MGC Fall Family History Seminar Focus on African American Newspapers

African American Newspaper Resources at the Library of Michigan with Mindy Babarskis

Discover the range of digital and physical African American newspaper resources available at the Library of Michigan. Research tips and tricks for utilizing these resources will be presented along with interesting examples of what can be discovered.

Mindy Babarskis is the Michigan Collection Reference Librarian at the Library of Michigan. Originally from Oakland County, Michigan, she left for college in Illinois where she received her BA in History from Wheaton College and her MLIS from Dominican University. Before starting at the Library of Michigan in 2021, she worked at Florida State University’s Strozier Library, the Kenneth Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas, and at Lansing Community College Library.

.African American Newspaper Resources at the Library of Michigan with Mindy Babarskis will be held Saturday, November 12, from 3:45 to 4:45 pm

Each fall, the Michigan Genealogical Council, along with the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, host a family history seminar designed to improve our genealogical research skills.

This year’s event is once again a virtual one. We are delighted to be hosting LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, as our keynote speaker.

Register Now for the 2022 MGC Fall Family History Seminar! Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The complete schedule and speaker bios are available on our website.

We hope you will join us on November 12!

MGC Fall Family History Seminar Focus DNA can confirm Oral Tradition

An NGSQ Case Study: DNA Corroborates Oral Tradition with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson

The case study that won the National Genealogical Society Quarterly 2020 Award for Excellence illustrated the information needed to make sound decisions on when DNA tests can or should be used in genealogical research, and how to meet DNA-specific Genealogy Standards.

LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, earned a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, and both a Law degree and a Master of Laws degree from New York University. She enjoyed a 35-year career as a tax lawyer before her 2013 retirement as a partner from the big four accounting firm of Ernst & Young, and is now a full-time genealogist focused on teaching and writing. She lectures frequently on standards and the proper documentation of genealogical work and proof arguments. She was elected as a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® in 2016, and will end her third term as BCG President in October 2022. LaBrenda also serves as the Registrar General of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a national lineage society that honors ancestors who were enslaved in the United States.

In 2021 LaBrenda was elected as the 170th Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (ASG), the field’s honorary scholarly society. The ASG was founded in 1940 and is limited to fifty life-time members; election is based on the quality of a genealogist’s published work As explained in an ASG press release, LaBrenda “has a twenty-year record of writing family history, first as a dedicated amateur while practicing law, and then, since her retirement from that profession, as an authoritative writer and genealogical educator. Her compiled genealogical scholarship in journals such as National Genealogical Society Quarterly focuses on African-American families during and after enslavement, including combining DNA match evidence with traditional documentary evidence in a notoriously difficult field. Her educational publications include a guide to researching African-American family history in Laurens County, South Carolina, where she has roots—a primer with important methodological lessons applicable nationally—and an authoritative guide to genealogical research in the state of Alabama. For more information see her website https://www.LabGarrettGenealogy.com.

An NGSQ Case Study: DNA Corroborates Oral Tradition with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson will be held Saturday, November 12, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.

Each fall, the Michigan Genealogical Council, along with the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, host a family history seminar designed to improve our genealogical research skills.

This year’s event is once again a virtual one. We are delighted to be hosting LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, as our keynote speaker.

Register Now for the 2022 MGC Fall Family History Seminar! Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The complete schedule and speaker bios are available on our website.

We hope you will join us on November 12!

MGC Fall Family History Seminar Focus on Meeting Genealogical Formatting Standards

Meeting Standards for Narrative Genealogies, Lineages, and Pedigrees with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson

Meeting Standards for Narrative Genealogies, Lineages, and Pedigrees will leave you with an understanding that generally accepted formatting options is helpful in presenting information about family relationships and successive generations.

LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, earned a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, and both a Law degree and a Master of Laws degree from New York University. She enjoyed a 35-year career as a tax lawyer before her 2013 retirement as a partner from the big four accounting firm of Ernst & Young, and is now a full-time genealogist focused on teaching and writing. She lectures frequently on standards and the proper documentation of genealogical work and proof arguments. She was elected as a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® in 2016, and will end her third term as BCG President in October 2022. LaBrenda also serves as the Registrar General of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a national lineage society that honors ancestors who were enslaved in the United States.

In 2021 LaBrenda was elected as the 170th Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (ASG), the field’s honorary scholarly society. The ASG was founded in 1940 and is limited to fifty life-time members; election is based on the quality of a genealogist’s published work As explained in an ASG press release, LaBrenda “has a twenty-year record of writing family history, first as a dedicated amateur while practicing law, and then, since her retirement from that profession, as an authoritative writer and genealogical educator. Her compiled genealogical scholarship in journals such as National Genealogical Society Quarterly focuses on African-American families during and after enslavement, including combining DNA match evidence with traditional documentary evidence in a notoriously difficult field. Her educational publications include a guide to researching African-American family history in Laurens County, South Carolina, where she has roots—a primer with important methodological lessons applicable nationally—and an authoritative guide to genealogical research in the state of Alabama. For more information, see her website https://www.LabGarrettGenealogy.com.

