Author: Janis Minor Forte

This problem solving lecture presents research pathways and trails to resolve the dilemma of slave and owner identification and reconstructing slave era families.

Janis Minor Forté is the granddaughter of slaves. She has been researching her family history since about 1979. Elements of her genealogical research have be presented before large and small audiences on radio talk shows and national television. Articles about her research have appeared in the Chicago Tribune. She has also authored articles in several genealogy journals and magazines. In 2009, she chaired the publication of an African American Heritage Book. This 386 page hard cover fully indexed book is housed in all of the major genealogy libraries and archives; it has been digitized by FamilySearch.org and is available for on-line reading.

Researching slave tags: the southern 1767 to 1867 governmental system of mandating the licensing and labeling of human souls.

Janis is an experienced genealogist, writer and lecturer who presents at national, state and local conferences. Recently, she presented lectures at the Ill. State Genealogical Society Conference, the NGS Conference in St. Charles and Roots Tech 2015 in Salt Lake City. In Oct. 2014, she was the keynote lecture at the Wisconsin Historical Society conference. Prior, she was honored to be the presenter of the James Dent Walker Memorial Lecture at the FGS Conference in San Antonio, Texas. She has also keynoted at several society events.

Researching enslaved African Americans prior to 1865 is a difficult but not impossible task. Identifying slave holders, reconstructing family units and finding missing kin are all primary research goals for those developing family histories. Using methodology as an approach to problem solving, this webinar explores strategies to identify slave ownership. Following, attendees will be able to identify a variety of new research sources that will increase the probability of slave owner identification, reconstruct slave families as well as identify missing and unknown kin. With these new skills, the participant will be able to re-evaluate prior research for accuracy and completeness. They will also be able to complete a Verification of Documentation of Vital Records form to assure they have secured valuable documents. These additional tools and skills will improve the quality and accuracy of the research and will enable the attendee in adding context and content to the life of their ancestors.

Janis Minor Forté is an experienced genealogist, writer and lecturer who presents at national, state and local conferences. Recently, she presented lectures at the Ill. State Genealogical Society Conference, the NGS Conference in St. Charles and Roots Tech 2015 in Salt Lake City.