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Join us for a day of in person learning focusing on African Americans. Starting the day, Mica Anders will present “Discovering African American Roots: A Beginner’s Guide,” followed by a light lunch and a research period. In the afternoon, Jessica Fontanta will present “Urban Research: Using Correlation of Data to Solve Family Mysteries.”
Instructor: Mica Anders
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m
Mica’s class, “Discovering African American Roots: A Beginner’s Guide,” will teach you how to unlock the powerful stories of African Americans, while exploring the tools and uniquely African American sources that bring family histories to life. Learn how to honor your heritage by uncovering and preserving the legacy of those who came before you.
About the Instructor
Mica Anders is passionate about uncovering the rich, often overlooked stories of our past. With a focus on African American and Midwestern U.S. genealogy, she upholds the highest standards in her research while bringing underrepresented stories to light. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the first ever history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, and recipient of the 2024 Minnesota Genealogical Society Ambassador Award. Her dedication and expertise make her a sought-after collaborator for projects that bring forgotten histories to life. She is the owner of Anders Genealogical Services.
Instructor: Jessica Fontana
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Jessica's class
“Urban Research: Using Correlation of Data to Solve Family Mysteries,” uses case studies to focus on organizing your research, and combining analysis of data gathered to move the research forward and avoid the pitfalls of same-named people or people that disappear in the city.
About the Instructor:
Jessica Fontana is a genealogist with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in U.S. research with expertise in Southern, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes states. She also specializes in African American Family research. She presented at the Minnesota Genealogical Society (MNGS) 2025 North Star Conference and the Upper Midwest Genealogical Institute hosted by MNGS, as well as the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center and the Arkansas Genealogical Society. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the APG Forensic Genealogists Special Interest Group, the National Genealogical Society, and the Minnesota Genealogical Society. She is the owner of Ancestral Path Genealogy Services.
Both Mica and Jessica are members of the Minnesota-based Early Midwest Black Experience Research (EMBER); a team of independent researchers working to find and share the stories of early Black residents across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Learn more at https://www.andersgenealogicalservices.com/ember
Sponsored by: Minnesota Genealogical Society
Experience level: All
Cost:
$40 for non-Members, $30 for MGS Members, limit to 35 registrants.
