African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee

10/15/2025

10/15/2025

AAGSOM is pleased at welcome our speaker, Jeff Kannel, to our Open House on Saturday, October 18, at 2:00 at the Villard Square Library. Jeff is a retired pediatric physical therapist and educator. He was a volunteer and tour guide at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha from 2011 to 2020. He began researching African American Civil War soldiers in 2010 and published "Make Way for Liberty" in 2020. Jeff has done presentations about African American service in the Civil War in more than 20 communities in Wisconsin and Illinois. He co-authored the story of a Black Civil War veteran, “Henry Sink: Settler, Soldier, Citizen,” for the Winter 2018 Wisconsin Magazine of History. A member of the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1995, he lives in Wauwatosa and enjoys spending time with his fun grandchildren.

06/20/2025

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a Free virtual workshop, "THE SPRINGFIELD IL RACE RIOTS -1908" on Saturday, June 21st, at 1:30 p.m.

Approximately 16 people died during the 1908 race riots in Springfield, IL. Damages totaled more than $150,000 (approximately $5.2 million in today's dollars). The riot, trials, and aftermath are said to be one of the most well-documented examples of the complex intersection of race, class, and criminal justice in the U.S. Learn about this three-day calamity and the lasting impact on the community.

Our presenter, Cheryl Randall, from Springfield, IL, is a family historian and has served as vice president and treasurer of AAGSOM.

Please join us on Saturday and come with your questions.
To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1

05/16/2025

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a Free virtual workshop, "How DNA Helped to Find My Family", on Saturday, May 17th, at 1:30 p.m.

DNA testing can help you find family members by comparing your DNA to others in a database. DNA identifies shared genetic markers, and these can indicate a family relationship. This process can also reveal potential relatives, including those you didn't know you had, or help you confirm existing family connections. DNA can aid you in developing your family tree and understanding historical data.

Our presenter, Cheryl Randall, is a family historian and has served as vice president and treasurer of AAGSOM.

Please join us on Saturday and come with your DNA questions.
To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1

04/15/2025

LUNCH & LEARN
Researching Black Families

Sat. April 19th
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Villard Square Library
5190 N. 35th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53209


Let the African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee help you with:

Research tips for beginners and beyond
Hitting brick walls
Opening a guest (free) membership on Ancestry or FamilySearch
Free research programs.

BRING YOUR LUNCH, YOUR LAPTOP, TABLET, ETC, FOR THIS FREE EVENT AND LEARN ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF GENEALOGY.

Email: AAGSOM.org@gmail.com
Website: AAGSOM.org

04/15/2025

AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE


"LUNCH AND LEARN"
Researching Black Families

Saturday, April 19, 2025
1:30 - 3:30 pm

Villard Square Library
5190 N. 35th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53209

Let the African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee help you with:

Research tips for beginners and beyond
Hitting brick walls
Opening a guest (free) membership on Ancestry or FamilySearch
Free research programs.

BRING YOUR LUNCH, YOUR LAPTOP, TABLET, ETC, FOR THIS FREE EVENT AND LEARN ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF GENEALOGY.

Email: AAGSOM.org@gmail.com
Website: AAGSOM.org

02/14/2025

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and various communities. Learn how to uncover your family history to connect with people in the past, present, and future.

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a FREE virtual workshop on Saturday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m.

The workshop is entitled "Tips on Researching the Origins of Our Family Ancestors' Last Names."

When researching Black genealogy, you usually reach the point where you are looking for your family's slave owner. One clue is your family's last name. This talk will discuss a few concepts to keep in mind when researching your ex-slave ancestors after the Civil War and before.

Join us to hear Chuck Powell, a member of the AAGSOM Executive Board, Secretary, Membership Chair, and former President. He has a long history of family research and has presented many genealogy topics.

Please note that this presentation is virtual only. Join us on Saturday via Zoom and come with all of your questions!

To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us
(Pre-Registration Required for Zoom link)

01/17/2025

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a FREE virtual workshop on Saturday, January 18th.
The workshop is entitled, "How To Get Started In Your Genealogy Journey."
Tracing your family lineages is rewarding. It can help you understand not just where your people were born and lived but also your kinship to others. Genealogy provides a larger historical picture and a sense of responsibility to preserve the past for accurate storytelling and future generations
can experience success if you know the basic techniques that uncover vital records and other resources. You can close gaps in your research if you explore the various ways to analyze family documents. You can explore family size, neighborhoods, occupations, and more. You can join genealogy groups that support your journey and learn where to start and how to conduct an even deeper dive into your family history. You may be surprised at some of your findings but for sure, you will be inspired.
Join us to hear Jim Walker, an experienced historian, lead us toward conducting effective oral histories. Jim is a graduate of the University of Southern California, a retired federal probation officer in Los Angeles, and President of the Stevens Point Area Genealogy Society (SPAGS) for the past five years. As Jim says, "I've been interested in genealogy for forty years and still have many brick walls to overcome."

Please join us on Saturday via Zoom and come with all of your questions!
To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us
(Pre-Registration Required for Zoom link)

12/31/2024

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM AAGSOM
As December comes to a close, we recall our families' many traditions on New Year’s Eve. Whether they were at Watch Night or the nightclub, their celebrations are etched in our minds. Even today, our family customs influence special occasions and celebrations.
In this new year, we wish you much success in researching your family lineage and discovering new details. As you gain a better understanding of your history, you will also be amazed at how it binds together individuals, communities, and generations.
So go ‘head: Clean your House to prepare for a fresh start in the new year, and Enjoy your Black-eyed Peas for good luck and fortune.
Happy New Year!

11/15/2024

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a FREE virtual workshop entitled, "Publishing your Genealogy Sketches" Saturday, November 16th at 1:30 p.m.

A "genealogy sketch" refers to a brief written biography about a single ancestor within a family tree, focusing on key details like birth, marriage, occupation, significant life events, and children, essentially providing a snapshot of their life within the context of their family history; it's a way to go beyond just names and dates on a chart and add narrative depth to your genealogical research.

Is it time to get something on paper or perhaps publish your family’s history?

Our President, Patricia Glover-Howard, will delve into the importance of us documenting our family stories and how they provide building blocks, offer insight, and leave legacies in genealogy research.

Please join us this Saturday:

To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us
(Pre-Registration Required for Zoom link)

09/18/2024

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a free virtual workshop on Saturday, September 21, at 1:30 p.m.

Please join us for this month's topic, “The "Exoduster Movement"

The Exoduster Movement, also known as the Exodus of 1879, was the first major migration of African Americans after the Civil War. It involved the migration of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 African Americans from the South to Kansas in the 1870s. It represents the first major episode in the extensive history of voluntary mass migration. This unexpected wave of migration generated considerable public attention and concern throughout the nation.
Listen to the significant milestones, contributions, and achievements of one family; and, how their legacy was one of perseverance and courage that inspires their loved ones today.

Our presenter, Pam Clark is a long-time member of AAGSOM, serves on the Executive Board, and has been served on the Fellowship, Membership, and Entertainment Committees. She has attended various seminars and workshops to hone her skills in family ancestry. Pam lives by the faith, family values, and self-determination instilled by her parents. Those principles have guided her through life and sparked her interest in understanding why her ancestors chose to settle in Kansas and what life was like there.

Please join us on Saturday and come with all of your questions!
To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1