Getting to Know Them: Creating Biographical Vignettes for Your Ancestors

Using one ancestor about whom he knows little and another for whom the has rich historical documentation, Professor Hardy in this presentation will explain how historical research can enable genealogists to make sense of their ancestors life experiences and what their life stories can tell us about the worlds in which they lived. Using examples from the ExplorePAhistory, Philadelphia Immigration, and Goin’ North: Stories from the First Great Migration to Philadelphia websites, he will then demonstrate how to use historical context, documents, and images to create short biographical vignettes to share those life stories with others. Professor Hardy will also work with workshop participants to think about how current events impact genealogical research and the stories we tell and lessons we learn about our ancestors.

Prof. Charles Hardy

Professor Hardy joined the West Chester University department of history in 1990, after a decade working as a documentary producer and historical consultant. The producer of public radio, video, and web-based documentaries and historical websites, his awards include West Chester University’s Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award (2019), the American Historical Association’s Roy Rosenzweig Prize for Innovation in Digital History (2016), the Oral History Association’s Nonprint Format Award (2015) and Biennial Nonprint Media Award (1999), and a Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Public Radio Program Award (1983). Supervising Historian for ExplorePAhistory.com since 2003, Professor Hardy has served as president of the Oral History Association (2008-2009), on the Advisory Board of Oral History in the Digital Age (2009-2012), and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania Bureau for Historic Preservation (2004-2010).