Meeting Standards for Narrative Genealogies, Lineages, and Pedigrees with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson will be held Saturday, November 12, from 1:15 to 2:15 pm.

Each fall, the Michigan Genealogical Council, the Archives of Michigan, and the Library of Michigan host a family history seminar to improve our genealogical research skills.

This year’s event is once again a virtual one. We are delighted to host LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, as our keynote speaker.

Register Now for the 2022 MGC Fall Family History Seminar! Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The complete schedule and speaker bios are available on our website.

Early Bird registration saves 20% until October 28 at 11:59 pm EDT.

MGC Fall Family History Seminar Focus on Probate Records

Wills, Thrills and Chills: Digging into Probate Records with Kris Rzepczynski

Wills, Thrills and Chills: Digging into Probate Records will provide an overview of probate records, the different types of records created, including wills, inventories, and calendars, the family history content to be discovered, and where to find them online and onsite. An update on the Archives of Michigan’s digitization efforts will also be given.

Kris Rzepczynski is a Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan where he specializes in family history and Michigan research, Kris has worked in the genealogical community for more than 20 years. He is a former Vice President of Membership for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a Past President of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society.

Wills, Thrills and Chills: Digging into Probate Records with Kris Rzepczynski will be held Saturday, November 12, from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm

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Each fall, the Michigan Genealogical Council, along with the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, host a family history seminar designed to improve our genealogical research skills.

This year’s event is once again a virtual one. We are delighted to be hosting LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, as our keynote speaker.

Register Now for the 2022 MGC Fall Family History Seminar! Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The complete schedule and speaker bios are available on our website.

Save 20% if you take advantage of Early Bird registration until October 28.

MGC Fall Family History Seminar Focus on Accurately Interpreting Handwritten Records

Strengthen Your Analysis: Transcribing and Abstracting with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson

Strengthen Your Analysis: Transcribing and Abstracting will discuss the ability to craft transcriptions and abstracts, an essential skill that is needed to accurately interpret handwritten records.

LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, earned a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, and both a Law degree and a Master of Laws degree from New York University. She enjoyed a 35-year career as a tax lawyer before her 2013 retirement as a partner from the big four accounting firm of Ernst & Young, and is now a full-time genealogist focused on teaching and writing. She lectures frequently on standards and the proper documentation of genealogical work and proof arguments. She was elected as a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® in 2016, and will end her third term as BCG President in October 2022. LaBrenda also serves as the Registrar General of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a national lineage society that honors ancestors who were enslaved in the United States.

In 2021 LaBrenda was elected as the 170th Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (ASG), the field’s honorary scholarly society. The ASG was founded in 1940 and is limited to fifty life-time members; election is based on the quality of a genealogist’s published work As explained in an ASG press release, LaBrenda “has a twenty-year record of writing family history, first as a dedicated amateur while practicing law, and then, since her retirement from that profession, as an authoritative writer and genealogical educator. Her compiled genealogical scholarship in journals such as National Genealogical Society Quarterly focuses on African-American families during and after enslavement, including combining DNA match evidence with traditional documentary evidence in a notoriously difficult field. Her educational publications include a guide to researching African-American family history in Laurens County, South Carolina, where she has roots—a primer with important methodological lessons applicable nationally—and an authoritative guide to genealogical research in the state of Alabama. For more information see her website https://www.LabGarrettGenealogy.com.

Strengthen Your Analysis: Transcribing and Abstracting with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson will be held Saturday, November 12, from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Each fall, the Michigan Genealogical Council, along with the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, host a family history seminar designed to improve our genealogical research skills.

This year’s event is once again a virtual one. We are delighted to be hosting LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, as our keynote speaker.

Register Now for the 2022 MGC Fall Family History Seminar! Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The complete schedule and speaker bios are available on our website.

Save 20% if you take advantage of Early Bird registration until October 28.

MGC Fall Family History Seminar Focus on Planning Research with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson

Planning Research with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson

Planning Research will discuss the development of a sound research plan, the first step in the thorough research required by the Genealogy Proof Standard.

LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, earned a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, and both a Law degree and a Master of Laws degree from New York University. She enjoyed a 35-year career as a tax lawyer before her 2013 retirement as a partner from the big four accounting firm of Ernst & Young, and is now a full-time genealogist focused on teaching and writing. She lectures frequently on standards and the proper documentation of genealogical work and proof arguments. She was elected as a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® in 2016, and will end her third term as BCG President in October 2022. LaBrenda also serves as the Registrar General of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a national lineage society that honors ancestors who were enslaved in the United States.

