Family history is a fascinating and personal way for everyone to better understand who they are and how our past has shaped us. Genealogy also helps reveal and strengthen connections between individuals and communities. But how do you get started?
Join the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B) and community partner the Museum of Bronx History, Valentine-Varian House, for this free in-person event to learn the essentials for tracing African American ancestors and preserve your own family history. The program will feature two parts:
- A presentation by genealogist Stacey Bell of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, who will discuss the basics of starting your family history research, with a focus on African American lineages. Program registrants will also learn the fundamental building blocks for conducting Bronx family history research.
- A 30-minute session for participants to digitally preserve their own family history documents. Participants will receive a confirmation email when they register for this program that includes a sign-up link to choose a time slot after the presentation by Ms. Bell). Bring a folder of portable family history documents (e.g., birth certificates, family religious records, or photographs), and NYG&B staff will digitally scan these documents on-site. Participants will then receive Dropbox access to their stored digitized records. Please email digitizeny@nygbs.org if you have questions about this aspect of the program.
This is a free in-person event held on-site at the Museum of Bronx History, Valentine-Varian House, and registration is required. It is part of the NYG&B’s Preserving Your New York Story series, which offers free sessions for people to digitally preserve their own family history records as well as programming for tracing their family history and connecting with their past.
This event will not be livestreamed, but a free recording will be available about a week afterwards.
About the Speaker
Stacey G. Bell is the President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Jean Sampson Scott Greater New York Chapter (AAHGS – NY) National Chapter of the Year. She is a member of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society, the Sons and Daughters of the US Middle Passage, and the Association for Professional Genealogists and National Genealogy Society. Stacey specializes in genetic genealogy, using advanced research strategies to assist adoptees, individuals with misattributed parentage, and families searching for missing persons. With extensive experience leading workshops, panels, and conferences, Stacey’s work also includes film and multimedia projects.
A dedicated investigator with a passion for uncovering and preserving African American heritage, she began her genealogy journey as a ten year old sitting on the porc of her maternal great grandparents in the South Carolina Low Country. Through oral tradition, they introduced her to the stories and heritage of her Gullah/Geechee ancestors. She recognized early on the importance of understanding how their life choices impacted future generations of her family.
She serves on the boards of multiple organizations, including the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, and was a key partner and consultant on the Center for Brooklyn History exhibition, “Trace/s: Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery.”
About the Museum of Bronx History, Valentine-Varian House
The Museum of Bronx History at the Valentine-Varian House is one of two national landmark historic house museums operated by The Bronx County Historical Society, (BCHS). Founded in 1955, BCHS is dedicated to the collection, preservation, documentation, and public interpretation of the history of The Bronx and lower Westchester County from its earliest human habitation by indigenous peoples through the present.
This series is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
