AAGHSC 41st Annual Family History Conference – Virtual

You are invited to the Afro American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago’s (AAGHSC) 41st Annual Family History Conference – Virtual on October 14 (10:00am-4:00pm CDT) and October 15, 2023 (1:15pm-4:00pm CDT).  Check out the featured speakers and lectures below.

Melvin J. Collier  –  Saturday, October 14th                                                     Melvin J. Collier has been conducting historical and genealogical research for 30 years, starting at the age of 19. He is a former civil engineer, who used his passion for African American history and historical preservation to foster a career change.

“Blasting Down That Infamous 1870 Brick Wall”  (10:00am CDT)                                                                 Many researchers of African American ancestors often hit that 1870 Brick Wall, where they are faced with the challenge of tracing their family history before the 1870 census. Most African Americans in 1870 had been enslaved and documenting them during the slavery era takes on different approaches and utilizes a myriad of records. Using case studies, Collier will address research techniques, methodologies, and records to trace African American ancestors during slavery in the South.

“The FAN Club Methodology, DNA, and Genealogy Lead Back to Lunatic’s Plantation” (11:15am CDT)        Utilizing the FAN Club method, DNA, and enslaved ancestral research, Collier finally found major clues to help solve a longtime mystery – who was the previous enslaver of his great-great grandmother, Polly Partee of Panola County, Mississippi, and where did she come from? Her last enslaver was Squire Boone Partee of Panola County, and Polly had been the head cook on his plantation during and after slavery, according to oral history. According to the censuses, she was born somewhere in North Carolina and sold to Squire by 1852, but her origins had been largely unknown. Collier will present a plethora of DNA evidence, in conjunction with genealogy research and the FAN Club methodology, to uncover Polly’s North Carolina origins. Collier will also argue how a court-investigated lunatic, Alfred Alston of Fayette County, Tennessee, was most likely her previous enslaver.

 Shamele Jordon  –  Saturday, October 14th                                                  Shamele Jordon is a professional genealogist, producer, writer, and lecturer. Her biographical highlights include award-winning TV producer of Genealogy Quick Start; co- founder of Black Genealogy Experience.

“Freedmen’s Bureau Experience” (1:00pm CDT)                                                                                                  Discover invaluable research methodologies to navigate historical Records of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (1865 – 1872). Experience a captivating journey through the struggles and triumphs of freed people, with hands-on exploration in state breakout rooms. All levels of genealogists will benefit. Get ready to unlock the untold stories of your family history, and deepen your knowledge of the landscape in which they lived during one of the most pivotal times in American history.

What to Expect:

• An introduction to the significance of the Freedmen’s Bureau and its impact on American.
• Demonstrations of research methodologies, empowering you to efficiently navigate through historical records.
• Hands-on exploration in state breakout rooms, giving you a unique opportunity to apply your newly acquired skills and delve deeper into individual family history.
• Q&A sessions to address your specific research queries and genealogical.
• A supportive environment, perfect for beginners and experienced researchers.

Tammy Gibson – Sunday, October 15th                                                            Tammy Gibson is an Entrepreneur, Storyteller and Travel Historian. Her mission is to raise awareness, impact youth and preserve pride in African American culture through her personal journey.

“Sleeping with the Ancestors: Saving Slave Dwellings” (1:15pm CDT)                                                               

“Digging Up The Past: Excavating and Preserving the Past of the Enslaved Community” (2:15pm CDT)