The Senator John Heinz History Center – the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh – will host two virtual genealogy workshops in May to benefit both beginners and seasoned family researchers.
May 15: African American Genealogy Workshop
From genocide on slave plantations through the Civil War to devastating attacks during the early 20th century, African Americans have been victims of racial violence by white Americans that resulted in thousands of missing persons. These tragic episodes mark a stain on the American familial landscape and challenge genealogists in their efforts to reconstruct family histories.
During a virtual African American Genealogy Workshop on May 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, participants will learn about the history of these episodes and how family records can be resurrected from tragedy.
The workshop will include analysis of the Tulsa Massacre on May 31, 1921, when a white mob descended upon the Black community in Tulsa, Okla., destroying lives and the “Black Wall Street” business district.
As descendants of a Tulsa Massacre survivor, John W. Franklin and Karen Roberts Franklin of Franklin Global LLC will discuss the historical records that remain following the tragedy and will provide insight into their family’s history in Tulsa and Westmoreland County, Pa.
Opening remarks will be given by Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society – Pittsburgh member Carolyn Johnson, also a descendant of a family affected by the Tulsa Massacre.
Registration for this virtual program is $10 per person. Register here.
May 23: Eastern European Genealogy Workshop
Join genealogy experts for the History Center’s first-ever Eastern European Genealogy Workshop on Sunday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This in-depth virtual workshop will explore the core genealogical knowledge essential to tracing Eastern European ancestors. Participants will gain insights into researching ancestors who lived in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and more.
Featuring live Q&A sessions and interactive virtual networking opportunities, this workshop will foster connections between attendees and expert speakers on tracing their Eastern European ancestors.
This workshop is offered in partnership with the Jewish Genealogy Society of Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
General registration is $25 for the general public and $20 for members of the History Center, Jewish Genealogy Society of Pittsburgh, and Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society. Register here.
Special access to recordings of the lectures will be made available to attendees following these live workshops.