310 Beyond the Census: Breathing Life into Your Ancestors
History | Available (Membership Required)
An ancestor is more than just a name on a dusty record or a date on a tombstone. In this specialized genealogy workshop taught by retired librarian and genealogist Kate Brewster, we will use both the detective approach and the storytelling approach as we go beyond the “begats” to discover the humans behind the history. You will learn how to use creative storytelling techniques to flesh out your family tree, using historical context and social records to reconstruct the world your ancestors walked in. By connecting the dots of their daily lives, we will transform your research into a compelling narrative that makes your ancestors feel like real, relatable people for generations to come. Whether you are a beginner or looking to break through a “brick wall” in your research, you will gain skills to verify your findings and organize your family tree into a legacy.
Kate Brewster
Kate Brewster is a retired library director based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with more than three decades of experience in research, archival management, and public education. She spent several years writing for newspapers, magazines, has written several books, and stage plays. Kate loves teaching genealogy, history, and writing workshops and classes where she brings history and writing to life for fellow lifelong learners.