In 2021 LaBrenda was elected as the 170th Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (ASG), the field’s honorary scholarly society. The ASG was founded in 1940 and is limited to fifty life-time members; election is based on the quality of a genealogist’s published work As explained in an ASG press release, LaBrenda “has a twenty-year record of writing family history, first as a dedicated amateur while practicing law, and then, since her retirement from that profession, as an authoritative writer and genealogical educator. Her compiled genealogical scholarship in journals such as National Genealogical Society Quarterly focuses on African-American families during and after enslavement, including combining DNA match evidence with traditional documentary evidence in a notoriously difficult field. Her educational publications include a guide to researching African-American family history in Laurens County, South Carolina, where she has roots—a primer with important methodological lessons applicable nationally—and an authoritative guide to genealogical research in the state of Alabama. For more information see her website https://www.LabGarrettGenealogy.com.

Planning Research with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson will be held Saturday, November 12, from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

Each fall, the Michigan Genealogical Council, along with the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, host a family history seminar designed to improve our genealogical research skills.

This year’s event is once again a virtual one. We are delighted to be hosting LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG®, FASG, as our keynote speaker.

Register Now for the 2022 MGC Fall Family History Seminar! Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The complete schedule and speaker bios are available on our website.

Save 20% if you take advantage of Early Bird registration until October 28.

Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar Focus on Bringing History to Life

Bringing History to Life: Engaging with Your Community through Local History and Family Stories with Chelsea Johnson Heisler, Marshall District Library

Join Chelsea as she explores opportunities to engage with your community while sharing valuable local and family stories. Accessible for both genealogy professionals and enthusiasts, Chelsea will share her experiences organizing cemetery walks, history happy hours, local author tours, oral history projects and online local photo collections. Come get inspired and discover the many ways you can spark community interest and collaboration around local history.

Bringing History to Life: Engaging with Your Community through Local History and Family Stories with Chelsea Johnson Heisler will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 2:45 to3:45 p.m.

Each summer, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.
For this year’s event, we are pleased to offer this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. Participants can attend sessions either online or onsite. We are delighted to be hosting Dr. David McDonald, CG, for this year’s event, whose sessions will all be via Zoom.

Register Now for the 2022 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar! Friday, July 8 – Saturday, July 9, 2022

For the complete schedule and speaker bios.

The registration deadline is July 6.

Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar Focus on Coroners Records

Anatomy of Coroners Records with Annakathryn Welch, Archives of Michigan

One way we track our ancestors is through their deaths. However, some deaths can prove to be more interesting than others. This discussion will explore coroner’s records here at the Archives of Michigan and dissect the information found in them.

Anatomy of Coroners Records with Annakathryn Welch will be Friday, July 8, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Each summer, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.
For this year’s event, we are pleased to offer this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. Participants can attend sessions either online or onsite. We are delighted to be hosting Dr. David McDonald, CG, for this year’s event, whose sessions will all be via Zoom.

Register Now for the 2022 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar! Friday, July 8 – Saturday, July 9, 2022

For the complete schedule and speaker bios
The registration deadline is July 6.

Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar Focus on Roadblocks and Dead Ends

Dead Ends: Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks with Judy Nimer Muhn, Professional researcher

No genealogist works their way through their family history without coming across the challenges of what looks like a dead end: no records, no obvious next step, unidentified parents and more. Learn about the tools, techniques, and ways of thinking of professional genealogists to find ways to get around those road blocks and continue your ancestral journey.

No Dead Ends: Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks with Judy Nimer Muhn, Professional researcher will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Each summer, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.
For this year’s event, we are pleased to offer this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. Participants can attend sessions either online or onsite. We are delighted to be hosting Dr. David McDonald, CG, for this year’s event, whose sessions will all be via Zoom.

Register Now for the 2022 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar! Friday, July 8 – Saturday, July 9, 2022.

For the complete schedule and speaker bios.
The registration deadline is July 6.

Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar Focus on Finding the Church

Lutherpalians & Presbygationalists: Where Did Grandma’s Church Go? with Dr. David McDonald, CG

Identifying a family’s church of origin can be a challenge when religious impulses within family contexts have changed over the decades. We’ll take a lighthearted look at the behaviors and cultural clues which may help rule religious communities “in” or “out” as likely possibilities for our ancestors. We’ll also explore strategies for identifying where pertinent records may reside, following the closure or extinction of old congregations and communities of faith in our background.

Lutherpalians & Presbygationalists: Where Did Grandma’s Church Go? with Dr. David McDonald, CG will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Each summer, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.
For this year’s event, we are pleased to offer this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. Participants can attend sessions either online or onsite. We are delighted to be hosting Dr. David McDonald, CG, for this year’s event, whose sessions will all be via Zoom.

Register Now for the 2022 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar! Friday, July 8 – Saturday, July 9, 2022.

For the complete schedule and speaker bios.
The registration deadline is July 6.