Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) – TRACKS
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), pronounced “Maggie,” is a specialized institute dedicated to the study and research of African American genealogy. As one of the leading educational institutions in this field, MAAGI provides a platform for individuals to learn about the unique aspects and techniques essential for researching African American family histories.
Key features of MAAGI include:
- Educational Programs:MAAGI offers a variety of courses and workshops focused on African American genealogy. These educational programs are designed to teach the methods and resources necessary for effective research, including understanding historical contexts, utilizing specific databases and archives, and interpreting DNA results.
- Expert Instructors: The institute engages experienced genealogists and researchers as instructors. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience in tracing African American ancestries, often dealing with the complexities arising from historical events like slavery and migration.
- Networking Opportunities: MAAGI provides a forum for attendees to network with fellow genealogy enthusiasts and professionals. This community aspect is vital for sharing information, strategies, and personal stories, which can be instrumental in genealogical research.
- Focus on African-American History: The institute places a strong emphasis on understanding the historical context of African-American lives. This includes learning about slavery, emancipation, the Great Migration, and other significant events that have shaped the African-American experience and, consequently, family histories.
- Research Support: Beyond teaching, MAAGI often provides resources and support for ongoing research projects. This can include access to specialized databases, guidance on field research, and advice on dealing with the unique challenges of African-American genealogy, such as unrecorded or altered family names and histories.
MAAGI represents an important resource for those interested in exploring and preserving African-American family histories, offering both educational resources and a supportive community for researchers at all levels of expertise.
Track 1-4: July 9, 10 and 11th, 2024
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) for 2024 offers a range of tracks and classes, each focusing on different aspects of genealogical research. The institute is designed to enhance the skills of family history researchers and genealogists. Here is an overview of the tracks and some highlighted classes:
1. Track 1a: Fundamental Methods and Strategies
Coordinated by Shelley Murphy, this track covers a range of topics including public records and the law, timelines in research plans, and the legacy of the First Angolans of 1619 in genealogical research.
2. Track 1b: Methods and Strategies for Slavery Era Research
Coordinated by Shelley Murphy, this track delves into slavery in the North, Reconstruction Era records, and identifying last slaveholders, among other topics.
3. Track 2: DNA & Genealogy
Bernice Bennett coordinates this track, which is divided into two sections.
Track 2a is for beginners in DNA testing
Track 2b caters to those with intermediate knowledge.
Classes cover DNA privacy and ethics, the use of autosomal DNA in research, and strategies for using third-party tools in DNA analysis.
4. Track 3: Genealogy – Pre & Post Slavery Era Research
Coordinated by Janis Minor Forté, this track focuses on expanding research to explore new document record groups and methodologies. It includes classes on searching strategies using Ancestry, U.S. probate records, and case studies on former slaves.
5. Track 4: African-Native American Genealogy
This track, the first of its kind at MAAGI, is devoted entirely to researching Native and African American family histories. It includes classes on basic records for African-Native American research, Mississippi Choctaws & Eastern Cherokees, and researching Dawes Land Allotments.
Registration for MAAGI 2024 is hybrid, combining in-person and online participation, with Tracks 2a & 2b being online only. The registration fee is $325 per student. The institute offers a flexible policy regarding track selections and changes, with the final date for any track changes being June 15, 2024. In case of cancellation, a full refund is available if the cancellation is made on or before June 15, 2024. After this date, a $50 administrative fee is applied.
Why MAAGI?
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), pronounced “Maggie,” is a specialized institute dedicated to the study and research of African American genealogy. As one of the leading educational institutions in this field, MAAGI provides a platform for individuals to learn about the unique aspects and techniques essential for researching African American family histories.
