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Records: 1 to 6 of 6


Marriage by Blacksmith: Gretna Green Marriages, or The Search for Missing Marriage Records
Sunday, January 26
Marriage by Blacksmith: Gretna Green Marriages, or The Search for Missing Marriage Records
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Madeline Yanov, speaker
Elope by Gan Khoon Lay from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)
 
In the world of romance, few destinations hold as much allure as Gretna Green. Situated just inside the border of Scotland, this picturesque town has become synonymous with elopements and spontaneous weddings. Stories of star-crossed lovers fleeing across the Scottish border to evade disapproving families immortalized in literature and film, have captured the imaginations of generations.
 
But what lies behind this captivating tradition? Instead of the typical church ceremonies, Gretna Green witnessed a unique practice: marriages conducted by blacksmiths over their anvils. What historical events led to this intriguing custom, were these marriages legally binding, and where can you find the records?
Download: GSWC Handout - 26 Jan 2025 - Madeline Yanov


Homespun and Calico: Researching the Lives of Our Foremothers
Sunday, February 23
Homespun and Calico: Researching the Lives of Our Foremothers
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Peggy Lauritzen, speaker
 
One of the most challenging aspects of genealogical research is finding the records of our female ancestors. This presentation will include some of the records that are among the most valuable, and also some of the most under utilized.
 


Female Ancestors: Finding Women in Family and Local History
Sunday, March 23
Female Ancestors: Finding Women in Family and Local History
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Melinda Babarskis, speaker
 
Finding women in historical records can be difficult because throughout much of our past, women have held a secondary status. Discover strategies for uncovering the elusive women within local history and our family trees.


History of Scio Village
Sunday, April 27
History of Scio Village
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Hybrid meeting - Zoom and Trinity Health Ann Arbor
Nicholas A. Marsh, Michigan Historian/Author/Retired Educational Administrator, speaker
 
Scio Village (1827-1917) was a small riverside village in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Its short life was connected to the California Gold Rush, Civil War, Lincoln's Assassination, Inventions, National Politics, Presidential Visits, National & International Business, Breweries, and the Underground Railroad.
 
 


Hopping Down the Paper Trail
Sunday, May 18
Hopping Down the Paper Trail
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Hybrid meeting - Zoom and Trinity Health Ann Arbor
Sara Cochran, speaker
 
The records our ancestors left behind often lead us to other records, and sometimes take us down a rabbit hole. Learn how to scour those records for the next clue, and how to prioritize those clues so that you stay on track.


There Are No Dumb Questions in Genealogy
Sunday, May 18
There Are No Dumb Questions in Genealogy
3:15 pm to 4:30 pm
Hybrid meeting - Zoom and Trinity Health Ann Arbor
GSWC panel of instructors will field questions from the audience and questions submitted in advance by email. Members of the audience are welcome to add to the answers.