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2022 Conference Speaker Presentation Descriptions
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Bernice Alexander Bennett presenting:
“The Emotional Side of DNA Testing”
This interactive presentation will discuss the emotional reactions associated with obtaining your DNA results and discovering new relatives, ancestry composition, and other unanticipated findings. “I am adopted, can you help me find my birth family?” “You are Black, and I am White”. “How can we be related?” “My daughter told me that we are related. How?” “I don’t recognize any of your surnames and therefore we cannot be related to each other.” “I know that we have Native American in our family; so why isn’t it showing up in my ancestry composition?” “I am so frustrated; why won’t my newly discovered cousin respond to me?” “It appears from my DNA that my sister is my half-sister; what should I do or say to her?” These comments/questions and others are part of the nuances when DNA testing has been added to the genealogical toolkit. The emotions associated with receiving DNA results can conjure up feelings that you must be ready to address.
Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, presenting:
“A Gift of Life: Who’s Writing Your Story?”
How do you want to be remembered? As genealogist we trace the lives of our ancestors to preserve their history for our children. One day we will also become ancestors, so why not leave your story for your descendants. Who knows better than you the joy, pain, and laughter of your life? Do not leave this task to someone else – take the time to write your own story. Learn the importance of reliving your past and reflecting on who you are today. Learn how to trace your own life using the genealogical resource tools that you use in reconstructing your ancestral family history. A case study will be used to demonstrate the ease of leaving “The Gift of Your Life” for your descendants.
“Breaking the Brick Wall: Researching in Black & White”
The most difficult part of genealogical research for African Americans is finding and identifying slave ancestors and their owners. Using a case study, learn the importance of basic tools of family history research. This lecture will focus on the clues and resources needed to recreate an African American family’s journey from freedom to slavery. Learn the importance of analyzing information and realizing how important collateral/cluster line research is in helping to move you toward success in this genealogical process. Starting with 1950 U.S. Federal Census, we will follow an African American family from freedom to slavery.
Melvin J. Collier and Robyn N. Smith presenting:
“More Than Just Names; Incorporating Social and Community History into Your Research”
We often spend years researching our families; uncovering their names, where they lived, and their dates of birth, marriage and death. When we share our research with our families, those dates and places are not likely to inspire.
But what were their lives really like? Learn how to find and add the details that will make their lives truly come alive. Learn how to turn a dry recital of dates and names into something that will dazzle and excite your family, and enrich your own understanding of the past.
This 2-hour event features Robyn Smith with special guest genealogist Melvin Collier. Come and spend an afternoon with us diving into the past!
