience from the MyHeritage mobile app, making it easier than ever to manage your family tree and conduct research from the palm of your hand. In this session, Gilad Katz, Senior Product Manager at MyHeritage, will show you the latest developments in the mobile app.

For details see familytreewebinars.com/webinar/latest-updates-to-the-myheritage-mobile-app/

 

Stories Behind the Stars – World War II Heroes

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by the Cobb County Genealogical Society
7:00pm ET

CCGS Board member Loren Plisco volunteers with Stories Behind the Stars, a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and writing the stories of over 421,000 Americans who sacrificed their lives in World War II. The stories will reside in memorials on Fold3 and will be linked to memorials on FindAGrave. This project is supported by Ancestry, Newspapers.com, Fold3, Together We Served, and other organizations. To date, hundreds of volunteers have written approximately 40,000 stories, with the ambitious goal to complete all of the stories by the end of 2025, which marks the anniversary of the end of World War II.

Register online here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sduygrTMtE9a-Tw82s-BdPUeWY60wWyiO#/registration

For details see cobbgagensoc.org/

 

TOTS – Tech on Tuesdays You Can Never Have Too Many Backups — Backups, Data Preservation and Back Blaze

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by The Colorado Genealogy Society
9:00pm ET

For details see us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsf–urjotH9Hp3pmcJZvhz6Vh5Yvs2rKt

 

Working with DNA Matches: Beginning to Sort Your Matches

Tue Jul 23rd

Presented by The Genealogy Center at Allen County Public Library
2:30pm ET

In this introductory session, we will learn to work with your genetic cousin matches from an autosomal DNA test. We will learn how to determine your familial relationship to your DNA matches (beginning with known relatives) and begin to sort your matches into groups based on the connecting ancestors that you share. Presented by Sara Allen.

For details see acpl.libnet.info/event/11055953

 

Imaging by Clark Jenkins

Wed Jul 24th

Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
5:00pm ET

How to look up images in FamilySearch?

For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

 

Writing Family Stories Within FamilySearch by Holly Jones

Wed Jul 24th

Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
2:00pm ET

Writing your personal and family stories.

For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

 

Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census, Part 1, with Sara Cochran

Wed Jul 24th

Presented by Fountaindale Public Library
12:00pm ET

Sara Cochran, the Skeleton Whisperer, will help you strategize and gather tips for success in locating your family in other records between the 1880 and 1900 Federal censuses.

The loss of the 1890 Federal census is a source of great frustration for American Genealogists, but all hope is not lost! Sara Cochran, the Skeleton Whisperer, will help you strategize and gather tips for success in locating your family in other records between the 1880 and 1900 Federal censuses. This is part one of a two-session series.

This program is available in a Zoom webinar format. A link and handout will be sent a day before the event. A reminder will be sent an hour before the event.

For details see communico.fountaindale.org/event/9545900

 

Periodicals for Genealogy

Wed Jul 24th

Presented by Midwest Genealogy Center at Mid-Continent Public Library
7:30pm ET

Learn how to search for and use periodicals at the Midwest Genealogy Center and other libraries, as another resource in your genealogy research. This is a beginner-level class. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes one hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom. All start times are Central Standard Time.

For details see www.mymcpl.org/events/98202/periodicals-genealogy-hybrid

 

From the Grassroots Roundtable: Preserving Places and Stories in the East Tennessee Black Community

Presented by East Tennessee History Center
12:00pm ET

Please join our esteemed panelists as they consider their contributions to the preservation of spaces and stories in their home communities, whether through ensuring the Black community’s history and family connections are shared and/or buildings themselves are saved and reused. They will also share their dreams of next steps and share insights on conducting community projects.

Pre-registration is required, both for in-person or for Zoom.

For details see www.easttnhistory.org/event/advanced-genealogy/

 

Preserving Family Memories: Audio Recordings

Wed Jul 24th

Presented by Dallas Public Library
3:00pm ET

The sound of a loved one’s voice = irreplaceable family memories. Learn how to digitize and preserve your audio recordings stored on cassette tapes, microcassette tapes and LPs. Hear from one of Dallas Public Library’s A/V librarians on how to edit your audio, and share your precious family memories using the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

This Genealogy & History program is available both in-person at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 8th floor AND online via Zoom.

