Michigan Genealogical Council

To understand our ancestors’ lives - why they did what they did, we need to understand the law that governed their lives in so many ways. Learn how knowing the law our ancestors lived by helps us make sense of the records they left and find clues to more and different records.

Friday, July 9

Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL (Michigan Events)

12:30 pm to 6:15 pm

Virtual seminar - Day 1 of 2

Each summer, the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogical research skills. This event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to offer this flagship annual event remotely via Zoom. We appreciate our speakers' flexibility as we transition to a virtual format this year and look forward to hosting Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, "The Legal Genealogist," for this year's event.

Click here for additional seminar information or to register.

FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2021
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Becoming American: Research with Naturalizations
This program will explore naturalization records, the many tools available to assist you in your research, and successful strategies to locate citizenship records, utilizing both online and print resources.

Presenter: Annakathryn Welch, Archives of Michigan

1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Welcome, Introductions, and Archives of Michigan Tour
Presented by Mark Harvey, State Archivist and Rozlyn Kelly, Michigan Genealogical Council

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Timelines: Back to the Future of Your Research!
Researchers often get stuck in the gathering phase of genealogical investigation, finding dozens of records about their ancestors without pausing to examine what all of those documents mean. This lecture provides researchers with a method for placing documents in historical context and help to create the story of their family.

Presenter: Daniel Earl, Professional researcher

4 - 5 p.m.
"No Person Shall ... Gallop Horses In the Streets" - Using Court Records to Tell the Story of our Ancestors' Lives
Early court records give color and meaning to the lives and times of our ancestors. County courts often functioned as both judiciary and legislature, and appeals courts published fact-filled opinions. While the records often establish relationships to help build a family tree, they offer so much richness and depth to help tell a family's story.

Presenter: Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
The Latest Issue: Finding Ancestors in Michigan Magazines
Magazines of the past offer a wide lens into the activities and customs of various segments of Michigan's population. Discover the wide selection of periodicals produced by associations, societies, and many other organizations across our state. Learn strategies for locating these valuable publications and how to utilize their content for researching your family's history.

Presenter: Adam Oster, Library of Michigan

Saturday, July 10

Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL (Michigan Events)

8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Virtual seminar - Day 2 of 2

Click here for additional seminar information or to register.

SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2021
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Over the Top: Researching Your Michigan World War I Ancestor
This program will explore the fabulously rich record collections and resources, many of them state-specific, available for Michigan World War I servicemen.
Presenter: Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan

9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Just Three Generations
Our oral family history can be completely lost in just three generations. Following genealogy's best practices can help us keep those losses from happening in our own families - and with our own stories.
Presenter: Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Finding Her: Our Female Ancestor
Though our female ancestors may be elusive, by understanding their roles in other people's lives and the community, we can find a variety of records documenting their lives.
Presenter: Melissa Tennant, Allen County Public Library

12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Researching in Ontario: Your Maple Leaf Connection!
The records of Ontario begin before the formation of what is now called Canada. Native Americans had lived here for centuries, and by 1668, the first European settlement at Sault Ste Marie and records for "Quebec," "Upper Canada," and "Canada West" created the sources that carry us from the early settlements into the modern Canadian records. Learn how to connect across the border and find the records that can help you!
Presenter: Judy Nimer Muhn, Professional researcher

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
That Scoundrel George
Tracking a black sheep ancestor through the records can be great fun - and a great challenge. When every record he ever left appears to be a lie, where is the truth to be found?
Presenter: Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Your Results Are In! Using DNA in Your African American Research
This presentation explores steps to take and ideas to consider when looking at DNA results and match lists - featuring case studies of descendants of Arkansas enslaved peoples… and unexpected results.
Presenter: Jessica Trotter, Researcher & blogger

4 - 5 p.m.
Seeking Michigan Becomes Michiganology
Digital collections previously on SeekingMichigan.org are now available on Michiganology.org. This session will review how best to navigate Michiganology.org, talk through known issues with the site and listen to your suggestions for how to improve this free resource.
Presenter: Jill Arnold, Archives of Michigan

	Saturday, September 18 MGC Fall Family History Virtual Event (Michigan Events) Virtual seminar Save the Date: MGC Fall Family History Virtual Event with Bernice Bennett.