Studying genealogy can help students understand local history

Chase LaCoste conducting genealogy research at the
St. Helena Courthouse. 
Photo Credit: Dr.Antoinette Harrell

As a homeschooled student, Chase frequently talks about his American History class with me. For some students, history can be a boring subject. At a young age, he began to accompany me to museums, libraries, and clerk offices. I did my best to prepare him and his siblings for our exciting field trips. His knowledge of Louisiana's sixty-four parishes and their parish seats dates back to his childhood. Today was a different class for him. 

He was taught how to conduct genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office. The subject of successions and mortgage records was discussed with him. He learned about vendees and vendors. I instructed him to search for properties using the index. He used the index book to guide him to the book that housed the record he was looking for. The smile on his face said it all. He was excited to learn how to used the index books to help him find the records he was searching for. 

In today's class, he learned how to research succession records dating back to 1843. Chase was looking for his paternal ancestor Frank Vining who was enslaved by Jesse and Martha Vining. He learned that the records were written in cursive and he had to read them. Reading and interpreting cursive handwriting in genealogy research can be quite challenging, especially for younger generations who are not accustomed to this style of writing. It requires a keen eye and patience to decipher the words and understand the context of the records. With a magnifying glass in hand, I instructed him to research a record that was one hundred and eighty one years old. He started looking through records in file V-1 for inventory records.

I instructed him to obtain a certified copy of the records after finding them. This was also an opportunity
for me to teach. During this lesson, I wanted to make him aware of the importance of having documents certified.  In the course of paying the employee at the desk. He was instructed to ask the lady who was helping him what certified meant. Teaching in this situation was crucial as it allowed me to impart knowledge and ensure that he understood the significance of having documents certified. By explaining the meaning of "certified" to him, I aimed to equip him with the necessary understanding to navigate similar situations in the future. 

"As soon as you exit the St. Helena Clerk's Office.  We passed the monument belonging to the Old Land Office, and he stopped for a moment to observe it. As I explained to him, it is important to read the historical plaques and monuments.Historical plaques play a crucial role in educating the public about the significance of certain landmarks or events."  

He will never forget this experience. This experience has deeply impacted his perspective on local history and allowed him to see history through the lens of genealogy. Studying genealogy can provide a personal and intimate connection to historical events, as it allows individuals to trace their ancestry and understand how their family history intersects with broader historical narratives.  History came alive for Chase today. What was more excited was to have his grandmother teaching him how to use genealogy as a tool to learn about local history. I can't wait to take him on other adventure that can help enhance his life long educational journey. 

Hurricane Ida damage headstones and vaults at Rocky Hill Cemetery

Damaged Vault
Rocky Hill Cemetery
Photo Credit:  Dr. Antoinette Harrell

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, I visited Rocky Hill Cemetery. There is a cemetery there where my maternal 3rd great-grandparents Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson are buried. Both lived their entire lives in St. Helena Parish. I have visited the cemetery for decades to record the inscriptions on the headstones. It is  easy for me to recall driving down the gravel road to the church where they both worshipped. Many of the surnames in the cemetery are familiar to me. Tanner, Vining, Richardson, Chaney, Jackson, Glaspy, Self, Bush, Porters, Johnsons, Hurst, just to name a few. 

The cemetery was damaged by several trees that fell on graves. There were some graves that were seriously damaged. Several headstones lie broken on the ground with large holes. Hopefully, the headstones and vault can be repaired. Otherwise, these monuments will disappear forever. If you have family buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery, you may want to visit the cemetery to check on their graves.

We should rethink planting trees in cemeteries and cutting them down before they become unmanageable. It is also imperative to consider the roots and the damage they can cause. There is no doubt that such repairs can be costly. Since COVID-19, headstone prices have increased significantly.   The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages. It would be great if you could visit the cemetery.  The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages.

The grave of Willie Richardson
Rocky Hill Cemetery, St. Helena Parish
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Hammond Magnet School focus on local history for Black History Month

Hammond Magnet School
Photo Credit: Mr. Kip Andrews

Dr. Antoinette Harrell was invited to speak at Hammond Magnet High School in Hammond, Louisiana to celebrate Black History Month. At the beginning of the week Mr. Kip Andrew had the students research and learn about the history of two African American churches in Hammond, LA.,  St. James A.M.E. Church was founded in 1867. The church is still standing and active to this day. The second oldest church Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1870. Mr. Andrews pointed out that both churches are huge milestones within the African American history in Hammond, Louisiana.  

"Having the students to explore and study local history is important. Oftentimes, we look at history on a national level. Sometimes people over look local history makers, icons, and pioneers, "said Harrell. Harrell stress the importance of exploring local history. Matter of fact, many of the students can be related to the local history makers she said.  Mr. Andrew said that the students are working on a hard back book of the local history. Harrell volunteer to assist in anyway that she can. 

Harrell was impressed with the interaction from the students. Some of the students had several questions for Dr. Harrell. They had good questions and comments concerning the information that Harrell shared. 

Talking with Eddie Ponds, founding publisher of the Drum Newspaper

Eddie Ponds,  Founding Publisher of The Drum Newspaper
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

https://open.substack.com/pub/drumbeats/p/muse-3-farm-building-the-future-of?r=1as6uo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana

Dr. Willard Vernon and his Congregation

 

Tangipahoa Parish Proclaim October at Family History Month

Mason Foster, Former Mayor of Hammond, LA
Reginald Goldsby,  Former Mayor of Amite, LA
Antoinette Harrell, Local Historian and Genealogist

Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a local historian and genealogist asked Gordon Burgess, Tangipahoa Parish President to proclaim October as family history month. October nationally is recognized at family history month. It created a great opportunity to reflect on family history and discussions. Tangipahoa Parish genealogy library in Amite, Louisiana has a wealth of ancestry information that can help local people who are searching for their family history.

George Perkins
Tangipahoa African-American Heritage Museum & 
Black Veterans' Archives