Save the dates for these special Black History Month Events!

Exploring African American Genealogy

Sponsored by the Durand-Hedden House & Garden and the SOMA Community Coalition on Race

Presentation: African American Genealogy: The Joy of Discovery with Barbara Velazquez

Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm Registrations for this event are now closed!

Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood

Join Barbara Velazquez as she shares her journey of ancestral discovery. Researching African American roots can be challenging, but it can also be immensely rewarding.  It's also an effortless way to develop critical thinking, patience, persistence, and problem-solving skills.  Mine is a joyful though sometimes frustrating adventure of exploration. She'll share the hacks she has learned, how she opened new doors through DNA connections, contacting and meeting new family members, a gift from lady luck, and a surprise distant relative. 

Workshop: In Search of Our Ancestors: How to Conduct Effective African American Genealogical Research with Genealogist Janice Gilyard

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, 2:00 pm at the Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Ave

African American Genealogy research may be challenging but it is not impossible to locate your ancestors in historical record sets. During this workshop, you will learn the genealogy and DNA skills necessary to research, document, share, and preserve your family history. Janice will also provide successful case studies and share how she traced her family back to the 1700s using a variety of records and online resources. Your ancestors are waiting to be found in historical records by you!

Artist: Gwen Verner

Pre-registration required here at durandhedden.org.