Please register in advance.

For details see dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/preserving-family-memories-audio-recordings-366192

 

African American Research Workshop

Wed Jul 24th

Presented by Oakland Family History Library
9:00 PM Eastern

This is an ongoing, free, hands-on research workshop comprised of African Americans, also referred to as Black or Afro-American, or those who harmonize with Sub-Saharan Africa, with ancestry, citizenship, or residency in the United States. The workshop is an interactive exchange of research tools, methods and systems, and discussions necessary for progress at individual levels of family histories and genealogies impacted by the 16th Century removal of Africans to America as slaves.
For a Zoom link to the virtual workshop, churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/98525123399?pwd=WFptb0RWSDk5UjdHVGhtNXl3NkZadz09#success

For additional information E-Mail: pat4gene@gmail.com
or go to
www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Oakland_California_FamilySearch_Library/Learning_Center_Descriptions#African_American_Research_Workshop

 

Preserving Family History

Thu Jul 25th

Presented by Lake County Public Library
2:30pm ET

Have you ever wondered how to take care of those old photographs, scrapbooks, and stories passed down from generation to generation? This session has got you covered. Join Jeremy Pekarek, Archivist at Indiana University Northwest, to learn more about best practices involving proper housing techniques, documentation, and digital materials.

For details see www.lcplin.org/event/9176704

 

25+ Free Genealogy Sites

Thu Jul 25th

Presented by St. Louis County Library
7:30pm ET

Explore how to access and use several free websites for your family history research.

Registration opens June1, 2024. Registration required. Participants will receive Zoom information immediately after registering.

For details see slcl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=96470

 

Ancestry.com, a Premier Website, Online Class: Great tips for finding your families, and editing photos, and using Storymaker Studio

Thu Jul 25th

Presented by Riverton Utah FamilySearch Center
9:00pm ET

Presented by R. Ray

Ancestry.com, the Premier Family History Website. Ancestry.com has partnered with FamilySearch to easily share family tree records and information. Over 60 billion records (~6 times as many as FamilySearch has) makes it easier to find your families. Over 10 billion of those records come from FamilySearch so, you will see those records too.

To attend the online classes, you will need to register. It is recommended that you review the class handouts before attending the class by viewing them online or by printing them. Handouts available at www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Riverton_Utah_FamilySearch_Center/Online_Classes

Register at churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkd-muqDgpHdbGtkUcRX5VLxKL2IzeMAJK

For details see www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Riverton_Utah_FamilySearch_Center/Online_Classes

 

Facebook Workshop for Genealogists

Thu Jul 25th

Presented by Mount Vernon Genealogical Society
1:00pm ET

Instructor: Jo Pearson

Unlock the power of Facebook for your genealogy research! Learn how to create and manage a genealogy-focused Facebook page or group, best practices for posting and sharing, and how to use Facebook events to organize virtual meetups or collaborative research sessions.

TO REGISTER: Please send an email with your name and phone number, the class date and title, to Amy Breedlove at albreedlove@comcast.net
Thank you.

Once you’ve registered, a reminder email will be sent to you a few days ahead of the class with the zoom link and any handouts, etc.

For details see www.mvgenealogy.org/

 

How to Use Newspapers for Genealogy

Thu Jul 25th

Presented by Cuyahoga County Public Library
7:00pm ET

Tips and tricks on using newspapers in your genealogy research.

A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program. Staff will be available for help with connecting to Zoom and technical issues beginning 15 minutes prior to the program. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet connection to join.

For details see attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/event/10366070

 

The Why, Where, When, What and How of Lineage and Hereditary Societies, with Christine Cohen

Thu Jul 25th

Presented by Marin County Genealogical Society
10:00pm ET

Why should you join a lineage society? How do you join a lineage society? What activities do they perform? What member benefits are available? Are DNA test results a membership option?

