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Genealogy Speaker Series

When: February 24, 2024

Time: 10 to 11 a.m.

Location: 100 E. Main Street, Bartow, FL 33830

Genealogy & The Williamsburg Bray School for free and enslaved African American Children

Presented by Elizabeth Drembus

Join genealogist Elizabeth Drembus in exploring how the William and Mary Bray School Lab is leading efforts to identify and document – from the 18th through the 21st centuries – the genealogical lines of all known Williamsburg Bray School students. During the presentation, Drembus will discuss genealogical methods for researching enslaved people and their lineages and highlight recent research findings.

The Williamsburg Bray School was established in 1760 by The Associates of Dr. Bray, an Anglican charity based in England, at the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin. During the school’s operation (1760-1774), its sole teacher, Ann Wager, educated upwards of 300 free and enslaved African American children.

This is a hybrid virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually. Guests are invited to join at the History Center to participate in the Zoom. For Zoom details, contact Shannon Graham at (863) 534-4604 or ShannonGraham@polk-county.net.


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