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Recovering What Was Lost
September 14 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Please join us on Saturday, September 14 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at the Maguire Center for Lifelong Learning at Westminster Oaks for the last TAAGS Bicentennial event for the summer.
The Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society will be hosted by the Tallahassee Genealogical Society and Westminster Oaks. Directions are attached.
Because of the uptick in COVID, we strongly urge everyone to wear a mask, which will be provided by TAAGS.
Description of Event:
Unraveling the genealogy of African Americans presents a unique challenge due to the legacy of enslavement. However, with the growing availability of historical records, uncovering the lineage of formerly enslaved individuals is becoming increasingly attainable. In a case study, Juanita Gaston will demonstrate the meticulous process through which she traced the ancestral roots of the Shakespeare family in Leon County, Florida, despite the family having very limited information.
Using genealogical standards, Juanita Gaston delved into a wide array of historical documents, including census records, wills, probate records, tax rolls, voter registration rolls, Freedman’s Bank records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, newspapers, and manuscripts. This approach ultimately led to the discovery of the patriarch, Edmund C. Shakespeare (1818-1890), and over 100 other family members. Also, it led to identifying the enslaver, Dr. George Galphin (1811 –1861) of Bel Air.
The result is a rich and detailed picture of Edmund C. Shakespeare and his descendants. This journey of discovery sheds light on their past and serves as a testament to the family’s resilience and strength.