On October 16, 2021, the African American Genealogy Group of Kentucky and the Kentucky Historical Society hosted a joint virtual genealogy event: “Celebrating Untold Stories of Early Kentucky Families” via Zoom.

We welcomed the following panelists for a program focused on resources available to help uncover stories and restore voices to those who were rendered voiceless through historical oppression. Guest panel moderated by Cheri Daniels, KHS’ Head of Library and Archives:

Rachel Grimes: Composer and Filmmaker

Dr. Alicestyne Turley: Project Director, Freedom Stories International Storytelling Center and Board Member of KHS and the African American Heritage Commission

Sharyn Mitchell: Berea College Research Specialist

Denyce Porter Peyton: Genealogist

As we gathered together for this special event, panelists shared methodology and resources for researching genealogy specific to early African American families. In conjunction with this event, attendees were temporarily able to view Grimes’ 30 minute film Along the Way Forth:  Unraveling Dominion which explores the compelling story of four generations of the Hart family, beginning with recent research into the long life of Dolly, an enslaved woman who was one of the initial settlers at Fort Boonesborough. The full film is no longer available for viewing, but you can still access a short version that covers the research process for the film at Rachel’s website – Finding a Founding Mother: 

A handout is available for the session on the Kentucky Ancestors Facebook Group or the AAGGKY website.