Upcoming Events
African American Family History Day- NOW VIRTUAL
October 17, 2020 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- This event has passed.
African American Family History Day- NOW VIRTUAL
October 17, 2020 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
The registration form for this event is currently down but registration for the event is not closed. If you would like to register, please email Elise Paisant, Program and Events Coordinator at elise@poplarforest.org
Find your roots with help from genealogists who specialize in researching African American family histories. Join the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group online for an interactive experience designed to help you navigate historical records in search of your African American family tree. Hear stories about exploring ancestry and learn about research methods, tools, ideas and strategies for tracing your ancestors. Admission to the digital event is free, but registration is required (via the form below) to receive the link to the livestream.
Virtual Event SChedule
10:00–11:00 am
An Introduction to African American History and Archaeology at Poplar Forest
Presenters: Dr. Eric Proebsting and Karen McIlvoy
Along with exploring Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home, Poplar Forest’s Archaeology Department is dedicated to understanding the lives of members of the plantation’s enslaved community. This presentation will discuss how archaeology plays an invaluable role in uncovering artifacts and other evidence to help share the stories of the more than 200 enslaved men, women and children held at Poplar Forest during Jefferson’s lifetime. This collaborative work includes ongoing efforts to develop family trees and personal biographies for those who lived and labored at Poplar Forest.
11:15 am–12:15 pm
The Case for DNA: Why Should I Test?
Presenter: Renate Yarborough Sanders
Are you on the fence about DNA testing? Do you wonder if the results are “real” or if they can truly help you to further your genealogy research? Learn about the different types of DNA testing and how each can help to inform genealogical research. Examples of real-life DNA success stories will also be shared.
12:15–1:00 pm
Lunch Break
1:00-2:00 pm
Monticello’s Getting Word African American Oral History Project
Presenters: Aurelia Crawford and Brandon Dillard
Join Aurelia Crawford, Research Assistant for the Getting Word African American Oral History Project at Monticello, and Brandon Dillard, Manager of Historic Interpretation, as they share the stories of Monticello’s oral history project documenting the descendants of those enslaved by Thomas Jefferson. Aurelia and Brandon will talk about the historic subjects they study, the importance of ongoing research, and the ways in which this history and its study changes over time.
Meet the Presenters
Aurelia Crawford
Aurelia Crawford, Research Assistant for the Getting Word African American Oral History Project at Monticello, started as a guide at Monticello more than 15 years ago. She’s shared the history of the site with thousands of people from all over the world. Aurelia joined the Getting Word Project seven years ago as a researcher, and has helped many people trace their family roots and share their histories since.
Brandon Dillard
Brandon Dillard, Manager of Historic Interpretation, joined Monticello’s staff in 2010. He works with the staff on interpreting difficult knowledge by combining skills from a career in hospitality with his academic focus on race, memory and power. Brandon assists the Getting Word Project in an administrative capacity.
Karen McIlvoy
Karen McIlvoy has been the Archaeology Laboratory Analyst at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest for over five years. She is currently working on her PhD through the University of Florida.
Eric Proebsting
Dr. Eric Proebsting is the Director of Archaeology and Landscapes at Poplar Forest. For more than a decade, he has worked as an archaeologist exploring the hidden lives and landscapes of Jefferson’s retreat home and plantation to help share the whole story of this National Historic Landmark.
Renate Yarborough Sanders
A descendant of formerly enslaved ancestors, enslavers and free people of color, Renate Yarborough Sande
Registration is now closed. Thanks for your interest!