Research at the National Archives&Beyond

  Special guest Thomas MacEntee provided a lively discussion on resources to find the living.  Michael Williams  also shared his journey to find his biological family.  Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogy research and as a way to connect with others in the family history community. Michael Williams author of Black Essence Grammy Award Winning Memoir Native Womb: Going Back To The Beginning (A foster childs journey to connect with his family).  He began his life journey as a foster child in New York City's Child Welfare System and was placed in Angel Guardian Fostercare agency.  Inspite of insurmountable odds, Michael went on to become a Pennsylvanian Board of Governor's Scholarship recipient alumnus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Communications Media with minor academic concentrations in Pan- African and Musical Theater Studies.        Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. 

  Join Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly with host Bernice Bennett for an exciting discussion of the African Americans presence in Brooklyn, and their long residence in Bedford Township (today's Bedford-Stuyvesant) and the Dutch community of Flatbush - founded in the 1650. Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly is a third generation Brooklyn native with roots in both Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. An avid genealogist who discovered the hidden foundations of Brooklyn history, and the vanishing roots of central Brooklyn in particular. This moved her to write a pictorial history titled, “Bedford-Stuyvesant” in 2007, and a second book titled, “Crown Heights & Weeksville” in 2010. Wilhelmena is an honorary Regent of the Manhattan Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and has recently organized a new DAR chapter in Queens. She sits on the boards of the African Atlantic Genealogy Society, Manhattan’s Solders’ and Sailors’ Memorial Association, and the Erasmus Hall High School Alumni Association.  

    Lynne M. Jackson, Dred Scott's Great-great granddaughter, shares what family research has revealed in the last five years that amazed living family members.  The famous slave's goal, whose freedom suit was a major catalyst for the civil war, was all about family. Lynne M. Jackson is the Founder and President of The Dred Scott Foundation.  www.thedredscottfoundation.org.        Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)

8pm central and 9 pm eastern Join Derek S. Davey for an exciting exploration of available collections at libraries and educational institutions  in Ohio and Michigan as well  various genealogical groups that specialize in this region. Derek S. Davey is a professional genealogist and sales manager for an Ohio Industrial Distributor.  He has been researching his own family since 1974 when he was thirteen years old.  For the past fifteen years, his primary areas of professional research are Northwest Ohio and South Eastern Michigan.  Derek also serves as the administrator of the Ohio and Michigan Research communities on Facebook that is sponsored by Family Search.  Derek lectures on a variety of topics related to genealogy in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. His specialty areas are Computer Genealogy, Civil War Research and New England Research. Derek teaches genealogy at Lourdes University, Terra Community College and the Monclova Community Center. He is a member of the Ohio Genealogical Society, NEHGS,  Genealogical Speakers Guild and the Association of Professional Genealogist.  Derek graduated with a BA degree from the University of Toledo in History and certificate of genealogy from Boston University.   Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. 

  ‘From Shanghai to Harlem,’ is journalist and genealogist Sylvia Wong Lewis’ narrative about her multicultural family’s journey that includes slavery, indentured servitude, exploitation, courage, intrigue, determination and triumph. She shares how her ancestors left footprints for her to follow from Mississippi, New Orleans, China, South America, Caribbean to converge at the Harlem Renaissance. She will talk about the diaspora or ‘scattered people,’ her Hakka ancestors and more. Tune in for an interesting show that explores how the United Kingdom’s and American slavery system intersect.   Sylvia is a journalist with over 20 years experience and a lifelong genealogist.  She holds a degree in African American History from Smith College and, is also CEO of Narrative Network, (www.yonarrative.com) a multicultural public relations consulting firm specializing in messaging and positioning. 

  Finding Your Ancestors in the Freedmen Bureau Records between 1865-1872.  Host - Bernice Alexander Bennett  and Co-Host - Natonne Elaine Kemp.  Selma Stewart  will discuss and provide examples of what is available and how to use Virginia Freedmen Bureau Records that are digitized and available on-line at www. FamilySearch.org. Selma Stewart is an avid family researcher and genealogist. She is the current President of the Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society Hampton Roads Chapter and serves on the Board of the Virginia Genealogical Society. In addition, she is the former National 2000-2002 Corresponding Secretary for Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society.  Her work on numerous transcription projects include the Brantley Association Southampton County Virginia Project and Whispers from the Dust - Virginia Freedmen's Project Freedmen Bureau Record Group 105.       Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)

Do you want to know where to begin your research in Maryland?  Have you discovered a link to Maryland in the census and other documents?  Callers and chatters are encouraged to come with your burning questions for this exciting show with Michael Hait, CG and host Bernice Bennett.   Michael Hait, CG, is a full-time professional genealogist, with over fifteen years of research experience across the United States, from Connecticut to Louisiana, Tennessee to South Dakota. His specialties include Maryland research, African American genealogy, and records of the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Michael is a frequent contributor to genealogy magazines and journals, and a popular lecturer in the Mid-Atlantic area.     Sweet Mello Spice by composer AKAlexander (Pianist Ayako Higuchi & Nikki Darling Lead Vocalist) (c)Copyright Secured All Rights Served 2012.

Previously aired in September- 2011. Please join host Bernice Alexander Bennett and her special guest  Antoinette Harrell - genealogist, family historian & host of Nurturing Our Roots Educational Television Program. Antoinette has conducted African American genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Courthouse for the past seventeen years. Please join my special guest as she discuss the type of documents she found inside the St. Helena Courthouse vault. 

