Saturday, January 16, 2021, 11am

Navigating African American genealogy can be very challenging. Moreover, searching for maternal ancestors who were recently enslaved can be tedious and difficult. Yet, Isabelle “Ma Belle”  London Jefferson was worth the years of research and challenges. Brady will examine African American genealogy through Jefferson, who lived in Clinton, Des Allemands, and New Orleans, followed by a staff-moderated question-and-answer session.

The City Archives & Special Collections is excited to share this free webinar with all of our New Orleans residents and Southeast Louisiana neighbors, with a maximum capacity of 300. 

About the presenter: Gaynell Brady earned a BA in history and MA in museum studies from Southern University at New Orleans. She is currently a PhD candidate at Capella University in Minneapolis, MN, working on her dissertation, which includes teaching and interpreting slavery to students. She is a local museum professional who has served as a museum educator at the Louisiana State Museum and National World War II Museum, and she has worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service.

Brady's passion for history and genealogy is expounded through her company Our Mammy’s, where she provides interactive history and genealogy lessons for children and families. She has spent the last seven years teaching and interpreting the lives of African Americans in Louisiana, and she has lectured at cultural institutions, historical societies, libraries, and museum conferences.

When she is not teaching or researching, Brady travels Louisiana's highways and byways and spends time with her family.

Sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library