Free online lectures on tracing witch ancestors, hidden histories, Passover in America, more

From American Ancestors in October, topics for these mostly free online lectures and seminars include using cemetery transcripts in your family history research, uncovering hidden histories and verifying descent from "witches."

Members of American Ancestors receie 10% off online course registration.
For a full list of upcoming programs, visit https://www.americanancestors.org/events

Using Cemetery Transcripts in Your Family History Research
Thursday, October 6, 3:00-4:00 ET
Cost: free
Learn more and register
https://hubs.americanancestors.org/cemetery-transcripts

Online seminar
Uncovering Hidden Histories: Compiling biographies of people omitted from written record
Monday, October 17, 6-7:30 p.m. ET
Cost: $65
Learn more and register
https://www.americanancestors.org/events/uncovering-hidden-histories-compiling-biographies-people-omitted-written-record

Verifying Descent from Salem’s Witches
Thursday, October 20, 3-4:00 p.m. ET
Cost: free
Learn more and register
https://hubs.americanancestors.org/salem-witches

Magnificence, Marriage, and Murder: The Story of Scotland’s Brodic Castle
Friday, October 21, 4-5:15 p.m. ET
In partnership with the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA
Cost: free
Learn more and register
https://hubs.americanancestors.org/magnificence-marriage-and-murder

Free Webinar
Genevieve Wyner Annual Lecture:
A Festival of Freedom
Tuesday, October 25, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET
Presented by: Jessica Cooperman

The holiday of Passover is often referred to as a “festival of freedom,” but what do American Jews mean by freedom? The Passover haggadah, or seder narrative, retells the story of the Israelite’s divine redemption from slavery in Egypt, but American Jews have long used that ancient story to illustrate their commitments to far more modern quests for freedom and rights. This talk by Dr. Jessica Cooperman, the 2022 Genevieve Geller Wyner Research Fellow, will focus on materials in the collections of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center to explore some of the many ways that American Jews have interpreted the meaning of Passover

Jessica Cooperman is Associate Professor of Religion Studies and Director of Jewish Studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Her research focuses on 20th century American Judaism and Jewish History. Her book, Making Judaism Safe for America: World War I and the Origins of Religious Pluralism, was published by NYU Press and received an honorable mention for the Saul Viener Prize in American Jewish History. Her current research explores projects for promoting Jewish-Christian dialogue and understanding after World War II. She is particularly interested in Passover haggadot and celebrations as cites for defining new relationships between Judaism and Christianity in the post-war America.
Learn more and register at
https://hubs.americanancestors.org/festival-of-freedom

In person lecture: Heraldry and the Heralds

This is another American Ancestors lecture, but this one is in person.

October 12, 2022
American Ancestors Research Center, 99-101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Cost: $15
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET
Presented by Peter O'Donoghue, York Herald
Sponsored by the Committee on Heraldry of the New England Historic Genealogical Society

Peter O'Donoghue has worked as an Officer of Arms at Her Majesty's College of Arms in London for 17 years, and currently serves as York Herald. He has an explore the history of heraldry and the heralds, from their beginnings in the twelfth century, to the present day. He will discuss how heraldry began and how it has evolved; and how the work of the heralds in England and Wales has developed and changed over the centuries. Reception to follow.
Register here
https://my.americanancestors.org/1879/2142