October 29-November 1, 2009 – First International Black Genealogy Summit held

A terrific, terrific experience. That’s the assessment of the first International Black Genealogy Summit, “Reconnecting Lost Links,” which was held in Fort Wayne, Indiana in late October. Through the collective efforts of genealogy groups across the country, an impressive number of researchers gathered to make new discoveries, meet an upper echelon of genealogy professionals, and support each other in pursuit of their heritage. Starting with the summit kick-off and throughout the scheduled activities, a tremendous amount of camaraderie and learning was apparent. With a great line-up of speakers -- and resources galore -- attendees also enjoyed a reception, dinner banquet, and luncheon. Sponsors included the Allen County Public Library and Ancestry.com.

October 24, 2009 – Activist Joan Southgate (left) recounts historic walk for AAGS

Goal: Retrace the path of slavery to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Mission accomplished.

On October 24, activist Joan Southgate, a local celebrity known for walking the trail of the Underground Railroad from Cincinnati to Canada (total 519 miles), recounted her experiences for AAGS. Ms. Southgate explained her training and preparation, shared insights of her invigorating journey, showed maps, and presented highlights from this amazing feat. She also spoke of ‘Restore Cleveland Hope’ (the project to preserve the historical Cozad-Bates House) and of plans to establish an Underground Railroad Resource Center.

October 17, 2009 – Cleveland Public Library Genealogy Clinic
AAGS is co-sponsoring a series of genealogy clinics to help researchers decipher pieces from the past to link to the present – while taking advantage of the rich resources available through the Cleveland Public Library. Each person that walks up to an AAGS volunteer brings a unique set of clues to unravel. Photo of CPL’s Michael Ruffing, AAGS volunteers, and family researcher Gregory Smith at the downtown branch.

September 26, 2009 – Digitalizing and Storage of Documents
What digital options are available for storing research data…photographs…voice recordings? How should computer files be organized? What’s the best way to back up information? These questions, and others, were tackled by computer specialist and AAGS member David Simpson at the September general meeting. He shared the ins and outs of electronic equipment and applications, with step-by-step demos. He fielded inquiries from “tech comfortable” researchers, along with those in the “pencil/paper” category. After the advantages and disadvantages of technology were addressed, “old school” and “new school” researchers agreed that technology does not eliminate all paperwork; but significantly enhances the research experience.

July 25, 2009 – East Cleveland Cemetery History
Nancy West, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the East Cleveland Township Cemetery Foundation, took AAGS on an “armchair” trip to the ECC when she visited our July general meeting. We received a dose of local political, business, and public history as she recounted the lives of common and prominent citizens ‘residing’ in the East Cleveland Cemetery. It was also informative to learn about past funeral practices, burial records, and cemetery structure.

June 27, 2009 – Hospice Care & Cuyahoga County Archives at AAGS
William Lewis enriched our group at the June AAGS general meeting with a presentation on hospice care. Bill, a Neighborhood Services Coordinator for the VNA Hospice and Palliative Care Partners of Ohio, deftly tied the subject matter (hospice services, programs, and community perceptions) to the area of African American family health history.

Dr. Judith Cetina, Manager and Archivist with the Cuyahoga County Archives, presented “Treasures in the Cuyahoga County Archives,” covering architecture, archives, and ancestry. She related tales which offered a glimpse of the building’s colorful past and also kept us up to date with its current holdings.

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