The Genealogical Society General meetings are open to the public, with no admission fee. Feel free to drop in! Bring your friends as everyone is welcome. Come early and ask your burning genealogical questions of other members before the meeting.

The public is welcome to attend all of our virtual meetings. Contact info@maringensoc.org for more information.

Please register in advance.

For details see www.maringensoc.org/event-5756426

 

Genealogy in Teaching

Fri Jul 26th

Presented by CALS Central Arkansas Library System
1:00pm ET

Learn how to use genealogy databases and other resources to teach language arts, science, and math as well as social studies.

This is a hybrid event; the in-person class will take place in Meeting Room B at the Fletcher Library. Virtual attendees will access the class via Zoom.

If you wish to attend virtually, you must register to receive the Zoom link to join the class.

Please email at digital@cals.org or call 1.501.320.5724 if you have any questions.

For details see events.cals.org/event/10666775

 

 Military Records at TSLAC

Fri Jul 26th

Presented by Texas State Library and Archives Commission
9:00am ET Find out how to locate Texas military service records at TSLAC.

The Archives and Information Services Division offers a suite of research webinar recordings on-demand throughout the year. The start date listed here is the date the webinar will be first available.

For details see www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/workshops

 

8 Tips for Using AI as Your Genealogy Assistant

Fri Jul 26th

Presented by Bay Area Genealogical Society
8:00pm ET

Speaker: Dana Leeds. AI can help you complete many tasks faster than you can on your own. This makes it an incredible time-saver. It can also help you get more out of the records you find. But where do you start? And what can it help you with?

This presentation will highlight eight areas where AI can be a patient and knowledgeable assistant, supporting you in both your genealogy research and daily tasks. In your genealogy work, AI can help you summarize information, extract and visualize data, write engaging family history narratives, convert handwritten documents into searchable text, and illustrate your family story. Additionally, AI can assist you with daily tasks such as tech troubleshooting, saving you valuable time. Join us and discover the various ways AI can help you be more efficient and effective in your pursuits!

For details see www.txbayareagen.org/?page_id=5

 

Genealogical Research & Writing: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?, with Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL (members only)

Fri Jul 26th

Presented by Legacy Family Tree Webinars
(members only) (VIRTUAL)
2:00pm ET

As researchers, family historians, compilers, bloggers, or writers of other ilk, genealogists face legal and ethical perils they often do not anticipate. This crash course offers practical guidance to enhance your skills and keep you safe as you explore history, reconstruct lives, and “write up” your findings. While the issues are serious—from the legal issue of copyright to the ethical issue of plagiarism—the lessons are taught with a light heart and humor.

For details see familytreewebinars.com/webinar/genealogical-research-writing-are-you-a-saint-sinner-or-bumfuzzled-soul/

 

Reeling ‘Em in with Cousin Bait: 10 Ways to Connect with Family, with Cheri Hudson Passey

Sat Jul 27th

Presented by Polk County Genealogy Speaker Series
10:00am ET

Want to connect with those who may have information about your family? Learn 10 strategies to help you connect and collaborate with family members, including creating “Cousin Bait.”

This is a hybrid virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually, but guests are invited to join us at the History Center to participate in the Zoom. For Zoom details, contact the Polk County History Center at (863) 534-4386 or ShannonGraham@polk-county.net.

For details see www.polk-county.net/events/reeling-em-in-with-cousin-bait-10-ways-to-connect-with-family-genealogy-speaker-series/

 

Discovering Your Ancestors – Series 1 with Janet Camarata

Sat Jul 27th

Presented by Puget Sound Genealogical Society
1:30pm ET

Genealogy is an enriching and rewarding way to discover our own families through their written records, photographs and artifacts. Tracing our ancestral roots expands our understanding of history and how they lived in earlier generations. The individual pieces of the family jigsaw puzzle consists of vital records, censuses, land records, immigration, naturalization, military records, church histories, taxes, court and courthouse records, DNA and much more. The tools and techniques used by genealogists today are extensive and include the Internet, specific genealogy programs and websites, i.e. Ancestry and FamilySearch. Learn in a computer environment the resources available online and off-line to investigate the various jigsaw puzzle pieces that document your ancestors’ lives.
This class will focus on Strategic Searching, Sources & Citations, Cemetery Research.
This will be a hybrid class with in person at the Sylvan Way Library and on Zoom. The Zoom link will be posted on our website an our Facebook page on July 26.

