Navigating Unexpected Genealogical Finds

Genealogy is a popular topic, and more people than ever want to find their roots. However, many do not think about the emotional fallout from learning or exposing family history. Explore resources you can use to deal with what happens when you discover unexpected information about ancestors. This session goes beyond how to discover who your ancestors are and focuses on the aftermath of finding your roots.

Our speakers from the Library of Congress are Candice Buchanan and Sheree Budge. They will share examples of the secrets that family history research sometimes reveals (e.g., unknown associations, adoptions, slaveholding ancestors, inherited medical conditions). We use a few examples as case studies and provide resources that family history researchers can use to cope with the consequences of discovering surprising information about ancestors.

Candice Buchanan, who is a Reference Librarian, History and Genealogy Section, with the Library of Congress who specializes in local history and genealogy. She works with patrons to develop research strategies, locate records, and get the most out of these records to tell their ancestors’ stories. Buchanan has developed guides and presentations for the Library that address state-specific research, women’s history, and family photographs, as well as a series about heirship schemes and fabricated histories that lead researchers astray,

Sheree Budge is also is a Library of Congress Reference Librarian in the History and Genealogy Section. She Introduces, teaches and coaches individuals and classes in genealogy, family history, and indexing including use of new technologies, tools and documentation.

If you are interested in attending, please send an e-mail to GSVBzoom@gmail.com to request a Zoom invitation.