Classes

Doors Open (8:30 AM - 9:00 AM)

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for genealogy displays and same-day registration. A light breakfast will be available from 8:30 until 9:00 a.m.

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Block 1 (9:00 AM - 9:50 AM)

You may choose from one of three courses offered during the first block:

 

Introduction to African American Genealogy

Nefertiti Hawthorne, Metro Atlanta Chapter of AAHGS

An introduction to basic genealogical concepts to help individuals start their unique journey into African American family research. This presentation will explore ways beginners can document family trees and family group sheets; learn how to find valuable resources; review research examples that can ignite an interest in digging into one’s own family history. We will review diverse records - federal, state, local and key online resources. This class will use a case study utilizing these various records and tools to provide a solid research foundation.

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Genealogy Nuts & Bolts: Accurately Recording Your Family History

Jennifer Petrino, Sicilian Family Tree

This session briefly goes through the different genealogy software options and the online tree-building sites, and then provides step-by-step instructions on how to begin researching and recording your family records (keeping a research log and journal; using Excel to save information for later reference; scanning, saving and organizing digital files; Golden Rules of family history research; etc. This class provides basic information for those who are just beginning.

 

Oral Histories and Intergenerational Connections

Sue VerHoef, Director of Oral History and Genealogy at Atlanta History Center

Effective tips and tools for interviewing parents, grandparents, friends, and mentors to collect their oral histories, traditions, and wisdom.

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Block 2 (10:00 AM - 10:50 AM)

You may choose from one of three courses offered during the second block:

 

Don't Take That Record at Face Value! Analyzing Records and Evaluating the Evidence

Tamu Taylor, Metro Atlanta Chapter of AAHGS

You have found your ancestors in the census records, you finally found the elusive vital record that was the missing link, or you have decided to research that family story that has been passed down for generations.  That feeling of accomplishment when we find more clues about our ancestors is not the end of the research. Analyzing the records and evaluating the evidence of what you have found is an important part of the process of your genealogical work. We will learn about this process with a case study.

 

DNA – Case Study & Non-Parental Events (NPEs) or Misassigned Parental Events (MPEs)

Byron Coleman, Never Remove the Cornerstone

Very often, in digging into our DNA results and how they fit into our family history and genealogical research, unexpected results are found. Relatives you were not aware of, assumed family relationships, such as parents, grandparents, etc. that prove NOT to be what we assumed, may be revealed. This can be a very sensitive subject, as can be seen in this intriguing case study.

 

FamilySearch – A Local Community Resource with a Global Reach

Patti Householder, Director of Auburn FamilySearch Center

Hear from FamilySearch directors and experts about the resources available at nearby FamilySearch Centers that can help you begin finding your own family or participate in community projects like the one organized for the historic Pierce Chapel African Cemetery in Auburn, Alabama.

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Block 3 (11:00 AM - 11:50 AM)

You may choose from one of three courses offered during the third block:

 

Heroic Gems of the Red Clay: The Untold Valor of Georgia’s WWI African American Servicemen - Using Military Records

Johnette Brooks, Metro Atlanta Chapter of AAHGS

This session will help you identify which ancestors may have served in WWI and then guide you through a series of records that provide dates of service; military branch of service; rank; service regiment; medals received (if any); illness, injury or death during the war (if any); burial locations; post-war career success; honorable/dishonorable discharge. Includes digital and hard copy lists of military primary sources records available, their location, and how to access them; as well as my unique list of resources for researching African American (AA) WWI soldiers in particular.

 

Tracing Your Family History @ AARL:  An Exploration of Genealogy Related Resources available at the Auburn Avenue Research Library.

Tamika Strong, Manager of Reference and Research Division at Auburn Avenue Research Library

This session will provide attendees with an overview of genealogy related resources available at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, A Special Library of the Fulton County Library System that offers specialized reference and archival collections dedicated to the study and research of African American culture and history and of other peoples of African descent.

 

Next Steps: Making a Plan and Getting Started Today

Julie Brewer and Chris Zawadzki, FamilySearch Experts and Experienced Genealogists

This session will walk attendees through setting up FamilySearch accounts, downloading FamilySearch and Memories Apps, starting a Family Group Sheet and/or Pedigree Chart. Provide a brief overview and explanation of guides and resources available through FamilySearch, RootsTech, the local FamilySearch Centers, and other local research libraries and archives.

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Block 3 (11:00 AM - 11:50 AM)

Door Prizes, Networking, Relatives Around Me, Display Tables, Photo Booth