For details see www.psgsociety.org

 

How to Read Old Handwriting, with Lisa Lisson

Sat Jul 27th

Presented by Capital District Genealogical Society
1:00pm ET

Struggling to read those old historical documents? Gain invaluable insights and practical strategies for deciphering your ancestors’ records, allowing you to uncover hidden stories and connect with your heritage in ways you never thought possible. From understanding the evolution of handwriting styles to employing innovative techniques for enhancing legibility, this talk promises to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the rich tapestry of your family’s history. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your genealogical prowess and forge deeper connections with your roots!

Non-members may register starting on the 16th of the month (space permitting). Non-Members must create a free CDGS account before they can register. You only need to create an account once, as you can login to that account to register for future presentations.

For details see www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org/

 

FamilySearch Overview – Everything You Don’t Know But Should

Sat Jul 27th

Presented by San Mateo County Genealogical Society
1:30pm ET

FamilySearch has done a lot of improvements and changes over the past few years. Did you know you can get free consultations from them now? Do you know where to look for the latest catalog information? Have checked out the maps of what cemeteries your relatives are in? Come listen to an overview of what FamilySearch has changed lately and how you can use it to make sure you get the most out of FamilySearch. You can learn about the community groups and guided research all now available on FamilySearch. Join Pamela Brigham for this presentation on FamilySearch.

Please register in advance

For details see www.smcgs.org/

 

Join the International Genealogical Community with Year-Round RootsTech, with James Tanner

Sun Jul 28th

Presented by BYU Library / Family History Sunday Classes
5:30pm ET

The BYU Family History Library presents virtual Sunday classes for anyone interested in family history! Classes are free and everyone is welcome.

No registration required. Click the link “Join Live Class” at the URL below, where you’ll also find the upcoming class calendar, as well as their library of previously recorded virtual classes. All free!

The Zoom link for Sunday Classes at the scheduled time is
https://byu.zoom.us/j/97185943513?pwd=IgbedZiLURYMxnPxlkWolxQNK6iEGd.1

For details see https://familyhistory.lib.byu.edu/learning/webinars

 

“Discovering Our Ancestors, Our History and Ourselves-TOGETHER”

 

Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.
Metro- Atlanta Chapter

www.aahgsatl.org

Read more

Unlock Hidden Family History Gems with these Free Genealogy Resources in Libraries

Discover a treasure trove of free resources for genealogy enthusiasts with our latest WordPress post. From printable family tree templates to online databases and tools, unlock the key to tracing your family history and uncovering valuable information. With a diverse range of offerings and user-friendly interface, this guide is perfect for all levels of researchers. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your genealogy journey and get started for free today!

Read more

Freebie Friday!

Middle Peninsula genealogy group to host virtual talk ‘Tracing Our Ancestors’ | Richmond Free Press

m.richmondfreepress.com

Historian and genealogist Karice Luck-Brimmer will discuss “Tracing Our Ancestors’ Footprints” and how Black people can reclaim their heritage during ...

Historian and genealogist Karice Luck-Brimmer will discuss “Tracing Our Ancestors’ Footprints” and how Black people can reclaim their heritage during a virtual meeting of the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Ms. Luck-Brimmer also will discuss her role in tracing the ancestry of Air Force veteran Fred Miller.

In 2020, Mr. Miller purchased an 1850s-era Gothic Revival-style house near his childhood home in Pittsylvania County. He wanted a large space to host gatherings for his extended family. In doing so, Mr. Miller found hidden information about his family’s past. The house, called Sharswood, was a former plantation where his ancestors once were enslaved. Ms. Luck-Brimmer helped uncover the family’s connection to Sharswood and the story behind the discovery made national news on media outlets such as CBS’ “60 Minutes” and the Washington Post.

