ART OF FACT GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY FIELD SCHOOL
WHAT IS THE Art of Fact Black and Brown Genealogy & Family History Field School (GFHFS)?
The Art of Fact Genealogy & Family History program at the Institute of Public Scholarship is inviting Black and Brown community members and independent family researchers to join the second cohort of our transformative Genealogy & Family History Field School (GFHFS) 2026 program, offered free of charge! The application to participate can be found at the bottom of this page. *If you do not identify as Black or Brown, please email [email protected] to find out how you can engage in our general genealogical and family history workshops.
WHY IS THERE A FOCUS ON BLACK AND BROWN GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY?
Black and Brown people in the United States face major challenges in tracing their family genealogy due to incomplete records, fragmented family histories, and the legacy of slavery and racism, which often resulted in lost or undocumented ancestors before 1870. This deep historical disadvantage is why programs like the Art of Fact Field School focus on supporting Black and Brown participants—helping them recover their roots, celebrate their stories, and empower communities by bridging gaps left by historical erasure.
WHAT WILL I DO IF I BECOME A PARTICIPANT? · Learn hands-on research and documentation skills, including oral histories, archival research, and genealogy focused on uncovering the histories of Black and Brown family members.
· Work with experienced staff and diverse guest experts from the Institute of Public Scholarship and partner organizations to break through genealogical brick walls that Black and Brown researchers often face.
· Participate in interactive monthly workshops, community field trips, and collaborative storytelling sessions focused on Black and Brown American history. · Explore and document your own family history and contribute to collective projects honoring Black and Brown American communities.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM? · Open to all Black and Brown community members
· Focused sessions on national, Kalamazoo County, and Michigan history.
· Monthly in-person sessions at The Legacy Building (Burdick St., Kalamazoo) and field trips across the Great Lakes region.
· Special projects on Michigan’s historical figures, community entrepreneurs, artists, and freedom fighters.
· Connect and reflect with supportive peers in an inclusive, intergenerational environment. · Free application and participation! Up to 20 participants for this cohort. Applications help tailor content and field trips to the needs of the cohort—they do not determine whether an applicant is selected. The first 20 Black and Brown participants who apply will be accepted.
WHAT ARE SOME IMPORTANT DATES THAT I SHOULD BE AWARE OF? · · Applications Due: December 30, 2025
· Participants Informed of Acceptance: on or before January 14, 2026
· Program Launch: February 2026
HOW CAN I JOIN?
To apply for the Genealogy & Family History Field School by by filling out the application below. Applications help tailor content and field trips to the needs of the cohort—they do not determine whether an applicant is selected. The first 20 Black and Brown participants who apply will be accepted. Answer the question below to being the application process. *If you answered do not identify as Black or Brown, please email [email protected] to find out how you can engage in our general genealogical and family history workshops.
