From 1619 to Juneteenth — Slavery and the Law Before the Civil War

 Presenter:

Judy G. Russell, presenting virtually

When: 

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST 
Member meeting at 6:30 pm. Speaker at 6:45 pm. 

Where:

Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

Where:

In-person viewing: Santa Clara Central Park Library, Redwood Room

No issue more bitterly impacted early America than slavery. Defended by some, and decried by others, slavery left its mark on the laws of the nation and all the states, enslaved or free. The records created by those laws provide critical clues for genealogists, whether descended from enslaved or enslaver. 

Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally‐known lecturer and award‐winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Her blog is at www.legalgenealogist.com. 

Our meetings are free and open to the public. 

See the event flyer

Holiday Walking Tour of Union Cemetery

 

On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., there will be free one-hour walking tours of Union Cemetery. Attendees will get the opportunity to learn more about the early pioneers of Redwood City and San Mateo County. 

 

Additionally, residents can come visit Union Cemetery anytime between Dec. 17 and the new year to view the assortment of wreaths that have been placed on veterans' graves. The wreaths were provided by the D.A.R. Wreaths Across America program. For more information, click here.

Did you grow up in Redwood City?

The Downtown Library's Local History Room will be open by appointment  from November 15 to January 2, 2024. 

Appointments will be available from Monday through Friday. Please visit this page to make an appointment. With the Local History collection, you can: 

* Learn more about the history of Redwood City 

* Explore our large collection of photographs 

* Trace your family history 

* Search for past uses of land and property 

The Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850's to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. For more information go here.

Normal hours will resume in January, when they are open Tuesday-Thursday 1:00 - 3.30 pm