9pm est and 8pm central Join Marion Woodfork Simmons with host  Bernice Bennett for a discussion on preserving local history.   Marion Woodfork Simmons has been researching her family history for over 20 years.  She is the owner of Woodfork Genealogy, LLC a research consulting company that assists individuals to preserve their family and communities history. Her website (http://www.woodforkgenealogy.com) provides a wealth of information for individuals performing genealogy research in Caroline County, Virginia.   Ms. Simmons recently published her new book, Memories of Union High: An Oasis in Caroline County, Virginia 1903-1969.        Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)

Join LaDonna Garner and Host Bernice Bennett and Co-Host Natonne Elaine Kemp for a discussion concerning the plight of Black Cemeteries and the process of documenting and preserving abandoned and neglected African American Cemeteries. LaDonna Garner is a Historic Preservationist and Certified Genealogist  specializing in Southeast Missouri. Board-Certified in genealogy in 2006, Garner has been researching her family history for over 20 years. She is an active member and volunteer of several societies including the St. Louis Genealogical Society, Jefferson County Genealogical Society, the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Association for Gravestone Studies, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The present Curator of Bolduc House Museum in Ste. Genevieve, MO she has held various positions in promoting genealogy research and historic preservation including Roundtable Chair of the African American Special Interest Group, St. Louis Genealogical Society; and Vice-President & Newsletter Editor of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society, High Ridge, MO; Syllabus and Fundraising Committee Co-Chair of the International Black Genealogy Summit; and Design Committee Chair of the Ste. Genevieve Downtown Renewal Project, Ste. Genevieve, MO. She has a B.S. in Historical Preservation, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO; and is near completion of an M.A. in Historic Preservation, Goucher College, Baltimore, MD.   Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)

Join Host Bernice Alexander Bennett and the faculty of the  recent Third Annual Genealogy Conference of the St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society for a discussion on an array of genealogy topics. Guest will include - Charles Brown, Jr., President of the St. Louis African American and Genealogy Society. Angela Walton-Raj- nationally  known genealogist and producer  of the African Roots Podcast. Lynne M. Jackson- President and Founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. www.thedredscottfoundation.org Janis Minor Forte'- genealogist, writer and lecturer who has received awards and citations.  She publishes her research as methodologies, case studies and record reviews incorporating theory, documentation and practical study. Angela McGhee- is the immediate past President of the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago.           Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)

  Join Thomas Allen Harris founder and President of Chimpanzee Productions for a lively discussion on searching for identity, family and sprituality through sharing family stories and images in a virtual family reunion format  called the Digital Diaspora Family Reunion Roadshow (DDFR).  DDFR brings to the forefront stories and histories suppressed and/or hidden that show the fullness of Who We Are. This important and timely project provides a gathering place where lost, neglected and discarded shards of history can once again be seen, shared and appreciated.  A graduate of Harvard College, Mr. Harris lectures widely on the use of media as a tool for social change. Chimpanzee Productions is currently in production on Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People, a feature-length documentary and multimedia project that explores the role of photography in shaping the identity, aspirations, and social emergence of African Americans from slavery to the present.  Its companion project is the Digital Diaspora Family Reunion (DDFR).   Music(Sweet Mello Spice) AKAlexander writer and producer.

Join this special show for a discussion with Antoinette Harrell, Professor Clare Washington, and  Instructor- Rebecca Hensley on America's Best Kept Secret- Slavery in the 20th Century. Many individuals were shocked and saddened by the recent PBS Special on Slavery by Another Name, and the dialogue should not stop.  Antoinette Harrell renowned genealogist uncovered information 20 years ago concerning the issue of 20th Century Slavery.  The goal is to raise awareness.  Clare Washington- Professor at Portland State University developed the first curriculum on Peonage, and challenged her students to study the issue.  Rebecca Hensley- Instructor of Sociology at Southeastern Louisiana University (areas of expertise-  Power Relations, Race, Gender and Globalization) has also explored and collaborated with Ms. Harrell to exame the evidence of 20th Century Slavery. This show will further explore the evidence and listeners are encouraged to call in, and participate in the chat on this very important discussion.   Photos by Walter Black Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)

  Have you ever wondered if your surname is unique to a particular region of the country?  Stephanie Martin Quaitte shared her research in the Florida Parishes of Southeast Louisiana. This research will provide other researchers an opportunity to learn how she gathered over 10,000 surnames for a specific region of Louisiana.  For Stephanie what began as a search for her own identity has grown into an ultimate goal of documenting as many African-Americans from the Florida Parishes as possible for future researchers.  Stephanie is Manager of the African American Archives for the Louisiana Genealogy Project, and has submitted work to Afrigneas and to Christine’s Genealogy website.   She is also published in the “The Louisiana Genealogical Register”.  Though she submits file from throughout Louisiana she primarily researches the Florida Parishes of Southeast Louisiana.   She maintains and constantly adds information to a 10,000 plus names database from those parishes.  Her surnames are: ADDISON, JACKSON, BANKS, MARTIN, and QUIATTE.    Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi)  

  Join Margo Lee Williams with Host Bernice Bennett for a moving discussion of her research to uncover the story of her Quaker ancestor Miles Lassiter. This story follows her research through court records and the Carolina countryside to uncover her roots as a descendant of an early African American Quaker.   Margo Lee Williams was born in New York. She holds an MA in Sociology and an MA in Religious Education. She developed an interest in genealogy early in life, but only after moving to Washington DC did she actively pursue family research. In the 30+ years since, she has researched and written extensively on her family. She is a well-known lecturer for the Family History Centers of the LDS Church in the Washington, DC area, a former editor of the Journal of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, and through her private research company, Personal Prologue, has developed expertise in identifying heirs for intestate probates. She is currently a National Service Officer with Vietnam Veterans of America.   Theme music - Sweet Mello Spice by composer / producer Alvin K. Alexander. (Pianist Ayako Higuchi).