As an education and community initiatives program associate, Ms. Luck-Brimmer works primarily in the Dan River/Danville region where she collaborates with local community members and cultural organizations committed to positive change.

A public historian and genealogist, she has conducted extensive genealogical research in the Pittsylvania County area and is the founding president of the Danville/Pittsylvania County chapter of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society.

While the Middle Peninsula African-American society focuses on the history and genealogy of Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, its programs are accessible to anyone throughout the United States.

For more information, email mpaaghs.va@gmail.com or call 804-651-8753.

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Check out this wonderful Black genealogy program

Black Homesteaders of the South with Bernice A. Bennett

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, 12 – 1:30 PM, the African American History and Culture Museum will host its African American History and Culture Event.

It will be held on the Concourse, Oprah Winfrey Theater + streaming

It’s free. It’s also recommended that you get tickets or register at www.etix.com.

Join genealogist Bernice A. Bennett who will uncover the stories of African American families who became landowners through the Homestead Act of 1862 from her latest book Black Homesteaders of the South. Bennett’s work is a modern story of black genealogists who networked through a Facebook page to trace the footsteps of their ancestors in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana & Mississippi. Find out how these families navigated the application process through the federal government, and what this legacy means for their descendants today.
Bernice Alexander Bennett is an award-winning author, genealogist and host of Research at the NationaArchives & Beyond BlogTalkRadio program. Her genealogical interests focus on Southeast Louisiana and Edgefield and Greenwood Counties, South Carolina. Bennett is an author and contributor to 2 award winning genealogy books including Our Ancestors, Our Stories and Tracing Their Steps: A Memoir. A New Orleans native, Bennett is a volunteer with the Homestead National Historical Park Service identifying descendants of Black homesteaders to share their stories.
Black Homesteaders of the South with Bernice A. Bennett

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Celebrating January First … African American style

First Kwanzaa December 26, 1966,Photo donated to BBC by Terri Bandele, pictured on right.

“What do the Africans do?” That is the question asked by a then-young girl, 11-year-old Terri Bandele, who was among the first families celebrating the first Kwanzaa celebration from Dec. 26, 1966 – Jan. 1, 1967. Her question and the organized determination of Dr. Maulana Karenga, Bandele’s parents and others, led to the creation of Kwanzaa, the pan-African and African American holiday that honors the “matunda ya kwanza” that means “first fruits” in Swahili.

Kwanzaa arrives December 26th — the day after the traditional Christmas Day — and culminates January 1st. It does not compete or replace any holiday, according to Dr. Karenga and many organizers. Nor does it compete with a longstanding January 1st celebration for U.S. Blacks and that is Jubilee Day.


Central to Kwanzaa’s purpose is its celebration among family, friends and communities. Today, millions celebrate Kwanzaa and its seven strong principles:

  • The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.
  • Unity:Umoja (oo–MO–jah)To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
  • Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah)To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
  • Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah)To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
  • Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah)To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
  • Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH)To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
  • Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah)To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
  • Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee)To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

At Atlanta’s Hillside International Truth Center, Executive Bishop/Senior Pastor, Dr. Jack Bomar, led the church celebration on Jan. 1, 2023, in honor of Kwanzaa’s final day. “We are gathered to celebrate our heritage and honor the spirit our ancestors,” said Bomar while pointing out the symbolic “first fruits” placed on the tables in the church’s smaller chapel. The King Chapel as it is known in honor of the church’s founder, Dr. Barbara Lewis King, was filled to capacity.


Hillside International Truth Center’s Kwanzaa celebration with first fruits, elders in prayer.

Jubilee Day. It began as a tradition of celebration on New Year’s Day 1863.

Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Courtesy of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

The U.S. Government produced a booklet in December 1862 and it was ordered to be distributed by Union Soldiers to Blacks. It speaks of slavery as the “cornerstone” of tragedy.


