African Americans interested in learning more about their history and personal lineage are invited to attend a genealogy workshop at Star of the Republic Museum located at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.
The workshop is set for Saturday, July 18, from 9am to 3pm. Check-in begins at 8:30am.
Members of the Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) will lead the workshop. Leaders include Jesse Williams, chapter president; Debra Blacklock-Sloan, advanced genealogist; Jacqueline Johnson, advanced genealogist and genetic genealogy consultant; and George A. Allen, advanced genealogist and chapter historian.
The morning session will focus on use of oral history, family records, surnames in the 1870 U.S. Census and identifying a slave’s final owner through courthouse and plantation records. Attendees will also explore the use of DNA to trace African American lineages. After lunch, the workshop will delve into African American history, followed by a hands-on interactive session. The workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
“Genealogy is incredibly popular right now,” says Shawn Carlson, curator of collections and exhibits. “We’re offering opportunities for people of all cultures to connect more deeply with their history. Besides learning more about their own personal history, attendees will have a chance to benefit from the sites we have here.”
The workshop is $20 and includes lunch at R Place in Washington. To register or learn more about the workshop, contact the museum at star@blinn.edu or call (936) 878-2461, ext. 234. The deadline to register is Monday, July 13.
Star of the Republic Museum is located at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site off state Highway 105. It was created by the Texas Legislature and is administered by Blinn College as a cultural and educational institution. Daily museum hours are 10am to 5pm. For more information, call (936) 878-2461 or visit www.starmuseum.org.
