African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee

03/17/2026

02/19/2026

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a workshop, "How Contraband, Freedmen, Free People of Color & Registration Helped My Family Research" on Saturday, February 21st, from 1:30 to 3:00 at Good Hope Library (Study Room), 7715 W. Good Hope Rd.

The presenter, Myrelene Saunders, will explain how she used the above topics to help her find her 2x great-grandparents, George and Jenny. In the early 1990’s, Myrelene found their names on a Registration of Marriage document. However, it wasn't until 2020 when she watched the television show, “The Former Slaves of Lake Mills", about African Americans in rural Wisconsin, that she discovered additional information, and the genealogy brick wall began to crumble.

Myrelene Saunders is the current President of the African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee and a go-to resource on breaking down brick walls. She has a passion for genealogy research and has been doing that for more than 50 years. She is committed to continuous learning and gaining a greater understanding of family history.

01/15/2026

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents an in-person and virtual "Members-Only" workshop.

This session, "Show & Tell", will be held on Saturday, January 17th at 1:30 at the Martin Luther King Branch Library, 2901 N. Martin Luther King Dr.

There are many tools available to help genealogy researchers. This month’s workshop will give you a closer look at Chuck Powell’s (historian and former AAGSOM President) items related to his search. From old books and historical documents to family items, Chuck will share some of his favorite keepsakes he’s gathered over the years. He’ll also tell us about the stories behind them. Chuck even discovered and reclaimed a family treasure on eBay that belonged to one of his ancestors, and he’s added it to his personal archives of family and Black history. Discover what Chuck Powell has as part of his family archives.

Please join us on Saturday. To register, click on:
https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1

01/02/2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR
We wish you much success in researching your family lineage and discovering new details. We connect you with like-minded individuals who share “brick walls” and make the journey more fun and collaborative.

As you gain a better understanding of your history, you will be amazed at how it binds us together as individuals, communities, and generations.

That said, we send you greetings for good fortune, hope, cultural continuity, and new beginnings in 2026.

AAGSOM Executive Board

11/12/2025

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a Free virtual workshop, "Using DNA to Find Unknown Relatives", on Saturday, November 15th at 1:30 p.m.

DNA testing helps identify family relatives by revealing matches, uncovering connections, and breaking down brick walls. Test results are compared to those of others and the matches range from close family members to distant cousins you may have never known existed. DNA can provide clues in your research, particularly when incomplete records are present, such as those resulting from name changes, name abbreviations, or unknown family linkages.

Our presenter, Vivian Peet, is an avid genealogy researcher and family historian. She is a founding and active member of AAGSOM, having served in various capacities. Moreover, Vivian has implemented several key initiatives that have enriched the knowledge and ability of Society members.

Please join us on Saturday and come with your DNA questions.
To register, click on:
https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1

10/15/2025

AAGSOM is pleased at welcome our speaker, Jeff Kannel, to our Open House on Saturday, October 18, at 2:00 at the Villard Square Library. Jeff is a retired pediatric physical therapist and educator. He was a volunteer and tour guide at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha from 2011 to 2020. He began researching African American Civil War soldiers in 2010 and published "Make Way for Liberty" in 2020. Jeff has done presentations about African American service in the Civil War in more than 20 communities in Wisconsin and Illinois. He co-authored the story of a Black Civil War veteran, “Henry Sink: Settler, Soldier, Citizen,” for the Winter 2018 Wisconsin Magazine of History. A member of the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1995, he lives in Wauwatosa and enjoys spending time with his fun grandchildren.

06/20/2025

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a Free virtual workshop, "THE SPRINGFIELD IL RACE RIOTS -1908" on Saturday, June 21st, at 1:30 p.m.

Approximately 16 people died during the 1908 race riots in Springfield, IL. Damages totaled more than $150,000 (approximately $5.2 million in today's dollars). The riot, trials, and aftermath are said to be one of the most well-documented examples of the complex intersection of race, class, and criminal justice in the U.S. Learn about this three-day calamity and the lasting impact on the community.

Our presenter, Cheryl Randall, from Springfield, IL, is a family historian and has served as vice president and treasurer of AAGSOM.

Please join us on Saturday and come with your questions.
To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1

05/16/2025

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a Free virtual workshop, "How DNA Helped to Find My Family", on Saturday, May 17th, at 1:30 p.m.

DNA testing can help you find family members by comparing your DNA to others in a database. DNA identifies shared genetic markers, and these can indicate a family relationship. This process can also reveal potential relatives, including those you didn't know you had, or help you confirm existing family connections. DNA can aid you in developing your family tree and understanding historical data.

Our presenter, Cheryl Randall, is a family historian and has served as vice president and treasurer of AAGSOM.

Please join us on Saturday and come with your DNA questions.
To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us-1

04/15/2025

LUNCH & LEARN
Researching Black Families

Sat. April 19th
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Villard Square Library
5190 N. 35th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53209


Let the African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee help you with:

Research tips for beginners and beyond
Hitting brick walls
Opening a guest (free) membership on Ancestry or FamilySearch
Free research programs.

BRING YOUR LUNCH, YOUR LAPTOP, TABLET, ETC, FOR THIS FREE EVENT AND LEARN ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF GENEALOGY.

Email: AAGSOM.org@gmail.com
Website: AAGSOM.org

04/15/2025

AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE


"LUNCH AND LEARN"
Researching Black Families

Saturday, April 19, 2025
1:30 - 3:30 pm

Villard Square Library
5190 N. 35th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53209

Let the African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee help you with:

Research tips for beginners and beyond
Hitting brick walls
Opening a guest (free) membership on Ancestry or FamilySearch
Free research programs.

BRING YOUR LUNCH, YOUR LAPTOP, TABLET, ETC, FOR THIS FREE EVENT AND LEARN ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF GENEALOGY.

Email: AAGSOM.org@gmail.com
Website: AAGSOM.org

02/14/2025

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and various communities. Learn how to uncover your family history to connect with people in the past, present, and future.

The African American Genealogical Society of Milwaukee (AAGSOM) presents a FREE virtual workshop on Saturday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m.

The workshop is entitled "Tips on Researching the Origins of Our Family Ancestors' Last Names."

When researching Black genealogy, you usually reach the point where you are looking for your family's slave owner. One clue is your family's last name. This talk will discuss a few concepts to keep in mind when researching your ex-slave ancestors after the Civil War and before.

Join us to hear Chuck Powell, a member of the AAGSOM Executive Board, Secretary, Membership Chair, and former President. He has a long history of family research and has presented many genealogy topics.

Please note that this presentation is virtual only. Join us on Saturday via Zoom and come with all of your questions!

To register, click on https://www.aagsom.org/copy-of-contact-us
(Pre-Registration Required for Zoom link)