Nearly two centuries ago, the historical depiction showcases the “jubilee” former slaves felt after their freedom was granted through the presidential act.


Today, church ceremonies such as the NAACP and Roaoke, Virginia community hold a commemorative service in honor of Jubilee Day.

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What better gift than the gift of family genealogy?


I was busy preparing my holiday cards when my thoughts turned to gift-giving. What is the greatest genealogy gift that I could give to my family? The answer: Ancestral research findings.

Guess what? I, too, received the greatest gift.

I poured through our family ancestry records and discovered great finds via newspapers.com. I attached the newspaper clippings to my family members’ trees and also printed some records to share as part of my gift giving.

The clipping below was part of my gift to Cousin-by-marriage Florida L. Fisher Parker a year ago during the holiday season. She was overjoyed to see this clipping, her marriage license and other related documents that I uncovered through electronic methods. My discoveries also prompted Florida sharing funny and tearful memories about that great day in her life.

My cousin, Ret. Col. Parker and Florida on their wedding day, June 27, 1959

Florida, the widow of Ret. Col. Herbert Gerald Parker, is an enthusiast genealogist. She piqued my interest in genealogy while we all lived in Tallahassee, FL. Typically, I would visit with Florida and we would prepare documents for the family reunion. After the burial of her husband, my cousin, Herb, at Arlington National Cemetery in D.C., Florida chose to live near her daughter and family in Maryland. Distance and COVID-19 restrictions have grounded our travels and frequency of our conversations.

That’s why this year, I bundled up some new finds that are related to her deceased father, Dr. Miles Mark Fisher. During my research of her father, I discovered my greatest gifts.

  • Gift #1: I learned that Dr. Fisher was the author of several books and articles. One of his books, “The Life of Lott Cary” is out of print. It is about the life of a former slave who toiled many years to earn enough to purchase his freedom and that of his family’s. He became a member of the clergy and also ascended into other high places.
  • Gift #2: I learned that Rev. Fisher was the longtime pastor of White Rock Baptist Church, Durham, N.C. It was a church that was widely recognized nationwide and in its community for its social activism and highly touted black businessmen and civil rights leaders as congregants. He also initiated a program that held period racially integrated religious services.
  • Gift #3: I learned that Dr. Fisher was a scholar. He was on faculty at Virgina Union and Shaw University.
  • Gift #4: I learned the young scholar was one of the first “Negroes to receive the Ph.D. degree in philosophy and religion from the University of Chicago.”
  • Gift #5: The joy that the printed articles bring to Florida’s life. She doesn’t use technology, yet, she is fond of receiving information about her family.

By sharing your ancestral findings with loved ones, you are giving the greatest gift of all during this holiday season and throughout the year.

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#32 My recommended great reads: African American history

My bookshelf is stocked with a great variety of good reads. They are loosely categorized by subject areas that include “Health and Healing,” “African American History, ” “International and Domestic Finance/Business,” “Black Authors,” “Book Publishing,” and “Media and Journalism” and “Other.” I also have personal journals that date back a few decades.

Over the years, I have amassed hundreds of books from my days as a college professor and dean and from purchases and gifts from countless friends and family who know that I love reading and growing.

As I perused my shelves, my frayed books are those in the “African American History” and “Black Authors” categories. I love history and ancestral truths that have inspired me over the years. I have shelves, baskets for books, closets and tables full of varying books and magazines that suit my interests. The sample shelves from my stacks of books are what I wish to share in this blog.


I offer that reading transforms lives. Reading truths about our ancestral journeys — with appropriate citations such as the extensive ones offered by Dr. Lerone Bennett — uplift the downtrodden. By providing clarity in one’s life about what our ancestors overcame and how they invented so many food dishes, everyday products, expressed themselves with eloquence and grace, fought for and defended human rights, and worked tirelessly to build institutions that we take for granted … keeps me inspired.

Another top row sample of the second half of my book shelves in my home office.

What’s on your shelves? Please share and tell us about your favorite African American books.

Keep reading.

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