News Harris-Stowe State University For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney McCall (314) 340-3391 mccallc@hssu.edu Harris-Stowe to Host African-American Genealogy Conference ST. LOUIS, MO (February 14, 2012) - Harris-Stowe State University, in conjunction with the St. Louis African-American History and Genealogy Society, is hosting the organization's third annual conference themed, "Piecing Together Your Heritage: A Journey of Discovery." Participants will receive valuable information and training to assist in researching their family history and to learn why family history plays such an important part in tracing roots. The conference will provide avenues that educate young people by involving them in the genealogical community. The keynote speakers for the event are Angela Walton Raji, nationally known genealogist from the Maryland area, and Bernice Bennett, another Maryland-area genealogist. Walton-Raji will present basic strategies for beginning genealogy, and Bennett's presentation will take the audience through a journey of recognizing clues left by their ancestors. Other workshop presenters include Dr. Diane Smoot, Janis Forte, Jim Vincent, Dennis Northcott, Wanda Williams, Angela McGhee and Malcolm Speed. Workshop topics to be covered during the day include "Sharing Your Family Story Using Free Online Programs;" "The Digital Library on American Slavery;" "Researching Your African-American Ancestors at the Missouri History Museum Library and Research Center;" Discussion of records at the National Archives of St. Louis, National Personnel Records Center; NGS Home study course and "Underground Railroad Quilt." The conference will be held Saturday, February 18, 2012, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at Harris-Stowe State University's William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center, 10 North Compton Ave. Registration fees are $45 for St. Louis AAHGS members, $55 for non-members. For additional information, visit www.stl-aahgs.com. Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Mathematics, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Affairs. Ranked by U.S. News as one of America's Best Colleges in the Midwest, the university, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor's degree in the metropolitan area. ### Courtney Z. McCall Assistant Vice President Communications, Marketing, Alumni Affairs & Development Harris-Stowe State University Ofc: (314) 340-3391 I mobile: (314) 280-9964 I fax: (314) 340-3575 web: www.hssu.edu <http://www.hssu.edu/> **********************Harris-Stowe State University********************** This e-mail is confidential and sent only to specified recipient(s). However, all e-mail is subject to possible interception by third parties. *************Contact postmaster@hssu.edu to report problems**************