On last week I
attended the Midwestern African American Genealogical Institute (MAAGI). This is my second year. Last year was great, but this time the
instructors really took it to the next level.
There were four tracks offered:
I.
Methods & Strategies
II.
Technology & Social Media
III.
Pre and Post Emancipation
IV.
Professional Track
This year I took Track
1- Methods & Strategies taught by Dr. Shelley Murphy (aka "Family Tree Girl", Professor, Lecturer, & Historian). We were taught to elevate our approach to
genealogical research. We had to create
a timeline to help organize our research and identify gaps. We often find documentation in our research
and declare victory. Finding the
documentation proving that our ancestors exist is not enough. We have to keep in mind what we found is just
a snap shot in time. The next step is,
We learned how to find additional clues from the
documentation we found that will lead us to additional information by
dissecting the data. Dr. Shelley Murphy
definitely challenged us to think outside of the box because every record creates
a record. However, before we can begin
we have to determine what question we are trying to answer.
After the day sessions we met in the evenings to work in
groups getting additional assistance and tips on furthering our research.
During an after hour study session, two of the participants
met for the first time at MAAGI. They
discovered there was a connection to a common ancestor (benefit of doing a
timeline). I could not do justice
telling retelling the story. Their
amazing discovery at MAAGI can be heard on “African Roots Podcast” hosted by
Angela Walton-Raji.
Episode #275 of the African Roots
Podcast is now uploaded. Tune in to hear a special episode with Renate Genealogist Yarborough Sanders and Gary Franklin as guests, tell their amazing story!
http://africanrootspodcast.com/?p=1586
http://africanrootspodcast.com/?p=1586
Track II –
Technologies & Social Media taught by Bernice Bennett (Blog Talk Radio Host, Author, Lecturer and Community Historian)
The participants created a blog talk radio show; check it
out the story about Matilda played by a fellow participant.
Track III – Taught by
Janis Forte - (Author, Lecturer, Historian). The participants learned research discovery in Pre and Post Emancipation Records
Track IV – Taught by
Angela Walton-Raji - (Lecturer, African Roots Podcaster, Author, Historian and Blogger)
The participants learned about Genealogy as a Profession.
The other amazing instructors at MAAG were:
·
Drusilla Pair -- aka "Professor Dru", Lecturer, Historian and Playwright, Blogger
·
Nicka Smith -- aka "Who Is Nicka Smith?", Professional Photographer, Videographer, Historian and Blogger
·
Thomas MacEntee -- aka "Geneablogger", a genealogy professional specializing in the use of technology and social media, lecturer, historian, blogger
·
Judy Russell -- aka "The Legal Genealogist", Attorney, Lecturer, Historian, Blogger
·
Charles Brown, Jr. – MAAGI Director, one of the founders and president of the St. Louis African American History & Genealogy Society
The new friends and networks were priceless. This year’s institute was definitely first
class. Looking forward to 2015.
MAAGI
2014 Participants
