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African American Genealogy with Deborah Abbott

Presented by the Library and the Summit Co. Chapter of OGS, this program has two sessions: "African American Genealogy: Leaving No Stone Unturned" and "It's a Needle in a Haystack: Slave Research."

Presented by the Special Collections Division and the Summit County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, African American Genealogy with Deborah Abbott will include two sessions:

10:30 am African American Genealogy: Leaving No Stone Unturned
This lecture is designed to help identify some of the most overlooked and underutilized sources for African American research, such as tax, school, military and court records, manuscripts, and newspapers. Using libraries and archives along with internet databases will be explored. You will learn tips and strategies on how to use these sources and where to find them.

11:45 am It’s a Needle in a Haystack: Slave Research
The most difficult part of genealogical research for African Americans is finding and identifying slave ancestors and their owners, but as difficult as this might seem, it’s not impossible. Learn the importance of analyzing information and collateral/cluster line research to help move you toward success. Using the 1940 U.S. Federal Census as the starting point, we will follow an African American family from freedom to identifying a potential slave owner.

Deborah A. Abbott, Ph.D. is a professional genealogist, specializing in African American research, manuscript collections, and genealogy methodology. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she presents lectures and workshops at a variety of national, state, and local genealogy conferences. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and an instructor at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the African American Genealogy Colloquium at Alabama State University.

Free parking is available in the High-Market Parking Deck at 40 S. High St.

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