The Morrill Memorial Library continues our fall genealogy series with an in-person presentation, "Getting Started in African American Genealogy" by Meaghan E.H. Siekman, Ph.D., genealogist of The Newbury Street Press with American Ancestors/NEHGS, on Monday, October 3 at 7:00pm.

Researching African American ancestors can be challenging, especially when trying to break through the 1870 brick wall to discover more about ancestors prior to the end of slavery. In this presentation, Genealogist Meaghan E. H. Siekman will discuss go-to records and demonstrate creative search strategies for piecing together your family history.

About the speaker: Meaghan E.H. Siekman, Ph.D., Genealogist of The Newbury Street Press, holds a Ph.D. in history from Arizona State University where her focus was public history and American Indian history. Prior to joining American Ancestors/NEHGS, she worked as Curator of the Fairbanks House in Dedham, Mass. and as an archivist at the Heard Museum Library in Phoenix. Meaghan's areas of interest include American Indian history and lineage; African American research; colonial New England, New York, and German genealogy; immigration to America; westward migration and settlement; and tracing maternal lines.

This series is made possible through federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Registration is required. Please sign up using the form below, or call the Reference Desk at 781-769-0200 x2.