Rediscovering Our Roots: Tracing Disabled Ancestors

Genealogy Fair | Presented by Toledo Library

Learn which research strategies and genealogical records to access in order to discover ancestors with disabilities.

All of us have disabled ancestors, but many of them have been erased or hidden.  Beginning with a discussion of why this omission matters, Rediscovering Our Roots: Tracing Disabled Ancestors in Genealogy will talk about how to find disabled ancestors in the genealogical record, considering search terms, research strategies, and family stories.

About the Presenter

Dr. Kim E. Nielson is Distinguished Professor of Disability Studies and History at the University of Toledo (Ohio).   She is author of the widely used A Disability History of the United States and co-editor of the twice award-winning Oxford Handbook of Disability History. She also is a leading scholar on Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, and biography.  Nielsen speaks frequently and around the globe on issues of disability and history.  She received her Ph.D. in History from the University of Iowa.

Sensory Considerations: This program will use artificial lighting.  All speakers will use microphones.

Accessibility Details: Located on the first floor, accessed by elevator and/or stairs. All doors will feature an automatic function or be propped open prior to program start. Tile or low pile carpet throughout the building. Limited free parking is available in the attached garage. 

Please call Public Services at 419-259-5293 to request an accommodation at least two weeks prior to the program date.