April 25, 2009 – Westlake Family History Center Conference
AAGS leadership regularly recommends that members attend seminars and conferences to expand their knowledge, refresh their strategy, and extend their network with other genealogists. “Turning Our Hearts to Our Ancestors” presented by the Cleveland Ohio Family History Center in Westlake afforded the opportunity to do just that. Numerous AAGS members attended the half-day program, which featured topics ranging from writing family history, maps, local research sources, organization, and newspapers, to on-line research and digital storage. As for the recommendations to attend genealogy conferences: Good advice

April 23, 2009 – AAGS Participates at Tri-C Diversity Day
AAGS Education Committee members made their rounds in April providing genealogy presentations, displays, and assistance. Locales included the Tri-C Western Campus for Diversity Day, where members were accessible for all types of genealogy support.

March 28, 2009 – Timelines
The timing was right for the “Timelines” presentation provided by Sandra Beane Milton, librarian in the Geauga County Library system and member of AAGS. No matter the level of the researcher, timeline information is helpful at any stage. Sandy’s easy-going delivery and super helpful references kept members attentive. She showed an array of timeline styles (many are available on internet sites) and benefits of each. Whatever theme that you chose can provide a focus for your research (putting your ancestors’ lives -- or even your own -- into perspective). Remarking on current affairs, she reminded us that “history happens to everyone.”

March 8, 2009 – “AAGS Annual Heritage Dinner”
Guests enjoyed a fun-filled evening with Bingo-Mingo games, a festive dinner, fine fellowship and prizes galore! Guest speaker Dovie Baumgardner, who gave a medley of oral history, met a long lost cousin, Leonard McPherson, after her presentation. He remembered the events she mentioned and came forth to identify himself as a member of her family.

February 28, 2009 – “Roger Cram and Afi Scruggs visit AAGS”
Roger Cram paid another visit to our group and took his discussion of Secret Black Military Heroes of WWII to the next level. Not only did he point out noteworthy individuals and groups, highlight intimate battles, and impart little-known historical facts — he also shared insight from a course that he teaches at Hiram College dealing with human values. He covered the military exploits of the Red Ball Express, “Triple Nickels” (parachute team), U.S.S. Mason, the Red Tails...and more. Mr. Cram’s delivery of the information was captivating.

Afi Odelia-Scruggs was also available and discussed with members the writing skills necessary to produce a compelling family story, article, or book. She pointed out that the makings of a successful written piece consist of elements beyond content (items such as audience appeal, objectives, setting, character focus, and literary style), and shared beneficial tips for those ready to begin a writing project. Ms. Scruggs is a former newspaper reporter and author of the book, “Claiming Kin: Confronting the History of an African American Family.”

February 25, 2009 – “Reception for AAGS Call & Post Index Project”
AAGS celebrated the completion of its transcription project (Call & post Newspaper Index of Deaths 1934-1959) with a reception at the Fairview Park Library. This location, which is part of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system, will retain the cards used to compile the Call & Post information (donated by AAGS).
Photo of AAGS members with Library representatives Nancy Pozelt, Becky Willis, and Joni Mihelich.

February 5, 2009 - Education Committee presents at Warrensville Hts. Library
Our Education Committee had quite a turnout for its beginning genealogy session at the Warrensville Public Library. Casandra Brown covered the basics from A to Z, making for a great start to a month devoted to Black History -- and also a great start for new researchers interested in Family History.

January 24, 2009 - Ancestors on the Internet
After the installation of AAGS officers, Richard Bloss presented "Ancestors on the Internet," sharing numerous research techniques. He covered finding the most suitable web site for you; as well as the location of affordable on-line printing services.

Year 2008

November 22, 2008 - Appreciating Milestones

October 25, 2008 - Visit by American Sickle Cell Anemia Association

Sept. 12-13, 2008 - AAGS 2008 Fall Conference

August 16, 2008 - OGS Management Seminar

July 26, 2008 – Tuskegee Airman visits AAGS

May 10, 2008 - Cemetery Clearing Project continues at Highland Park

April 26, 2008 - Westlake Ohio Family History Center holds 5th annual conference

February 23, 2008 - Getting Started in African-American Genealogy (by Fairview Park Library)

February 23, 2008 - Preparing for a Research Trip

February 14, 2008 - Plain Dealer spotlights genealogy research effort

February 2, 2008 - American Legacy Magazine "Know Your History" Exhibit

January 30-31, 2008 - WVIZ/PBS sponsors initiative centered on "African American Lives II"

January 26, 2008 - Organization techniques from the AAGS Education Committee