Jeff Smith retired after nearly 35 years in state and federal law enforcement, now exercises his investigative skills in genealogy and history research. He has solved many “missing persons” cases and has successfully traced his family lines back to pre-emancipation and has identified the enslavers.
This presentation will demonstrate the value of newspapers in genealogical research by focusing on the lives of African American soldiers following their return to civilian life after the Civil War. Newspapers were the news and social media outlets of the day and in many instances mirror today's internet. Local newspapers are particularly valuable, as they often include details that larger publications might overlook, such as community events, obituaries, and personal announcements. REGISTER via ZOOM to join us at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 20th. when Jeff Smith presents: Looking for More: Seeking to Find the Rest of the Story. A little bit about us...
Formed in 2011, the African-American Genealogy Group of Kentucky is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth to focus on aspects of genealogical research unique to the African American community. "The Group" meets monthly on Third Saturdays and at other times when we have the opportunity to share. Our membership is open to anyone interested in researching, preserving, and sharing the stories of Kentucky's African-American generations. When you join AAGGKY, you associate with people from all walks of life. We serve on Boards of historical and genealogical societies, museums, libraries, research institutes and foundations. Our mission is to fill the void created where the history of Black Kentuckians have been omitted or inadequately researched and recorded. Our members hail from coast to coast, north to south, with connecting ties to the Commonwealth. We are plumbers, janitors, teachers, preachers, presidents, and truck drivers. We are African. We are Caucasian. We are Native. We are American. We are Kentuckian. We are as economically and culturally diverse as our heritage suggests. We are inclusive; seeking only to promote African-American genealogical research and the values of family, fellowship, and education. These are principles which bind us together. We invite you to tell us about yourself and your research - your story. Won't you join us today? |
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"I too am of the hills, my folks have corn rowed tobacco, laid track, strip mined, worshipped and whiskied from Harlan to Maysville, old Dunbar to Central...We put the heat in the hot brown and gave it color.
Indeed some of the bluegrass is black."
- from Kentucke by Frank X Walker
Poet Laureate of Kentucky 2013 - 2015