The Family Jewels newsletter will teach you great tips to improve your genealogical research. We will also mix in some African American history because we all need to know our history.
Stitching History: Grace Wisher’s Hidden Legacy
Grace Wisher, an often overlooked figure, played a vital role in creating the Star-Spangled Banner. Born in the early 19th century in Baltimore, Grace's story intertwines with turbulent times. She was a free African American girl who showcased resilience and the...
Embracing the Spirit of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of African American Culture
Kwanzaa is a vibrant, week-long celebration that honors African American culture and heritage. Rooted in the principles of unity, self-determination, and collective work, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to reflect on and embrace our cultural identity. Join us in our latest...
Julia Amanda Perry: A Symphony of Success
Julia Amanda Perry was born on March 25, 1924, in Lexington, Kentucky to Dr. Abraham Murphy Perry and America Lois Heath Perry. Julia was the fourth of five daughters in the family. She enjoyed a musical and supportive early childhood. Her father, Dr. Abraham Murphy...
Lyda Conley: A Trailblazer in Legal History
Lyda Conley was a pioneering Wyandot Native American lawyer and the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association. Renowned for her passionate advocacy, she famously defended the Huron Cemetery from development, becoming the first Native American woman to argue...
From Osage Reservation to Ballet Stardom: The Legacy of Maria Tallchief
Maria Tallchief, born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief to Alexander Joseph Tall Chief, a full-blooded member of the Osage Nation and Ruth Porter, of Scottish-Irish descent on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Maria and her younger sister, Marjorie grew up on the...
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte: A Trailblazer in Medicine and Advocacy
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a trailblazing Native American woman, broke barriers in medicine and advocacy. Her life began on the Omaha Reservation to later become the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree. Her story is one of resilience, compassion,...
Happy Native American Heritage Month!
Listening to one of my favorite genealogy podcasts on Facebook Live in 2023 (shout out to Genealogy Adventures), the discussion turned to Native Americans suddenly disappearing. That’s the way it seemed, especially in North Carolina. When I first arrived in Onslow...
A Legacy of Valor: John Kinsel and the Unbreakable Navajo Code
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the United States Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day, we honor John Kinsel, Sr., a Navajo Code Talker during World War II.John Kinsel Sr., born in Lukachukai, Arizona in the Navajo Nation to Harvey Kinsel and Atta Chee...
The 1898 Wilmington Uprising: A Dark Chapter in American History
I originally published this information about the 1898 Wilmington Massacre in my Family Jewels blog in September 2022. Because of the current political climate and tension that many have been experiencing with this election, I felt that people sometimes need a...
Sheila Michaels: The Feminist Who Gave Us ‘Ms.’
Sheila Michaels’ legacy was marked by her relentless pursuit of equality and her role in transforming societal norms regarding women’s titles. Her efforts helped pave the way for greater gender equality and recognition of women’s independence.Sheila Michaels, born on...
Tanya Teat Foreman, Genealogist
8201 Richlands Hwy #244
Richlands, NC, 28574, US,
910-430-9675
tanya@familymattersgenealogy.com