TNGS 2025 SPRING VIRTUAL SEMINAR
The Occupations of Our Ancestors
Saturday March 15, 2025
Admission is free to Members and Non-Members
Recordings will be available to Members for 30 days
All times are Central Standard Time
Session Schedule
Virtual Doors Open at 8:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks & Introduction
9:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
Reconstructing the Lives of Our Farming Ancestors
Annette Burke Lyttle
9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
It’s a rare family tree that doesn’t contain at least some farm families, since until the latter part of the 19th century farmers made up a majority of workers in America. Learn how genealogical records and social history resources can help us reconstruct the life stories of our farming ancestors.
Break 10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Reconstructing the Lives of Our Blacksmithing Ancestors
Annette Burke Lyttle
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
For centuries blacksmiths, who worked with iron and other metals, were indispensable community members. They made a huge variety of products, from swords and armor to cooking pots and hinges, from nails, tools, and farm implements to horseshoes, wagon axles, and fire tongs. Every community used to have its own blacksmith. Learn what life was like for our ancestors who followed this trade.
Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Women's Work: Tracking Your Ancestors Occupations and Volunteer Work
Gena Philibert Ortega
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Discover the often-overlooked roles women played in shaping family, community, and society through their work and volunteer efforts. This presentation will guide you in uncovering your female ancestors’ occupations—both paid and unpaid—ranging from traditional roles like homemaking and teaching to unexpected professions and community leadership.
Break 1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
The WPA: Sources for Your Genealogy
Gena Philibert Ortega
1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
The Works Progress Administration left behind a legacy that is used by family historians today. In this presentation we will discuss The WPA, projects under the WPA relevant to genealogy, and how you can research some of those records today.
Q&A & Wrap
2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
