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The old state capitol building in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Louisiana Family History Research: Four Centuries of History and Genealogy

Seminar
Online
August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
Live broadcasts: Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:30 pm ET
$115
Kyle Hurst
Hallie Kirchner
Rhonda R. McClure
Melanie McComb
10% Member Discount

Characterized by the convergence of diverse cultures—primarily French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Caribbean—Louisiana embodies a unique blend of people, geography, and history; a unique blend that has had a lasting impact on how family historians trace their Louisiana roots. While the Indigenous people and cultures of Louisiana have existed for millennia, this four-week online course will focus on the four centuries since colonization. Going century-by-century, each class will explore the historical context, records, and research strategies critical to making headway in your family history research and uncovering the stories of your Louisiana ancestors!

August 7 – Class 1: Seventeenth Century Louisiana: Colonization and Conflict
Presented by Rhonda R. McClure
August 14 – Class 2: Eighteenth Century Louisiana: A Confluence of Cultures
Presented by Kyle Hurst
August 21 – Class 3: Nineteenth Century Louisiana: From Louisiana Purchase to Statehood to Reconstruction
Presented by Melanie McComb
August 28 – Class 4: Twentieth Century Louisiana: Industry and Manufacturing
Presented by Hallie Kirchner
Books and Journals
Kyle Hurst
Kyle holds a B.A. in both History and Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a Master’s certificate in Museum Studies from Tufts University.
Research and Library Services
Hallie Kirchner
Germany
New York
19th-Century United States
Areas of expertise: 19th-century America, Germany, New York, New York City, Norway, Italy, westward migration, immigration history, and descendancy research.
Education and Programming
Rhonda R. McClure
Immigration and Naturalization
Genealogical Software
French-Canada
Areas of expertise: Immigration and naturalization, late 19th and early 20th century urban research, missionaries.
Education and Programming
Melanie McComb
DNA
Ireland
Eastern Canada
Areas of expertise: Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.